The Zoo

Earlier this week we took the kids to the zoo. They had a fabulous time. Luisa and her kids came with us too which of course was so fun. When we first got there it was raining, but soon let up. It was nice when it was overcast and just drizzling, but soon the sun came out again and then it was very hot and very humid.




Jace loved the little animals. The small monkeys, the little rodent looking things, anything that was small and moved fast. Whenever he saw one he would scream with excitement and delight. It was so cute. He was the most fun to watch of all. His very favorite were the meerkats. They were very active when we saw them and he loved it. I could just tell that if he could, he would have been chasing them all around trying to catch one. I think the little animals reminded him of his Aunty Tupu's little dog which he loves to chase around.



When I asked Ella what her favorite was she listed off almost all the animals we saw.
This is my super cute, super fun, sis-in-law Luisa
All the kiddies.

I thought this white alligator was cool.

The carousel was a hit. Notice Gordon is riding a rhino. He told me the next day that he would like to have a rhino as a pet. I told him rhinos DO NOT make good pets.

Gordon liked the rhinos best.


It is always delightful to me to see the world through the eyes of a child. Things that we take of granted or fail to appreciate because they have lost their novelty become magical once again when seen as children see them.

Lamb Days

Saturday we went down to Fountain Green for the Lamb Day Parade. My sister-in-law Rachel grew up there and we went down to spend the day with her and Gordon and their kids. Adney, Tina and Tau were there too and although it was HOT, we had a great time. The kids loved the parade. They got so much candy. After awhile Gordon would just look at it and only pick it up if it was something he really wanted. Our favorite thing that they threw out was Otter pops! They hit the spot.

Afterwards we went to Rachel's parents house and hung out under the big beautiful trees in the shade. There was also a car show across the street that the guys went and checked out. It was a fun day. I enjoyed seeing Fountain Green and Rachel's house. It is always nice to see a person's roots and where they came from. I think that it helps you understand and know them better.


When we got home we all took naps or at least tried to. Ella isn't much of a napper as I think I have mentioned before. Then we went into Provo to visit with Keni's family and to pick up Gordon. He stayed in Fountain Green a little longer playing with his cousin Tayson. There is nothing my kids love more than being with their cousins so being able to spend the whole day with them is Heaven.

Miss Samoa USA

Keni's cousin Miss Jasmine Sailau Schwenke is a contestant in the Miss Samoa USA pageant. She needs our votes. Please visit Miss Samoa USA to see all of the contestants and vote. Fa ' afetai lava !

Good Flicks

Watched August Rush and Penelope the other night and I really liked them both. So, if you are looking for some good, clean, fun I recommend these movies.

I miss Friends

I think a Friends Movie is a good idea.

Swim Lessons

Ella is LOVING swim lessons. The first day she didn't want to go. I had to drag her over to her teacher, but once she got in the water she started enjoying it. The next day she could hardly wait to get in. Gordon's lesson was first so I brought Ella's Barbie computer for her to play with while we waited. But, she was too excited. She didn't even want to play. She just kept asking over and over when it would be her turn. Finally, I told her she would know it was her turn when she heard the man's voice over the loud speaker telling Gordon's class to get out the water and her class to get in.

Poor Gordon only got to go to swim lessons for two days. Then he got sick and because he had diarrhea, they won't let him go back. I think it is because of all the problems that they had last year. I feel bad for him though because he loves swim lessons too.

At least it means we don't have to be at the pool as long, which means I don't have to chase Jace around for as long trying to keep him from jumping in. He got awfully close today.

4-wheeling boy

This little guy LOVES 4 Wheelers! In this pic he is trying to climb up on one all by himself. I snapped this pic and then I had to go rescue him because I was afraid he was going to fall. Jace can't bear to see anyone on a 4-wheeler unless he is on it with them. Last night Keni had a church meeting to go to here in the canyon so he decided just to ride the 4-wheeler down to it. Jace and I were in the front yard and Keni drove by us waving and letting us know that he was leaving. Jace was heartbroken that his dad wasn't giving him a ride too. (Never mind that he had gone on a ride earlier in the day to get the mail.) I took him in the house for dinner (eating is another of his favorite pastimes), and it worked for a little while. We were all sitting there eating and all of the sudden Jace just bursts into tears. I couldn't figure out what was wrong at first, but then I realized it was because he had heard a 4-wheeler drive by the house outside! He started pointing outside and saying, "Daddy, Daddy" while crying! He's a die hard, of which I am sure his uncles are very proud.

A few family reunion pics

We had a wonderful time visiting and playing at our family reunion last week. I didn't spend much time behind the camera this time but here are a few of the shots I got.

Muffin-tin lunch.

Ok, I'm back. My mom was here last week and I just couldn't bare to tear away from her long enough to post. Plus, we had a holiday, and a family reunion thrown in there too.

I tried this a week or so ago and my kids loved it so I thought I would share. I got the idea here.

This was our muffin tin lunch. I added lots of fruits and veggies and some leftovers from past meals. The kids ate almost everything. I think this might be a good way to introduce new foods, because the kids can just try a little bit and not feel threatened. It was such a hit that we will be doing it again soon.