Hi-5 Journal

I HEART HI-5 FANS

Aloha all!! I just posted this in my Yahoo Group...and I wanted to share it with all of ya'll too!!

Love ya!!

FIRST EPISODE...

So we finished our first episode...YEY!! It felt so great to be back in front of the camera,
and on our set and all that good stuff. It really felt as if we never left. I was really proud
at how all five of just fell right back into it! It's been 2 years since we last filmed...can you
believe that!! We have all grown so much(for the best)...the fact that we've been
touring with each other for awhile now and have become really great friends(we all hang
out outside of work on a regular basis:)) you can just see how relaxed we are with each
other and with our "Hi-5" selves...it's really awesome and I am so excited for the new
season to come out...you won't be dissapointed. Even our outfits are cuter!! How crazy is
that?!?

4 DAY WEEKENDS ROCK!!

So it was Easter this past weekend and we had a LOOOOOONG weekend. It was really nice.
We've been going non-stop since we've been here, so it was really great to get some time
off. Most of the gang hung out here in Sydney(I'm so stoked that the girl's were able to
see Dave Matthews Band...they were so bummed when they had heard the concert was
sold out....good things happen to good people:))...I ended up going to Melbourne with my
best friend who is here visiting with us...and we had a blast!! It was so cool hanging out in
a new city!! We stayed in a really nice hotel on Fitzroy Street in St. Kilda...it was a busy
street with lots of restaurants with outdoor seating and clubs and stuff, we just sat outside
of a really nice cafe and people watched the whole time...it was AWESOME! I love people
watching....so many interesting characters out there..all with such different stories..it's so
interesting to me.

Of course...another cool thing about Melbourne is that it has AMAZING SHOPPING!! For
those of you who know me...and well, that's all of you...I LOVE SHOPPING!! And boy did I
do a lot of it this weekend!! I won't get into it..but it was lots of fun..and my closet is very
happy right now(I'm not sure how my suitcase will feel after this trip though:))

The weather was beautiful in Melbourne and I really couldn't have asked for a better
weekend. We also checked out the Crown Casino there( I had to for my Grandma and Dad)
and it's HUGE!! So many things going on. I didn't play there though, because they didn't
have any of the games that I Iike and they didn't have "Let it Ride" which is my all time
favorite. Plus is was so super busy!! Imagine everyone in Vegas going to one Casino at
the same time...that's what it felt like(well, kind of I guess.) We also tried to go Bowling
while we were there, but for $15 a game each person..we decided to pass:)

All in all..the trip was great!

BACK IN STUDIO

We had a photo shoot today. And it was a lot of fun. It was the perfect work day after a
long weekend. We wore all of our new Song of the Week outfits, and LOVED BEING IN
THEM!! You would've laughed at us girls because we were so giggly pretty much the whole
time because we felt so special in our new outfits. We also got a chance to listen to a
rough cut of all the songs that we recorded with Chris Harriot a couple of weeks ago. It
sounds really great!! Getting back to us growing in the past 2 years...we blend so much
better together now! We've really connected, and it's showing!! We're all so proud of the
work that we've done so far here in Australia and we can't wait to share it with all of you!!

TIME FOR BED...

Okay, that's it for me for right now...I hope you all had a fabulous weekend!! We're
thinking about you here....and we love you all very much!!

Take care

Love love,
Kimee
Kimee on 03.29.2005 @ 07:36 AM EST

Yay hooray!
Hello everyone!
I’m sitting in my apartment writing out a long due email and feeling very happy. We had a great end to last week when we filmed the first episode and a half of the new series! It was wonderful to be back on the set and working in front of the camera. I’d almost forgotten how exhilerating it is to work like this…the great thing about this show is that we get so much creative license. As you know, my segment is all about moving, so I have a lot of opportunity to play and find different fun ways to use my space and my body. I think the cool thing about this time around is that since we’ve now met and emailed with many of you, we have more of an understanding of what you all like and think is fun. So, it’s like we’ve taken all of your energy from the road and are now putting it into our episodes. So, really, you guys are all collaborators and deserve a writing credit – just don’t tell Helena that came from me?. Seriously, though, it’s so helpful to know who we’re talking and to and also to know that you are all back in the States supporting us even when we’re so far away.

