Happy Anniversary!

On Saturday June 27th it was our 11th anniversary. Tevita came and got me from work and we went up to Provo to get Brax some cleats for football and to go to our favorite Chinese restaurant. It was a really good day. We thought about just going by ourselves but decided that we would take our little monsters:) Afterall, they are 4 of the best accomplishments made over the last 11 years! Anyways, to my husband...like I told you at dinner. I never thought my heart would be big enough to hold all this love but I guess it is. I love you so much and never thought I would love you more than the day I married you. But I do. You are my best friend and I am so thankful to have you for eternity! I could get all mushy but I'm not going to this time. Just know how much I love you and appreciate all you do for me and the kids. Thank you for the last 11 years and I am so looking forward to the rest of our lives together! Love you honey!:)P.S. Sorry if the pictures are blurry...I took a picture of a picture so hopefully they are ok

Family Reunion

We were able to go to the reunion in San Francisco this past week. We had such a great time and I am so thankful that we were able to go. It was just what our family needed. We left on Monday at about 6:00pm. We drove until Fallon and spent the night there. Then we got up early Tuesday and headed to San Mateo where we stayed. I was nervous because I hate to drive on bridges and I knew we would have to go on one. Well, I didn't realize how long it was. I just prayed the whole time and Vita made me take pictures to keep my mind busy. It turned out to be just fine. We checked into our hotel and then we met up with the Tupou family. Most of the cousins were swimming so our kids got in the pool with their clothes on. I'm glad they were in their clothes because it was actually cold. It was so good to see the cousins though. On Wednesday we all headed for Great America. It was really fun. The kids loved it. A lot of the Tupou cousins spent a lot of time at the water park but our kids didn't want to. They said, "We can go to a water park in Utah, we want to ride all the rides." They had such a great time riding and Braxton was so proud because he "conquered 3 of his fears" that day. We tried to get him to go on the log ride but he wouldn't so Vita ended up taking the girls. I was surprised because Vita hates rides. He had fun though and the girls had a blast. I was able to spend about an hour in the lazy river. It was so nice to just relax. Thursday was the official starting day of the reunion. We also picked up Uncle Pila from the airport that day. The kids were so excited to see Uncle. We went to the reunion and the kids loved spending time with their cousins. Friday was the day at the park. They had all the first generations wear a color, the second generation wear a color, third a color, fourth a color, and the in-laws wear a color. At first I didn't like that idea but after being there and seeing the different generations and the in-laws and seeing how everybody fit I really liked the idea. It was cool to see everybody in their different shirts. It was really cold and the wind blew a lot but the kids had a blast. They played hoola hoop games, water balloons, egg tosses, etc. It was funny to watch as they all played kick ball. At first the older men were playing and having a good time and then one by one they went to the outfield and started laying down. It was funny:) Later we went back to the hotel and went swimming. We watched the kids swim for awhile and then I went with Lori, Carrie, Nola, and Misty to practice our little hula to do at the dance that night. Tevita accidentally left the camera at the pool and so we went 2 days without a camera. We thought for sure somebody was going to steal it but luckily somebody who was honest turned it in at the hotel and we were able to get it back. Vita, Pila, and I got voted the best shirts of the day and Auntie Rose gave us each a prize for them. Thanks for the shirt Pila. Saturday we went to the reunion and then we headed for the Golden Gate Bridge. We almost didn't go because we didn't have our camera but decided that we couldn't go to San Francisco without going and seeing it. It was really cool. It was windy so we didn't stay for very long but it was neat to see everything there. We then went back for the dance. Sunday Vita took Pila to the airport and me and the kids slept until about 1:00pm. I had a huge migraine and the kids were so worn out. It was nice to rest. Then we went to eat with Ongo and Jackie and then we went to the fireside. It was sad that the reunion was over. Monday we went and said our see ya laters and then headed for home. We got home at about 3 in the morning. The drive was beautiful and the kids did a great job traveling. We stopped in Ely to have dinner and Braxton said, "Mom and Dad, do you think this vacation was good for us?" We asked him why and he said, "I really feel closer to my family after this trip. We didn't fight and we all got to know each other better and we are a closer family now and I am so thankful we were able to come." That comment made both Vita and I cry and made us realize how important this trip was. When we were at Great America I had a little emotional time with my son. He kept wanting to go with the cousins and not stay with us. I was having such a hard time with it. He is my first born son and is growing up so fast. He has always been really close to me and has a heart of gold. He finally said to me at the park, "Mom, let me go. I'll be fine." I just looked at Vita and he told me that he would be ok. We had a little talk with Brax afterwards and I explained why I was having such a hard time letting him go. Vita told Brax that I would probably let him be more free when he was twelve so just to be patient with me. As we were talking I saw his life flash before me and all I could think was that in 9 years we are going to be taking him to the MTC where he will go one way and we will go another way. I hope and pray that I will be strong enough to let him go. Anyways back to the reunion. It was a blast and Auntie Rose did a great job. And thanks to her for recognizing Grandpa Sione's grandsons. We had a great time getting to know everybody and can't wait for the next one.

