Let the fun, laughs, craziness, and pure exhaustion begin. . .

After our fun visit with the Smiths we went to Kahi's. We were so excited to be able to spend a few days with family. Just think of all of the fun to be had in one house with 23 of us! So from our last reunion 3 years ago we all decided that we needed to plan more activities to do. So leave to the Kekauoha girls to over book-it actually worked out well-we didn't get to do everything but we got to do a lot and made some great memories. The first day we went up to American Fork Canyon for some fun. As small rock slide happened just after we got settled at the picnic area. So the pregnant She-ra(Kahi), He-man(Mike), and Shegyver(Nia) went off to clear the road for all of the drivers there in the canyon-so nice.

The kids thought it was pretty cool to see how big the splashes were from the rocks. This one was pretty good-as you probably guessed. Go He-man!!
We went on a very short but steep hike just by the picnic area
Kahi and her sweet little girl Abbi
Lia and her cute little man Helaman-who we also can He-man. He looks a little surprised here-maybe I really do look scary that day :)
Kalei having fun blowing all of the puff balls
My mom's dad was a Biologist at the University of Utah-he mainly studied the Mayfly. They live under rocks in streams so my mom taught all of the kids about them and they looked for them in the stream. The kids had a great time! After our little nature walk and learning about the mayfly we had a delicious lunch and then had a marshmallow war. I didn't take any picture because I was to busy shooting everyone. Pua(our designated photographer) took a bunch of pictures so I'll have to get some from her and post them later. It was so much fun! The kids and adults had a blast! There was a lot of laughing and the kids had fun ambushing the adults!

After the picnic we decided to go do some 4 wheeling. We drove to the upper lake and went through the stream a few times. The kids thought it was so much fun! I think it's a toss up as to who had more fun Dave or the kids!

And the trip continues. . .

We left Pua's on Tuesday and spent the day in Salt Lake at Temple Square. We were able be there last summer but didn't have time to see everything, so we saw a few more things this time. The sister missionaries did a cool demonstration to show the acoustic of the tabernacle and you really can hear a pin drop.

After seeing the Tabernacle and walking on the grounds we went over to the Pioneer Museum. It was fun to watch my kids reactions to the neat things in there, or new information we found out.
Their favorite section was the kids section of course. There were so many fun things to do.
The older kids loved going to all of the different stations. But Kalei only wanted to play with the babies. They had a cute station where you could dress baby dolls, give them a bath, and play with them. We could not get her away-which was not a bad thing. She is such a little mommy. It is very fun to watch. The only way we could get her to look at the other displays was if she brought all of her baby dolls with her. She couldn't carry 3 so she made Dave carry one and she had the other.
We enjoyed our day downtown and then headed off to my friend Jana's to have dinner with her and our other friend Maile and their kids. Jana and I grew up together and all three of us were friends in high school. I thought I got a picture but apparently I didn't so I 'll have to get one from one of them later. It was so fun to visit with them and catch up on life. We don't get to see each other often enough. Their kids are so cute, fun and grown up! Maile's girls kept us laughing and Izzy was so cute! Thanks for having us Jana and Maile!

Then it was off to see the Smiths who recently moved which we are very sad about that but we were excited to see them again. And once again I didn't get any pictures, what was up with me that day! Rachelle actually did get a couple of pictures which she put on her blog. It was so fun to visit and we just picked up from where we left off. We miss having them here in so many ways! Thanks for the fun visit!! Sorry we keep you up so late!

Then it was off to Kahi's house!!

The beginning of our Utah trip. . .

My family planned a reunion this summer up in Utah. My parent stopped here to visit on their way up to Utah, so a few days after my parents left we left too. We usually break up the drive and stay overnight somewhere but couldn't do that this time. It wasn't that bad except for the fact the we stopped so many times that it seemed to take FOREVER! Kalani also managed to lose it all in the back seat. Poor thing! Although we couldn't figure out how he didn't get one speck of the stuff on him. He was spotless, the car wasn't. Enough said about that. We went up to my sister Pua's to stay for a couple of days before we were to meet in Provo for the reunion. We had so much fun playing at their house. We cooked smores one night! Yummy!

We went swimming at the rec center. The kids loved the whirl pool and slides.

The kids spent a lot of time playing the Wii together and had a blast. It's a good thing they're smart enough to figure these games out because I sure am no help!
Kalei and Koa riding together while my sweet husband washed all of the cars.
We had so much fun hanging out together. We also had fun hanging out with Aunty Nana who doesn't live too far from Pua! The kids always have a blast with her and we love her so much! Thanks for having us Pua and Matry! We love you guys!

Ketchup time once again!

Well were do I begin?! It seems like forever since my last post. Being home only 2 days out of the whole month doesn't really work well for updating my blog.

My parents came to visit on June 19 and we were so excited to have them! And it not just because they bring us yummy treats and surprises from home-although that is a great bonus! We didn't do a lot since it was blazin hot outside as usual! We did manage to get to the pool one night which was a lot of fun! Sorry I didn't really get any good ones except this one of my parents!

My kids love reading with Grandma!

We also took a day trip up to Sedona, which my mom has always wanted to see. The plan was to go to Slide rock but since there was a 45 min wait just to get in the parking lot we scratched that idea. We parked on the side of the road and hiked down to the stream.
Dave and the kids had a lot of fun swimming and exploring while I stayed on shore with my parents. Someone had to keep them company! I have issues with lakes and rivers-I'll go into that in a later post.
Something got Kalani!!! They found a crawdad claw and Kalani was pretty proud of this little trick he managed to do! What talent!

Flagstaff

Dave and I had the opportunity to hike through a lava tube in Flagstaff. I get claustrophobic and was worried about going down in there but it actually wasn't bad at all. It opens up and it one spot the ceiling is 30 feet high. When we got down there we turned off our flashlights and you could feel the darkness. I couldn't even see my hand if front of my face.

Then we went and rode the ski lift at Snow Bowl. The views were breathtaking. The entire ride was 50 minutes and it was so relaxing.

Happy Father's Day!

Kawika had a great idea to put on a carnival for Father's Day!

Kawika was in charge of the balloon dart board.
Dave was only 100 off. That's pretty good in my book.
Kaili had Dave bobbing for apples. And Kalei had a ring toss for Dave to win a boat load of soda(the kids were very excited-since most of the time they only get good old water)
After each game Dave got a prize. The kids loved being in charge of a particular game and getting everything ready for it. It was a fun time!

THE DADS WE LOVE!!!

I know this is late-but better late than never! I am so grateful for the wonderful husband I have. He is the most amazing father. I learn from him each day on how to be a better parent. He is so much fun and is always making us laugh. He makes each one of our children feel special! He is patient, kind and insightful! We love and appreciate who you are and all you do!

The other dad in my life has taught me so much. My dad is the silent type that teaches by example. The one thing that stands out the most about my dad is he was willing to help anyone and everyone. He was always helping the neighbor, or the aunty down the road , or decorating for a wedding, feeding all the missionaries and half of the BYU-H student body. He has the biggest heart and best of all he loves his family and the Lord! Thanks dad! We love you!