Outside of work things have been wonderful. We’ve just had a four day weekend for Easter, which was really fun. I think it’s the first time that I’ve had a chance to really explore Sydney in a relaxed way and it’s been amazing. I’m the early riser of the group (although I seem to have some company lately) and so every day I’ve been up early and I’ve gone to the beach. Growing up in New York has left me with a limited understanding of ‘Beach Culture’, but it is not taking long to grown on me! The thing I love about the beaches here is that I’ll head over at 7am and already there is a whole community of people running and swimming before most of the city has even rolled over to press snooze on their alarm clocks! Yesterday morning I was at Manly Beach on my way to a yoga class. As I drove up I noticed all of these surfers running toward the beach. I couldn’t imagine why everyone was running…until I caught a glimpse of the ocean. I had to laugh out loud because I think that everyone was running to catch the amazing waves that were rolling in! At 7am on a Sunday morning there were at least one hundred surfers out on the ocean!! That was cool to see. So, cool, in fact, that I have decided I need to get a digital camera very soon…they’re amazing and I’m totally behind the times – but you all know how I’ve been with technology so far (LOL)! Does anyone have suggestions on a good camera?

So then, last night Dave Matthew’s Band was playing. We had all tried to get tickets to the show during the week, but they were sold out. So, on a whim at the last LAST minute Jenn and I decided to walk by the theater to see if we could get tickets…and we did!! So, in this beautiful teeny-tiny theater we were able to see Dave Matthew’s Band! I couldn’t believe it…and they were awesome. The great thing is that you could never see them in a venue like this in the US because they’re so popular. It was really a treat. And the really special treat for me came when we went to bathroom and there was a whole little powder room decorated with BUTTERFLIES!! It was beautiful and I made Jenn take pictures with her digital camera so that I could remember it and maybe borrow the idea one day.

So, that’s what’s been going on here. Tomorrow we have a photo shoot and then we get ready to shoot some Songs of the Week. I hope that everyone is well and, for those of you who celebrate, having a great Holiday.

Take care of yourselves and I’ll be in touch soon!
Love,
Karla

P.S. Did I hear that Maurah and Chrissy might be coming out to Sydney?!

Karla on 03.28.2005 @ 04:07 AM EST

Rise and Shine....

Good Morning all(well it's morning here anyway!)

Hope you all had(or are having....) a great weekend. It's Monday in Sydney and I'm just getting ready to meet the gang downstairs and head out to rehearse at the studio.

Nothing new going on. We all got our hair trimmed/colored on Friday and it's all good. We're all really excited about our hair styles. Jenn's hair is really cool...but I'll let her fill you in on that.

I didn't do much this weekend. Jenn,Curtis and I went to a nice dinner with a friend of ours on Friday, and then met up with Miss Karla to hang out in our apartments. Karla and I made jewelry while Jenn surfed the net for wedding dresses!!..How exciting!!

I was going to try and head out to the Aquarium this weekend...but it was so crowded..I decided to skip it:) Plus the weather was so nice..I didn't want to be inside all day. They're open till 10 at night, so if we end early today, I might just see some sharks tonight:) I bumped into some really nice outdoor Markets this weekend..so that was nice. I love that kind of stuff!

I also found and awesome bead store here!! I'm so excited. I brought my beading kit with me, so I've been making lots of earrings for everyone(the girls anyway:)), So that's been fun. Jenn has been crocheting a lot and finished a neat little project this weekend(I'm sure she'll share that with you as well)

Alrighty, that's it for me. Hope you're all well.

Talk to you later!!

Love love,
Kimee
Kimee on 03.20.2005 @ 05:13 PM EST

"Dude....where's Kimee's Entry??"


I'M BACK!!

Hey all!! So sorry for my major tardiness with this entry. I've been meaning to write...well, since after we closed the tour!! But, as you know...I went on a trip with my family to Vegas, then had 2 weeks to move out of my apartment in San Francisco!! It was crazy...but I did it....and now we're here!!!! Yay!!! I have a huge list of things to write about...so get ready for a LOOOOOOONG entry!!

CALI SHOWS!!

Wow!!! How awesome were they?!?! Really, what a great way to end an already AMAZING tour!! It was so great to see all of you guys!! And to perform in the Kodak Theatre?!?! Too cool! I was watching the Oscars the other night...and it was so weird to think that we were on that same stage just a month ago!! It looked really different:) My parents had a blast!! They keep telling me to write to you all and say,"Thank you!" for them! They were so proud to see our show on stage and so excited to see all the reactions from the fans. I would look at them at some points through out the show...and almost everytime....they were watching the kids rock out!! They thought that was the coolest part...you guys. They were so happy to be there. Thanks guys for making them feel welcome. I know they got to talk with some of you....so Mahalo for that:)

The shows in Long Beach were amazing too!! I think it has to be one of our best shows! I think it's because we knew we wouldn't be performing the stage show for awhile and we were extra hyped up to do it....if you can believe that:) I'm really happy we got to do 2 shows in California. Hopefully for our next tour..we'll make it to even more cities...

HAND BOUQUETS!!

