Christmas Eve

Toa, being an Arizona native, has been dieing to go sledding. So this year we took the kids to a nearby hill in West Jordan for what would be their first experience sledding. The first time down the hill each of the adults took turns accompanying one child at a time. My boys fell in love with the thrill almost instantly and decided that they didn't want to wait for any adults to help. I glanced over as I heard a "Yahoo!" and "Oh Yeah!" to see Mote cruising down the hill by himself- knees up on the sled! And Nici right behind him on another sled- riding on his stomach with his head pointed toward the bottom of the hill. Everyone else thought it was hilarious, but I nearly had a heart attack! The kids had the time of their lives. Halfway through Nici totally biffed it and scraped the whole right side of his face. He cried for about 5 minutes, then went right back to sledding down that slope. My boys are total diehards! On our way back to the car they threw themselves in the snow and finally got to make snow angels. They've seen it on TV and when we had our snowfall in Vegas they begged and begged to go out and make snow angels.



















This winter was filled with a lot of "firsts" for the boys. They're growing up in a completely different environment that their parents grew up in. Me and Ti don't realize a lot that our kids aren't familiar with normal everyday Utah things. We made gingerbread houses on Christmas and Siosi piped icicles on the chimney. Mote asked "What's that?"
"They're icicles"
"What are icicles?" Makai looked puzzled that Mote would even ask such a question, "You know, the ice that hangs off the houses!"
So this winter the boys have:
-Had a snowball fight
-Gone sledding
-Made snow angels
-Successfully learned what icicles are and even seen them up close!

Later that night we all met up at Grandma and Grandpa Moala's for our gift exchange and an unforgettable Christmas Eve dinner. The boys spent the night at the Moala household while me and Ti slipped away to the Fangupo residence in attempts to sleep in the next morning- totally didn't happen, but it was worth a shot. We spent Christmas day with our Fangupo side. I left the picture snapping to Siosi and Monica ;) and will record the events soon enough.

Goodnight,
-Kiki

Christmas Wishes

Snow Day... Round 2

12/17/08


Believe it or not this is actually Vegas, not Salt Lake. I should probably blog about our snow that we had. I think the last time Vegas saw this much snow was like in 1979?... somewhere around that time. It actually stuck to the ground this time and the kids LOVED it! I thought it was hilarious how the whole city was in panic mode. I went in to work only to be sent home early. Why? Because of the snow. Apparently Vegas residents don't know how to function when there are snowflakes falling from the sky. I get home and turn on the news to find out that the McCarran Airport was completely shut down and although it was only 8pm- school for the following day was already canceled.

PTC

12/17/08
Wednesday was our very first Parent Teacher Conference. Ever since I signed up to meet with Mote's teacher and review his progress, I've been a little nervous. A couple of times that I've picked up Mote from school there's been some kids in his class that have gotten in trouble for talking/disrupting the class and not doing their work. All these thoughts started going through my mind. I know that Mote's a good kid at home, but I wondered if his behavior was the same at school. Well today we had the chance to hear it straight from his teacher. We all went in and the kids got to play around in the classroom while me and Ti sat with Miss Ruffridge. She went over his state test scores first. When she pulled out the results all I could see were a bunch of 100's. Mote completely aced the math section! It was a four part test and he got a 100% on all four parts. I was so proud! Then we moved on to the reading and comprehension. His teacher looks at us and says, "For this test, I'm going to show you his actual work so that you can understand why he scored the way he did." Uh, oh... this didn't sound good. My little sense of pride seriously shot down. She went through each page telling us the questions she asked each of the kids and what skills it was helping them develop. We looked at Mote's test- it was so cute to see him circle or underline his answers. On one page I even seen faint pencil traces where he decided to erase an answer- so cute. As we flipped through each of the test pages I kept seeing the same thing over and over. 4/4, 4/4, 4/4. In the end- Mote again aced what was required of him. He not only met the requirements, but he exceeded them. Okay so far so good. How about his behavior? According to Miss Ruffridge Mote is very polite, helpful, and has a great sense of humor. The only thing that she could think of that concerned her was his competitiveness. Aaah yes, this is something that me and Ti are all too familiar with. When he doesn't win he beats himself up. So we are working with him on that and I've already seen a little progress. I've heard him say to Nici, "Nici- it's okay if you don't win. Did you have fun?... Then it's okay! See!" So our very first Parent Teacher conference was great. I'm seriously the proudest mother on earth!

