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.