Merry Christmas everybody!! We had a wonderfully busy day (as all families with both sets of in-laws in town can attest to) and we loved it! Since money was kinda low this year we didn't have to0 many "presents" per say, but we felt we received sooo many gifts this year and are truly blessed. My highlights of the day -
Waking up with my little family and seeing Malia open her present. We got her a Hello Kitty CD player. I think she's gonna love having music in her room.
Being with Dad Latu and Wayne's sisters to eat breakfast (Leo's yummy waffles!) and open presents at their house.
Talking with Michael. . . I mean, Elder Alisa (who is serving in the Puerto Rico mission) on the phone. He sounds GREAT!
Eating lunch (tongan food - yummm!) with Vai and Ti and opening presents at their house.
Taking NAPS!! (much needed and much appreciated! ha ha)
Eating dinner with my parents and siblings at my moms house. First time I ever had fried turkey - LOVE it!
Ending the day with some VOLLEYBALL! woohoo!
and lastly, the amazingly AWESOME care package from the Inouye family. Just picture a LOT of coupon stuff from the coupon queen herself. Thank you Ula!!!
It was a busy, busy day but SO much fun. Malia and Kina had a blast opening the gifts from their aunties and uncles and grandparents and we had a blast spending time with everybody. Thank you! All of you!! Merry Christmas everybody!!
Today was Tali's bridals! I went early to Tali's house to help with her hair, then we went with my mom to the Provo library where we met Maka, her photographer. First, I gotta say - she looked GORGEOUS!! Seriously, I don't know if I've ever seen a more beautiful bride. We had so much fun posing her and seeing the different things Maka did. I took a lot of pics on my camera, but they're all downloaded on Tali's laptop so I'll have to add some later. Until then, here are some that Maka took.
I love that she went kinda daring on her dress and simple with her hair and makeup. I always think of a wedding as ONE day to truly dress up. Tali is definitely doing it well. COngrats seester!
It snowed last week and only when the ice appeared on the roads did I realize how bad my tires were. I knew I needed new ones but I also knew I couldn't afford them. Luckily, Christmas came early this year! he he. Thank you MOM and DAD!! I looove my new tires! I feel invincible! ha ha
ps. If any of you are in the market for new tires I totally recommend Discount Tires. We went to Big O first and was totally disappointed with the price quote and service. I really feel Discount gives you the most tire for your buck. Now is that a commercial or what?! lol
Four years ago, I recieved a Bosch mixer as a wedding present (from the Greenwoods. Love them!) I'd use it every now and then, but in these last two weeks since my mom has been in town I think I've used it more than the whole four years put together. We've made bread, rolls, chicken rolls, pizza and breadsticks. Ah! I love it. My favorite recipe (aka easiest and fastest) is homemade pizza. Seriously, the dough calls for 5 ingredients and the whole thing takes about 15 minutes from beginning to end - add that to the fact that it's yummy and the kiddies gobble it up . . . and we got a winner! (If you want the recipe, let me know!:))
Yesterday, Malia and Kina wanted to help. Actually, I should correct that - Malia wanted to help. Kina just wanted to eat the toppings. ha ha
We had a busy weekend!! Friday was our ward party and Saturday was Nia, Sili and Keni's missionary farewell dance. Nia is going to San Diego, California Spanish speaking, Sili is going to Indianapolis, Indiana and Keni is going to Texas! Their dance was probably one of the funnest farewell dances I've ever been to - the decorations were the bomb, the food was delicious and the music was off the hook (lol. I couldn't think of another adjective other than "bomb"). Malia and Kina danced the WHOLE time - it was so fun to watch. I'm so happy for these three young women. They are truly beautiful inside and out and will be such awesome missionaries.
Wayne sidebusting on the three missionaries
Me and Ula a.k.a "the clubber" lol
Kina and Malia - This is Malia's new picture pose. I say, "Say Cheese!" and she does this. Hmmm. . . I wonder where she gets it from. . .
Oooh. . .Okay
Crichton and Travis - the BOMB DJ's - kept the party going and going and going ha ha
After an awesome farewell talk on Sunday and other last-week preparations it was time for Nia to enter the MTC today. Aww! I'm so excited for her - she's going to be great!
The family saying goodbye OUTSIDE of the MTC - yeah, it's a new thing
I need to point out a couple things. One, these are JUST the shoes in the closet. He keeps several cleats in his car just "in case". Two, these are only his "sports" shoes - his Sunday and everyday shoes are kept in the rack. And now, that being said, who in the heck needs this many shoes????
Let me preface this story by saying I used to pride myself in the infrequency I fed my children fast food. Yes, now and then I'd pick up some nuggets on the way somewhere if they were absolutely starving, but more often than not I'd try to feed them something slightly more nutritious at home. Since I put forth some effort in this, I used to think my kids didn't really know what a fast-food restaurant was and definitely wouldn't expect anything if I pulled up to one. Yeah, all that pride went right out the window yesterday.
Yesterday, Malia, Kina and I picked Wayne up from school and we all drove home together. On the way home Wayne said he didn't feel good and wanted a strawberry milkshake. I kinda hesitated a little since it was such a random unplanned-in-the-budget request, but ultimately I gave in. We pulled into McDonald's and straight into the drive-thru line. Suddenly, from the back seat we hear Malia's happy voice, "THANK YOU MOMMY!!"
Today we went to the mall with Grandpa to see Santa Claus. Malia took a long time telling him exactly what she wanted. . . of course, neither of us (me OR Santa) could understand what she said, but at least she got the drift. She was surprisingly happy and comfortable with the somewhat scary older man and was even happier when he gave her a lollipop afterward.
After we saw Santa we went to the Build-a-Bear Workshop! It was our first time there and Malia LOVED it.
After choosing her bear, she picked a "sound" (Brahms Lullaby), filled it with fluff and put a heart inside.
Then she gave it a bath! She was very thorough.
Malia and her Papa
I know we're probably the last ones to hear about this place, but if you haven't gone yet - it's pretty fun. Plus, it's not too pricey - the cheapest bear is $10 (which is what we picked and is very cute) and the most expensive is $20. The whole thing lasts about 10 minutes, but I think going through the whole process makes the stuffed animal more dear to kids. Malia hugged it tightly till we left and at this moment she is hugging it in her sleep. It's definitely beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Thanks Papa!
Yesterday, we had a big treat - the PCC promo team came to Provo Towne Center to promote the new night show. Some of my old coworkers are still dancing and singing so we all got to talk, laugh and catch up on old times. It was so nice to see everyone - Talagu, Sia, Milton, Travis, Ricky, Terina, Roland and the Magalei's all came down. It was also nice to see everyone that came to support them - I think almost every Polynesian in Provo was there. ha ha. The show was great and Malia and Kina loved it.
One of my favorite parts was the intermission show. Sia asked for some volunteers to do some audience participation. A bunch of kids went up and Malia followed them! It was her first time dancing on a stage in front of people. I think she did pretty well! ha ha
It's so nice to catch up with good friends. I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to work with such special people at such a special place. Ah! Good memories!!
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