Snow Way!

Yesterday morning I awoke to snow falling from the sky! I could not believe my eyes!! Since I've lived here I've rarely even seen it rain, and all of the sudden we have snow! Boy what a surprise.
I wasn't the biggest fan of snow growing up in Utah. Sure it was fun to make snow angels, to have snowball fights, and to build snow fortresses as a kid... but as I grew up and had to start shoveling it and driving in it- my love for nature's flurry started to weaken.
Since we've moved, I definitely love seeing the snow. Not so thrilled about the temperature that accompanies the weather, but I can appreciate the beauty of it all. The boys haven't had the opportunity that me and Ti have had as kids to play in snow. They were so excited to see it falling. The longer it fell, the bigger the snowflakes became. "Mom, how come there's water on the ground?"
"Because it's not cold enough. The snow is melting as soon as it hits the ground."
"But the sun isn't even out!"
Yes even though there wasn't enough snow to cover any of the palm trees, even though there were no snow angels made, or snowmen built... it still was a lovely sight. Especially during this holiday season.

Bellagio's Botanical Garden

Last night while I was making dinner Ti Tonga was watching the Travel Channel. I glance over to see a beautiful display of Christmas trees and ask, "Wow, is that Disney World?" To which he answers, "Nope, it's the Bellagio." I was so thrilled to discover that the festive display was within driving distance! So today after Mote finished school, we all took a trip up to the Las Vegas strip to visit the Bellagio's Botanical Garden.

I snapped a couple pics with my phone on our way up there. I never get sick of seeing the strip. It's constantly growing and changing.




This will be Ti Tonga's new job site. It's part of the City Center. Should be pretty quick because it's already out of the ground.



After we parked we didn't have to walk too far before we reached our destination. The kids absolutely loved it! And me and Ti were completely blown away. The detail that they put into each of the holiday displays was incredible. I think the kids enjoyed the bridge the most though. It was surrounded by these enormous nutcrackers. And the Bellagio seems to be able to add flair to any form of water! They had water shooting over the bridge, creating arches for you to walk under. I have no idea how they got these fountains to form perfectly without splashing all over the place.



Before we left we stopped by the information area to take a look at their model of the City Center. This is what the finished product will look like. Ti worked a little on the Cosmopolitan building and will soon be working on The Harmon tower.


We went out front after and caught a show of the Fountains of Bellagio. It was a little bit of a wait, but totally worth it! This show never dissappoints!! The fountains danced around in perfect synchronization to Carol of the Bells and Santa Baby.



(View from in front of the hotel)




We finished off our night at Town Square. Our first time there and it was just beautiful! Such a cute scene and very festive. We had dinner at Brio and called it a night. We don't get out very often, so it really was nice to be able to enjoy time together outside of the house. I had so much fun and I think the kids really enjoyed themselves.

Holiday Platter

Last night me and the boys set up our Christmas lights outside. As I pulled everything out of the closet I was excited to find a decorative plate that Sila made me last year. I brought it out and laid it on the table so that I could finish setting up outside. The plate completely slipped my mind until it was time to go to bed. As I was turning off all the lights in the kitchen I noticed something on the table that made me a little angry, but mostly made me laugh.
I think Siope was the guilty one. I'll have to explain to him that this plate is for decoration, not for holding sandwiches!

