Family Faces

 Adam, Jared and I got some good quality time when they were here.  A little sight-seeing, a long hike and a lot of talking we enjoyed spending time and catching up with each other.  Here we are on the hike to the airport beach at the end of the runway. 

Sunday, December 30th the whole family gathered for to'ona'i.  Just like the old days with lots of food and the kids running around.  It was nice to all be together.   

 Here are almost all of the Great-Grandkids running around.  It was fun watching cousins play together.  

New Years Eve we went on another hike with Adam, Jared, Grammy and the boys.  We went up to the canons on Blunt point.  

New Years Eve we said good-bye to Adam, Jared, Grammy and Grandpa along with many more family members returning to the States.  While the purpose of the trip was somber, it was nice to have so many family members here and to spend time with them.  A New Year is upon us and I pray that we will be able to make many more memories.  We love you!

A Day in Remembrance

The preparations to say goodbye to Grandma started off with the Fa'aSamoa that was such a big part of who she is.  She always kept ties alive and followed the traditional path.

Here are a few pictures of the Fa'alavelave that occurred before the service.  This is the presentation of mats.  I was able to witness this sight first hand throughout the days leading up to the funeral.  

Homecoming:  Grandma was accompanied home on Thursday, December 27, 2012 by many family members including Adam and Jared.  At the airport there were a few words spoken with family all around.

A family fine mat was draped over Grandma.  This fine mat is so finely woven it felt like cloth.  It was beautiful and so special.  

Home at last.  Grandma was brought to the Samoan Guest House.

Our day of remembrance started with an early family service on Friday, December 28, 2012.  All the Grandchildren were given a chance to speak about Grandma and share memories.  We were followed by other family and friends.  The final service was held at the Pavaiai Chapel.  It was a beautiful service with wonderful stories shared about Grandma by each one of her children.  All the Grandchildren rose to sing one final song for Grandma.  Many people have told me how much they enjoyed hearing all about Grandma and there was such a sweet spirit there.  

Following the service we all returned to Tafeta to lay Grandma to rest next to Grandpa and Granny.  

 

Here are the Pallbearers: Doug, Christopher, Adam, Jared, EJ, Otto and Jason

It was an emotional day and I was happy to have my two brothers there with us (although we were missing their families).  

We love you Grandma!

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning the boys woke Jason and I up excited to start the day.  

With stockings full and hung by the TV... (hee hee hee) they checked out their goodies.  

The boys were so happy to have Grammy and Grandpa with them on Christmas!

Riley got boxes galore! 

Brady and Alec got just what they wanted too!

The boys were so grateful for all the gifts they received!

Here is Riley playing with the toys from his Uncles and Aunts.  

Riley had fun going from one toy to another.

This Christmas had a different feel to it with everything else going on.  It was hard for me to separate our life trials from the Christmas spirit.  I think that I finally was able to feel that Christmas spirit with the help of the 5 little spirits in my home and the presence of my parents during this time.  We all appreciated all the gifts we received and I really had a feeling of gratitude for the love of family and friends we have.  

Merry Christmas!

Sad News

I was in Hawaii with my parents to do a little bit of Christmas shopping.  Our trip was actually extended a day due to Hurricane Evan that was posing a threat to the islands.  Luckily American Samoa sustained no damage from that.  

On Friday, December 14, 2012 we were at the airport getting ready to board the plane when we received the sad news that Grandma Dorothy Haleck passed away in St. George, Utah.  Our hearts are heavy and we will miss Grandma dearly.  We love you Grandma!

A Few Faces

I often whip out my camera for a few funny moments or cute shots.  Here are a few faces you may have missed.

 This is Riley sitting in time out.  I can't remember what he did but Alec put him in time out with a nice cushy pillow and he sat with his arms folded.  So funny.  After a few seconds Skyler got his hug.

Just hanging out with Riley.

These guys are just crazy.  It is never just a simple slide on the slip-n-slide.  Oh no... it is a tackle and slide.  At leaset there are smiles...for the time being.

Fish anyone?  The boys thought they'd try out the bait we send out on the boats.  Mmm mmm.

Here's Skyler riding his two wheeler bike for the first time.  He says... "Brady taught me!"  Riley is just trying to stay out of the way.  

Look at my Maori boy!  ;p

So many fun memories.  We are blessed with so much joy and laughter in these five boys.  

We love you boys!

Soccer 2012

Alec and Micah enjoyed playing soccer with their school league.  They had great coaches who spent a lot of time with them.  Coach Chuck, Ms. Jade and Ms. Spencer were great and the boys had so much fun.

Alec #14

 Alec and his team did well throughout the season but missed the playoffs by just a couple points.  Alec had fun and it was great seeing him out on the field.  

Micah #18

Micah's team made it to the championship and they played off for 1st.  The rain just poured during their game but they held their own.  Their team had been undefeated all season.  The championship game ended in a tie and to break the tie they did a shoot off.  Our goalie did great and it came down to the last two shots when one shot sailed over our goalie head and the other team was declared the winner.  It was a good game and Micah and his team played well.  

Here are some pictures of the spectators:

Family Pictures 2012

It has become a tradition for our family that every year we allow some time to take family pictures for our Christmas cards.  I am not a professional photographer by any means but we do our best.  Armed with a tripod and a camera and the intension on taking hundred of pictures we set to work.  Here are some of the shots we got this year.

Walking down to Grandma's house we go!   We decided to change our usual background and try out  Grandma's yard this year. 

Can you tell the boys were just so still?  Half the time we are gathering kids with ant in their pants back up.  ;)

  

So here is our official family picture for 2012.