Knott's Berry Farm and more!

Even though the wedding festivities were literally across the street from Disneyland, we did not patronize the establishment. We figure we'll save that for sometime in the future...like when the kids can earn the cost of their tickets. Aki's cousin Crystal scored some great tickets to Knott's Berry Farm, and we had heard that it was quiet this time of year, so we went for it. We're glad we did! We had a great time with Crystal and Viliami, and the kids hardly had to wait in lines to go on rides. Their favorite was the log ride, even after the sixth time.

The wedding was a nice opportunity to visit with Aki's extended family, some of whom I had never met. Here is a nice picture of Aki's non-Utah aunts (his dad's sisters), along with Crystal and her three kids. That baby!!!

When we weren't doing wedding stuff, we made a quick trip to East LA to check out my old missionary stomping grounds. We mainly went to visit this wonderful family...they are near and dear to my heart. Maria Teresa & Victor Bahena and their kids, Victor Jr., Viridiana, and Aileen were baptized as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in August of 1999. My missionary companion and I had the privilege of first teaching them the gospel and witnessing some awesome changes in their lives! I can't believe it was ten years ago. They have soared above and beyond me when it comes to living the gospel and having faith; incredible examples they are to me. I love them!

Though we didn't have much down time, we managed to take the kids for a brief visit to the beach. They have never been! (Well, Makai went to the beach in Tonga but was only six months old, so I won't count that one.) They loved it so much and can't wait to go back. Good thing Auntie Tema lives near the beach now so we can visit more often!

California Girls (and Boys)

While in California--see last post--Ame absolutely LOVED hanging out with her second cousin Naomi (daughter of Aki's cousin Crystal).

Makai was a good cousin to Naomi's little brother Elias...we miss those cute kids!

Speaking of cute kids...

Mr. & Mrs. Valu

Just before Thanksgiving we traveled to Anaheim for Aki's sister's wedding. We are just thrilled for Tema to have her own family, and are glad to welcome Kelepi to the Funaki side of things.

The marriage ceremony took place at the Newport Beach temple; it has a very different look than other temples I've been to. Sort of southwest mission style...it is beautiful, as they all are.

The occasion was extra special due to the last-minute (surprise!) arrival of younger brother, Junior, from Hawaii. That meant they were all in the same place at the same time--Aki's parents and siblings were together for the first time since 1998. Think about that.

A beautiful day filled with lots of picture-taking! I got sick right after the ceremony and spent the next day-and-a-half in bed at the hotel. Missed the reception and all. But I heard Tevi had fun dancing the night away. :)

Following pictures:   ~  one of the cakes  ~  couple cutting the cake  ~  some of the baskets, mats, and quilts that are fixtures at Tongan gatherings  ~  a really cute girl!  ~  most of the group (I think I was already sick, lying down in the van at this point)  ~  the wedding party  ~  bride's bouquet

December already??!!

Just WHERE did November go? Forget the fact that I spent half of it sick...that month went by waaaay too fast!

For the past couple years, part of our advent calendar included a daily Christmas-related activity, ranging from "decorate the tree" to "jingle some bells and sing" to "enjoy a mug of hot cocoa." Well, it seems that December 1 arrived, and I didn't even have the advent calendar out, let alone filled with planned activities. So, being the improvising/desperate mother I am (I'm single this week...Aki is back east), I declared our Christmas activity would be: go to Wal-Mart and check out the Christmas goods! Little did I know it would be such a hit.

Sometimes a trip to Wal-Mart without a list or time limit is kinda fun, you know? Tevi was mesmerized by the LCD light display, Ame was taken by the miniature bows, and Makai was all over the Transformers wrapping paper. Together we picked out a few rolls of non-Transformers wrapping paper (don't tell Aki I purchased more—he thinks I have a sickness), ribbon, gift bags, and light strands. To top it all off, as we left the area, Alvin and the Chipmunks sang about getting a hula hoop—my kids' favorite.

It was actually a great way to get excited for Christmas. Who knows, maybe next year's December 1st will be spent in the Mart as well!

P.S. All you Wal-Mart haters, please keep your comments to yourself. Remember where I live...Wal-Mart is the only store there is (oh, I forgot about Walgreens). Believe me, I too hate going there sometimes, but I actually enjoyed myself tonight, which was the point of my post. Save Money. Live Better.