Thanksgiving Weekend

Normally our little family will hop in a rental and drive out to Salt Lake for any holiday Ti has off. This year however my job held us back and as soon as Neo and my Mom heard that we wouldn't be making it up to Utah they made travel arrangements to come out to Vegas. I was a little nervous because I'm not the best cook, but I barely had to lift a finger with Momma in the kitchen! Everything turned out great. Neo got in a day early and we were able to sneak in a little shopping, and everyone else arrived Wednesday evening. Me and Ti originally planned to go out Wednesday since we would finally have babysitters, but after I got off of work all I wanted to do was to come straight home to chat with everyone. We had a pretty good turnout: My parents, Fatu, Sila and her 2 girls (Lauren & Constance), Neo & Kauasi and their 2 kids (Mafileo & Mei Mei) and my Uncle Siaosi from Anahiem.
The weekend turned out a lot busier than I expected. Luckily we managed to squeeze in some black Friday shopping in between work, a football tournament, and several photoshoots!
I got to see Sila in action and eventually got to be part of it as she took our family pictures on Saturday morning. If I would've known that there's an actual technique to blocking out that sun with the light disk I would've practiced before we left on each of the shoots! I pretty much felt useless, but had fun watching her and chatting with each of the families.
I'm so grateful for such wonderful family, the time I'm able to spend with them, and the special bond we share! I wish Misi and Bubba could've made it out. I hope everyone had a wonderful Day of Thanks.

-Kiki

Love Knows No Limits

I seen this clip on yahoo and thought it was cute enough to pass along and share. Not sure how much of the story is true and how much is exaggerated, but the moral is a good one nonetheless.

Saturday, Saturday, Saturday

I'm so exhausted- not really a major reason to be, just tired for free I guess. Today was Mote's last game of the season. I've gotta be honest- I'm a little excited for the break! 3 kids in soccer was a bit chaotic at times. So we've got until March to enjoy a little peace and quiet. Aaah, I remember why I'm so tired. I worked a closing shift last night, got home at around 10pm, dropped off Ti Tonga at work, woke up early, got the kids dressed, picked up Ti, and amazingly made it to Mote's game on time. After the game and a little "Hoo-rah, the season's over" celebration meal I attempted to shop for our "family portrait" attire. I knew I was in for some good ole stress. It seems like every time I shop with something specific in mind I can never find it. I had this fabulous picture in mind about what everyone would be wearing, had the whole color scheme down- and ask me if I found anything remotely similar to what I envisioned??? Not even close. I got to the point where I didn't even care what I was grabbing off the racks. I think I counted 5 near-breakdowns by the end of the night. Sila- I hope you can work some magic! Maybe all of our shots will be black and white. haha

Upside Down

Why does it seem like just when everything's starting to settle into place, someone throws a curve ball at you? I feel like we've adjusted quite well and we've gotten our schedule down with school, work, activities, church callings. And it all kinda seems weird now cause Ti started a new shift last night- wait I guess it's considered today. He used to work at 4:30 am so he'd be up at 3 and out of the house by 4. Today's our first day on this new schedule and Richard, whom he normally carpools with, is still working the 4am shift. So while Ti's at work we have no car at home. I have no clue what time to expect him home. And who knows how much longer he'll have this shift because this project will be done soon.
Soccer is now coming to an end for the kids. Tomorrow is Nici and Siope's last day with their teams and Mote will play his final game Saturday morning. Which means we get a break from practice and games, but I'm sure we'll manage to fill those spots with another sport/activity.
So we have a week to adjust the best we can, then the schedules get thrown out the window for Thanksgiving - no school, no work, and a ton of family in town. When all the mayhem is done- back to trying to readjust. And with the end of the year all my nursery kids will be advancing to Sunbeam which means I smell a new calling coming on. Upside down I tell ya.

Presidents

I was telling Neo about how we were at the dentist the other day and while me and the 2 older boys were with the dentist, Ti Tonga and Siope were in the waiting room. As Ti Tonga's trying to pass time by reading a magazine, Siope's climbing on each of the chairs jabbering away. All the sudden he rants off something about John Mccain ( which is normal to us) and the secretary started busting out laughing... "Did he just say what I think he said?"
Neo thought it was hillarious, so I recorded Siope talking a little about the President/Candidates. It's just funny to hear him say the names in his little voice.

