alisa toelupe family reunion

Last week was our family reunion.  This year it was held in Olympia, Washington at Camp Nisqually.  Seventeen years ago we had our very first Alisa Toelupe family reunion (which I attended) and have had it every other year since.  I think it's an awesome tradition and I hope it keeps happening forever.  My dad is one of fifteen children - so there are a lot of aunts, uncles, first cousins and second cousins in our family.  I love it.  In attendance this year from the first generation siblings were Ta'aloga Stone, Pupi Toelupe, Fa'asei Tago, Lafi Alisa and my dad.  We all felt so grateful to have the OG's with us! haha Seriously though, I think it's so important to know who you are and where you come from - to make connections and keep them.  I've never been one to be able to rattle off my entire genealogy (like most Polynesians), but I'm trying hard to learn as much as I can. 

So back to the reunion.  It was AWESOME seeing everyone and talking and laughing and everything. . . the only thing that wasn't awesome? The CAMPING!! haha I think I've mentioned before how little I enjoy camping - I'm just not a camper.  I don't know. I like being clean and I like sleeping in a comfortable bed! Is that too much to ask? Haha. So, we camped for THREE whole days - seriously, I haven't camped that long since like, Young Women's Camp days - and though, it was slightly more difficult with two toddlers and an infant, I'd still say it was a totally positive experience.  I loved catching up with my family and spending time with them.  Plus, Malia, Kina and Tali LOVED it. . . like, LOOVED it.  The camp was totally loaded - there were A frames and tents to sleep in, sand volleyball, archery, a ropes course, a kickball diamond and a slip and slide.  Plus, hot showers, bathrooms and a kitchen trailer for cooking.  It was an perfect location. We had a wonderful reunion! I love my family!

                               

Wayne and Kina left early the last morning, so they weren't in the Mataumu Alisa family pic

Alisa Toelupe Aiga

Special thanks to the Washington Committee who made it all possible and for my mom and dad who helped us soooo much while we were there.  We can't wait till 2013!