Class of 2010

Yesterday Nic graduated from Kindergarten! He missed school last Thursday and Friday so I didn't get the reminder his teacher sent home about the graduation date/time. As I was dropping Ti Tonga off at work Monday morning I remembered that Nic would be graduating later that day. I'm so glad I remembered before I dropped him off! I kept thinking what would've happened if I sent him to school not dressed properly or if I wasn't in the crowd as he performed on stage :( But we made it! When it was time to go to school I told him that me and Siope would meet him at his ceremony. Before he went out the door he said, "Mom! Don't forget your camera okay?!" He's been so excited to wear his graduation cap ever since we turned in his cap money (over a month ago).



This year there were more classes graduating. I don't remember Mote's year being so full. I didn't get a good seat and I was so annoyed that parents kept standing up during the performances to get video footage and pictures of the kids. They completely blocked my view. I didn't get any pics of Nic on stage and couldn't get good footage of them singing. Poor Siope was upset that he couldn't see. I tried holding him up so that he could see Nic, but balancing him, my purse, and the camera all at once was more than I could handle. I got one blurry pic of Nic entering the cafeteria...
and a little clip of one of their class songs...

The students performed several songs and ended by marching out to Black Eyed Peas' - I Gotta Feeling. We met up in Nic's class afterward where his teacher Ms. Keidel presented each of her students their diplomas.Refreshments were served...and each of the students presented us with their Kindergarten books- a collection of some of their projects and artwork they created throughout the school year.
Here's Nic's very first homework assignment...
Nic has had a total of 3 teachers this school year (not by choice). There was a lot of moving around due to the number of kids that entered into Kindergarten. His 2nd teacher was Mrs. Higa who we ABSOLUTELY LOVED!!! She really cared about Nic and had a way with getting through to him. He learns a lot differently and she was so patient with him! The progress he showed while she was his teacher was amazing. We were so sad when we found out she was leaving his class to teach special ed. She showed up to watch each of the kids receive their diplomas. I was so happy to see her. She congratulated Nic and spoke words of encouragement to him.

Nic & Ms. Keidel (his current teacher)
Nic & Gabrielle- his pal, neighbor, & carpool buddy
First Grade Bound!
Siope, Nic, & Timote
Mr. Graduate!

Ti wasn't able to make it due to his work schedule. When we got in the car Mote said, "Mom guess what? I got an award." So I'm thinking-- cool... another math award? And Mote says, " I made it on the honor roll." I was soooooo proud of him!!! Bummed that I didn't know about the award assembly, but so proud of his achivement! We picked up Ti Tonga and then went out to celebrate. The kids chose.... Chili's of course. Ti's birthday was on Sunday so it was a celebration of his birthday, Nic's graduation, and Mote making it on the honor roll.

Today Mote came home with his graduation certificate from 1st grade...

Tomorrow will be the last day of school, then the boys will get a 3 week break before starting the new school year. This coming year we are actually switching to a traditional 9 month school schedule - Hallelujah! Not much of a break to allow for the adjustment, but I'm sure I won't be complaining once next summer hits. I'm already making plans to ship them off to Grandma's next June =)

Team Tevita!

Tevita tonga was born with a lymphatic malformation which means he has multiple banai tumors growing by his airway and in the back of his neck. The only way to treat the tumors is by shrinking them with chemo therapy every 5 to 6 months at a time. His recovery process changes all the time. Now, tevita is home with us. He just discovered walking so he is all over the place. He loves to walk everywhere and play with his siblings. Thanx to hopekids we are able to take him to different activities and events where he has so much fun with other kids. My family and i are very grateful for hopekids. We ask to please donate. We are grateful for any amount from $1.00 to $5.00 or $10.00 to $20.00 no amount is too little. Thank you for your love and support.

christina fangupo

Click ---> here to donate!

Day 2 With the Falatea's + the Fangupo's

Anyone who loves to swim will find our home a perfect fit. We took Vince & Misi swimming yesterday and they've been talking about going back to the pool nonstop. Asking Vince to wait til school was out was torture, but he survived. Swimming just wouldn't be the same without all 5 boys anyway.




Ti's two youngest brothers are in town as well, so after the pool we met up for dinner. There were a couple locations that were brought up as suggestions, but I kept pushing for M Resort, which eventually won ;) It was our first time there and we had such a great experience. The resort is BEAUTIFUL!!! We ate at Studio B and were seated right next to a window overlooking the city. The food was so yummy- well worth waiting in the line that seemed never ending.

Good times!

Fun With the Falatea's: Adventure Dome

My nephews from Salt Lake are in town and I told the boys that when they got home from school we would be going somewhere special. As soon as I picked them up Mote handed me this note...


We didn't end up going to Chucky Cheese, but went here instead...


Me and Ti took the kids to THE ADVENTURE DOME at Circus Circus. My nephew Vince is a little older so I was hoping he would have fun. As soon as we stepped in the hotel his eyes lit up and he kept saying how awesome everything was. He was dazzled by all the shops and kept trying to point out different landmarks where Chris Angel has performed his illusions.

Vince really liked this motorcycle so it was the first pic we snapped inside the building

Nic seeing if he measures up

Their all day access wrist bands

At first me & Ti split up. He took the 3 younger boys and I took Vince & Mote cause we thought the younger ones would be too scared to go on some of the more advanced rides. We eventually all joined back up to play games and to go on more rides together. I felt bad cause my kids are so short. They tried to go on one of the water rides and got to the front of the line only to get turned away because they didn't meet the height requirement. Siope was really upset about the whole situation. He had a little breakdown, but I was finally able to get him to cheer up... actually I threatened to take him home and he stopped sobbing right away.

While we were in the theme park I heard Vince say, "This is the funnest day!" Oh man, that just made it all worthwhile for me. I'm so glad they enjoyed themselves! While the kids were on the last ride Ti went to the candy shop and bought each of the boys lollipops.



After prying the kids away from all the fun, we loaded up and went to grab something to eat for dinner. Destination --- Sammy's Woodfired Pizza.

Yum-O!