I promise I don't force politics on my kids. They've just happened to be around while we were watching all the campaigning. If I can sit through hours of Disney Channel, then a little CNN here and there can't hurt =)

Found a Pumpkin

Mote came home from school one day and sang this song for us. They had only spent 1 day on it so he struggled with the words a little, but I thought it was the cutest thing! A couple weeks had passed since his first attempt at the song when I seen a paper pumpkin in his backpack that he had made. He was so proud to show it to me and as soon as I seen it, I was reminded of his little pumpkin song. I asked him to sing it for me again and I was thrilled that he had completely mastered it... well the first verse at least. To my surprise there were 3 more verses. So I drove home grinning as he sang his little heart out. I had him sing it for Ti Tonga, for his brothers, and about a million more times so that I could record him.
Here is Timote singing "Found a Pumpkin"

"Mom can you take a picture of my pumpkin? Here I'll hold it up for you."
"Not me mom, just my pumpkin. Don't take a picture of me. Just get my pumpkin"

"Tulou"

I was at Vons today and as I got closer to the store I approached the shopping carts at the same time as a palangi lady. She looked at me asked me if I was Filipino. I get this all the time. If it's not Filipino, then it's Hawaiian- and we have plenty of both out here in Vegas. I told her I was Polynesian and she says, "Oh, you're from the South Pacific? Which Island?"
"I'm Tongan."
"Oh! Wow! You're from Tonga! I've been there before, it's beautiful."
"Thank you."
"Have you been there before?"
"No actually. My parents originate from there, but I haven't had the chance to go there personally. I was born in Hawaii and was raised in the States."

We head into the store when she turns to me and says, "Your King just passed away not too long ago right?"

I was shocked that this woman had even heard of Tonga... and I'm blown away that she's actually been there.... now she even knows about our King and his death?! Wow!

"Yes he did pass away."
"Well thank you for talking with me and sharing a little bit of yourself with me. It brought back memories of my trip. Thank you."
"Oh, you're very welcome. It was nice meeting you."

I start to push my cart off when she comes up to me again with her cart and says, "When you cross paths with someone, instead of saying ""Excuse me"" don't you say ""Tulou?""

"Yes! You do! You're absolutely right!"

She flashed a smiled at my look of amazement and we both went our seperate ways to finish our grocery shopping. This was such a cool little experience today! It made me smile!!!

Ballots Cast

So I can't believe that today was the end of all the campaigning. It seems like it's been a long road this election season- maybe because I've been involved and following along from the beginning this time. I had the opportunity to vote for the first time as a Nevada resident today. It was a completely different experience than the last time I voted in Utah. There was so much more hype and buzz around the election this year. Of course this year was different because of the candidates running. From the very start it was evident that history was going to be made. We as a nation had three candidates running for President that didn't fit the mold... we could've had the first woman President, the first Mormon President, or the first African American as our leader. I read on someone's blog early on in the primary's that we should just kill three birds with one stone and elect Gladys Knight as the head of our nation lol.
It wasn't easy for me to make it to the polls today. I went to the DMV where they told me I couldn't get a NV ID without my Hawaiian birth certificate. I was so distressed that I wanted to cry. After a call to our voting office- I was advised that I could still vote as long as I could provide a bill with my name and NV address on it! So I spent about an hour at home researching and filling out my sample ballot (we had like 15 different judges to vote for in Las Vegas!)
Even though our Republican party didn't win, it still was a very empowering experience. I'm ready to stand behind our new President and wish him nothing but the best. I have a feeling there are hard times ahead of us. I hope that we are all able to bear those storms ahead and resurface as a stonger nation.

Oh What a Fright, It's Halloween Night!

After dinner Me and Ti split up to tackle the trick-or-treating . He stayed home to take care of the cupcakes in the oven and to pass out candy, while I ventured out into the neighborhood with our Disney troop. It was a little discouraging at times because there were still a lot of houses that didn't answer their doors, but overall it was a pretty good turnout. Much better than last year that's for sure! It's so cool to see the growth of our neighborhood. There were a couple other groups of trick-or-treaters walking around and everyone that actually opened their doors were so happy to see the kids. We got handfuls of candy at each porch that welcomed us, so we only did the bottom half of our neighborhood before our buckets were full. When we made it back home we had Halloween cupcakes, a few pieces of candy, and called it a night. I've gotta say that this Halloween season has been an eventful one- but we've had fun along the way and it's definitely been memorable! Happy Halloween all! We hope everyone had a safe and fun night!