To My Little Sister

For those of you who aren't my little sister, you can probably skip over this. I just need to talk to her and this is the best way. I want her to be able to see these words whenever she needs to. I love her so much and am sorry for what she is going through.
To My Little Sister,
First of all you need to know how much I love you. I am so sorry for what you are going through right now. I know you always say that I am so religious so forgive me for a minute. I just think it is so important that you remember that you are a daughter of Heavenly Father and He loves you so much. He will not ever send you anything that you cannot endure. I know what you are going through is so hard and hard to understand right now. I am praying that everything turns out ok and you don't have to go through the pain that I did. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. However, heaven forbid, if it is the worst case scenario please remember that we all love you so much. You are not alone in this. Heavenly Father knows what is best for you and your family. Mom is watching over you and you can talk to her. I did. I am sorry that I wasn't there last night to be with you in the hospital. If I could have been, I would have been there. Remember to keep the Lord close. I know that you might feel anger towards Him (I did) but keep in mind that He knows what He is doing. He won't leave you stranded. Turn to Him during this time little sis. I know you will be blessed. He loves you. Tevita and I are praying for you. You know you can call us anytime. I hope all will turn out well with this whole situation. I am sorry that you are having to go through this. I haven't been able to get you off my mind and this is the only way I could think of right now to tell you how I feel. Please don't feel angry. I went that route and it sucks. Just know that you have a family who loves you dearly and we are all here for you. I love you little sis.

Just a few thoughts

Just a few thoughts for the day...
I miss my mom.
I miss having cell phone service anywhere I go.
I miss my happy kids(they are really grouchy today).
OK, now I just have to tell a little story. On Thursday Braxton went to a 4H/Scout camp. He was excited to go but I wasn't too excited for him to go. Even when I dropped him off I was trying to talk him into staying. He said he would be ok and gave me a kiss and told me to not worry. I didn't know what was wrong with me, but I just did not want him to go. I chalked it up to being the pregnancy and went about my business. Lia had a ball game that night and I told Braxton's leader that if we weren't home when he got home to just have him come in and lock the door and wait for us. She said they would be home around 7pm. So, at 7:15 I started worrying. I really thought he would have been home by then. Anyways, we were outside when Lisa pulled up to our house and said, "I have an injured boy for you." My heart dropped. I was expecting blood and a trip to the ER. What I found was a swollen ankle that I swear was almost as big as my leg. It was so swollen and he could not walk at all. I had Vita help me get him to the house and he layed on the couch. One of Vita's friends was here so Vita went back outside and then the tears came from Brax. He was worried that his dad would think he was a baby. I told him that nobody thought he was a baby and we would see what we needed to do. At one point I asked Brax if he wanted me to go get the extra mattress so he could lay down in the living room since he couldn't make it down to his room. He got huge tears in his eyes and said, "No Mom, please, I don't want my brother to die. I have already lost 3 brothers, I can't loose another one." I was so shocked and couldn't believe he just said that. I asked him what made him say that and he said that if I was to carry the mattress I would loose his brother. At that point in time I realized how selfish I have been. I always worry about loosing this baby and say, "I can't do this again." but I haven't really thought about my kids loosing another one. I told Brax that the baby is just fine and if he ever has any questions he could just ask me. I told him he is too much like his dad and keeps everything inside. He just hugged me so tight and didn't want to let me go. Vita ended up rubbing his ankle for most of the night and he said he felt better. The next day Vita and I had to take the kids from work up to Ogden for the air show. So the kids spent the day with Grandpa Rod. They had a blast. We got home at about 11:15pm and Brax was awake. I asked him what he was doing and he asked, "has my brother been moving around ok? Are you guys ok?" I told him yes and he said that made him feel better. What a cute son we have. He truly does have a heart of gold. He makes us so proud and we are so thankful for him. I know he is going to love having this new little brother around. I hope they always stay close. Oh, and by the way, we have officially made it to 20 weeks! What an accomplishment. It makes me feel better to know that if anything does happen, now they will try to save him. We are getting ready to head to California on Monday. We can't wait. I am definitely ready for some sunshine and relaxation! The kids can't wait to see all their cousins. I am hoping that the girls decide not to argue and have a good day today:)