TOOOOOOOOOOO AWESOOOOOOOOOOOOME!! Wow! I wish someone had taken a picture of all of our faces when we saw those things!! Really guys...what wil you come up with next? They were so beautiful, and like nothing I had ever seen before! What a great idea!! I think one of the best parts of that gift was that all of you fans from across the country somehow got together and created this beautiful piece for us(Shout out to Annie....a little birdie told me you were a major part in this.) We love them soo much!! It was so cool to read all of the messages, and see all the photos and artwork from all of you!! Thanks so much you guys! It's one of the most amazing presents we have ever received!! You guys are so creative! My Mom loved it so much...she actually took it home for me and has it displayed in my room back home in Hawaii. She thought that since I was moving all my stuff into storage anyway...she should take care of it:) I told her that was totally fine. So my bouquet made it all the way to Hawaii! Much love love again guys...you rock!

VEGAS TRIP

I'll try and make this a short one. Basically...IT WAS SOO MUCH FUN! It was just great to hang out with my family. They live so far away that I get so excited to see them anytime! We had such a blast in Las Vegas. My Dad had been there before, but it was the first time for my Mom. She loved it....we went shopping of course(big surprise!) We also played a nickel slot machine called, "Leap Frog" I think. Does anyone know that one? It's really fun!!! I like it because it's got games within it. You're not just hitting buttons the whole time...hoping that things line up:) We played,"Wheel of Fortune" too and she enjoyed that one. I found myself really loving the game, "Let it Ride" It's really easy to understand, and your chips go a long way..which is a good thing:) I enjoyed playing in Downtown Vegas more. I think it's because the pressures of all the big sharks don't seem as harsh down there. Also, my Grandmother and Uncle were staying in the California hotel down there. And for those of you who don't know...but that's where all the Hawaii people hang out. In fact,I was at a table and started talking to this couple and it ended up that they both worked at my High School!! The guy was the Football Coach and was in town for a convention(He even knew my cousin) and his girlfriend worked in the office(I think it's a good thing that I didn't recognize her:)) You just see so many people from Hawaii, and once you start talking to everyone...you realize that you live right next door to each other!! Craziness!! Also, the California hotel serves good Hawaiian food..check it out next time you're in Vegas.

As far as Grandma's slot machine contest...she placed 12th out of 100 and my uncle placed 6th!! So it was a good tournament for the Balmileros. My Grandma has already planned her next trip in May to go back for another tournament...boy I love that woman!

All in all...the Balmilero Family Vacation went beautifully!! We had a great time!!

PACKING UP MY LIFE

Crazy,crazy crazy!! That's all I can say!! Having to sort out what I wanted to bring here, and what I wanted to put away and what I really didn't need anymore..too much! It's funny because I actually had a dream/borderline nightmare about it last night!! I guess I didn't realize how much stuff I had!! All those shoes!! Just kidding(Okay maybe not:)) And having to say goodbye to all my friends in San Francisco. Sad, but I'm excited to move to Los Angeles....I'll head back to San Fran to sort things out first..then it's time to head down to hang with you So Cal folks!!! Yay!!

WE MADE IT TO AUSTRALIA!!

So...we are here. The plane ride was long...I thought that it might be easier for me this time since we've done it soo many times. But nope...it's still long:) I think it seems longer because I was so excited to get here! Also, the plane was PACKED!! Luckily I'm mini so my legs don't cramp up too much!!

It's beautiful here. There have been some rainy moments, but it really hasn't bothered me all that much. I'm looking out my window right now and it's so sunny!! I'm sending warmth to all of you who are still dealing with Winter weather!! We had our first day off, so we were able to adjust and move in to our apartments and just relax before we started working. We did meet with our writers though. They're working on a new series for the Australians, so they were in the office brainstorming. It was really nice to be able to talk to them, especially talk to the writers for each of our segments. They were very interested to hear what we had to say about things we'd like to do, and things that an American audience might like to see. So that was cool. I'm so glad that they took the time to talk to us.

Right now, we're in the recording studio with Chris Harriot, our composer. It's nice to be working with him again!! He's great. We always have so much fun when we're in there with him.

The new songs are AWESOME!! I can't wait for all of you to hear them! We've already recorded the 5 Songs of the Week...and that was an absolute blast for us. We just enjoy singing with each other soo much, and to be able to sing new material is such a treat for us. You guys are gonna love it!!

We start recording the Christmas Album tomorrow. That's going to great too!!

EMMY NOD

Okay, this...I still can't believe. I mean I can...but, WHHAAATTTT!?!?!? Whoa, I'm speechless about this one!! WE DID IT GUYS!! We are so excited to hear the news. This really is too cool!! The awards fall within the time we're here in Australia, so I think we're trying to figure out how we can get there. Keep your fingers crossed. Even if we don't win...the nomination itself is amazing!! We are in good company too with Sesame Street, Blues Clues and Paz. I was emailing with our beautiful Web Mistress the other day, Miss Myra....and I was telling her that this nomination is for you, our fans, as well. We really wouldn't be where we are without you guys. Thank you so much for your constant support right from the beginning. We will never forget that. You are all the best fans and friends anyone could ever ask for!! We love you guys and congratulations for the nomination as well!!

THE END...FOR NOW

Alrighty, it's here....the end of my long entry(I warned you) I'll try to post more so that you won't hurt your eyes staring at the computer screen for too long:) As far as the emails go...I'll get to them..promise.(Special shout out to Miss Ana Richardson. I'll write back soon:))

Okay guys, well I hope this email finds you well. I love and miss you all and we're all thinking about you here on the other side of the world:)

Love love and take care....

Kimee
xoxo
Kimee on 03.05.2005 @ 07:20 PM EST

Hey all!
It's been a while, so I thought I'd drop in and say hello. We've just completed our first week of work and are finally adjusted to this new time zone. Trust me, it's no fun when 8pm rolls around and you feel like it's 3am. Then, your eyes just pop open somewhere between 4 and 5am. Yeah, it's even more fun than it sounds. Well, I'm finally sleeping like a normal person again and have the mental capacity to truly enjoy the beauty that Sydney has to offer. Life is much better.

We spent three days recording 5 songs of the week which we're all really excited about! I can't wait for you guys to hear them. It felt so good to be in the studio again and singing new songs together. It's been well over 2 years since we've done that. I'm sure you all are just as excited to hear new tunes as we are to sing them. On Friday, we got our first look at some of the new clothes we'll be wearing. The girls look excellent, and Shaun looks okay. I'm kidding, the costumes and everybody in them are looking really cool. It'll give you creatives out there something fun to recreate in miniture sizes for the kids.

Saturday was wonderful as I spent it out in Manly Beach. The sun was out for a bit before the warm summer showers came down to cool everything off. It's such a relaxing atmosphere over there that makes this boy from New York just sit back and sigh. Today looks gorgeous as well. The air is so clear and the sun is shining brightly. I can't wait to get out there and enjoy it!

I wanted to thank you for all your congratulations on the Emmy nomination. I about jumped through the roof when I heard. It feels pretty darn good to be lumped in with Sesame Street and Blue's Clues.
We're going to do our best to get back for the ceremony, but we'll see. But really, how often do you get to go to the Emmy's with a nomination in your pocket? Take every opportunity you can, right? So, I hope you all are doing well and know that we're working hard down here so we can all enjoy some new episodes and music soon. We miss you guys and can't wait to see you on our next tour.

Your friend,
Curtis
Curtis on 03.05.2005 @ 05:54 PM EST

EMMY NOD
Date:  Wed Mar 2, 2005  5:18 pm
Subject:  ok, running to sing, but.....

Thanks for all the support, an Emmy is so exciting, but it's only
because of you all and your children! We won't forget:)...

Karla
[originally posted at http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/hi5/message/8524 ]


Date:  Wed Mar 2, 2005  8:49 pm
Subject:  EMMY NOD!!!

Hey Guys!!

I just wanted to write to you and tell you that the recording is
going so well! We finished 3 songs in the last two days and are about
to head off to see the Australian's preview of their live show they
are going to be taking to the UK next week. We are very excited about
that!! Also, I know you all know by now, but can you BELIEVE WE GOT
NOMINATED FOR AN EMMY???!!! We all are so surprised and so thankful.
There's no way we would've gotten something like this without you
guys!!! You have always believed in us from the very start----that is
priceless! Thanks again! We all love you very much.

Talk to you soon!

Love,

Jenn:)
[originally posted at http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/hi5/message/8528 ]
webmaster@hi5america.com">webmaster@hi5america.com">webmaster on 03.03.2005 @ 09:29 AM EST

We've recorded 2 songs so far :)
Hey everyone!

We've got two new songs down :). We're all really tired from the
long journey over here, and i was yet again fighting another cold, but
we're in the studio and rocking out some more songs finally.

It's really fun to be back in the studio because we've had 2 years
of experience doing this, and we can use that for these songs. After
we finish these five songs, we're going to start working on.....you
guessed it....the first US Hi-5 Christmas album. After that, we're
going into the studios to start filming the 25 episodes.

Well, I have to say one more time how awesome you guys made that
tour for us. The energy and love in the audience was really
overwhelming. It really didn't take much to get pumped up for each
show after we got off of the bus, because each audience had an
incredible vibe. Thank you for everything, guys, especially those
amazing "hand-signed" flowers. What a cool idea! It's going right
next to my wonderful photo albums on my shelf.

Ohhhh....my turn in the studio....talk to you guys soon.

love, Shaun

[originally posted to http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/Shaun_Taylor-Corbett_fan/message/192 ]
webmaster@hi5america.com">webmaster@hi5america.com">webmaster on 03.02.2005 @ 02:08 AM EST