The Patterson Family

Happy 4th of JULY

2010-07-04T18:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we enjoyed our usual 4th of July activities. We started the day at 5am listening to the bombs going off at the park. Then we enjoyed the pancake breakfast followed by the BBQ lunch at the park. The kids participated in the annual foot races.

On your mark...

Get set...

GO!!!

We ended a perfect day watching fireworks over Lyman Lake.

June-tastic

2010-06-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

Nicholas turned 8 on June 12th!

Airplane Grandma and Grandpa, and Uncle Justin came for Nicholas' special baptism birthday.

For his 8th birthday Nicholas asked his Grandpa to roast a pig.

Nicholas was baptised on his birthday with his friend Preston Wilson.

The Pattersons.

Important family members that shared this special day with us BUT ran away from the camera include Papa and Grandma Drain, Airplane Grandma and Grandpa, Uncle Garth and Aunt Bonnie, Uncle Keith, Uncle Adam, Uncle Justin, and cousin Katie.

June 12th was a fun and crazy day! It was so fun and crazy that we didn't get the chance to have Nicholas' birthday cake until Monday June 14th. We also enjoyed a visit from Uncle Sam.

One more fantastic thing that happened in June... On June 21st Brigham just decided to stand up and start walking with his walker. Pretty wild!

Here's What Happened In MAY

2010-06-14T22:22:00.000-07:00

May 1st: Nicholas participated in his first wrestling tournament.

May 2nd: It snowed!?? Here's what we came home to after Stake Conference.

May 11th: Look who's CRAWLING!!! Brigham loves his new found freedom.

May 14th: Lora graduated from Eastern Arizona.

May 17th: Audrey and Sarah performed at their end of the year dance recital.

May 25th: The last day of preschool at our house.

Utah in 3 Days

2010-04-27T18:38:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday Ryan came home for lunch and said, "I REALLY want to go to Utah." So I'm thinking to myself... hmmm information that would've been useful YESTERDAY! But after flashing his sad brown eyes the packing began. We left home Wednesday at 11pm and returned home Sunday at 5am. So why in the world would we make such a crazy dash to Utah toting 4 kids???

Adam graduated!!!

We got to see our cousins Jason and Nicole.

Brigham was introduced to his namesake.

We toured Salt Lake,

and found out that Uncle Kyle and Aunt Candace are having a baby! And I just have to say, "WOOHOOOO!!! YEAH BABY, bring on the cousins!"

We even got to see my cousin Brittany go to her prom. On such little time we sure had A LOT of fun!

This Easter...

2010-04-05T20:23:00.000-07:00

we colored eggs at Grandma's house,

had our annual bunny cake decorating competition,

(Can you guess which bunny won???)

enjoyed our visit from the Easter Bunny,

and had a family picnic at the park.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-18T17:47:00.001-07:00

This year we invited the Wilson kids to help us make leprechaun traps the day before St. Patrick's Day.

Once again that tricky leprechaun escaped our traps with all of our gold. The kids were happy to find that he was kind enough to leave behind golden chocolate.

Here's our St. Patrick's Day breakfast crew. These kids enjoyed green eggs and ham washed down with green milk.

The Things You Do For Love

2010-03-08T09:07:00.000-08:00

I totally DON'T dance anymore, and I have been known to swear up and down that there is no way in this world I would or could ever teach any form of dance..... and then I had a son. GEEZ, the things moms do for their kids. Soooo, after eating my own words, there I was teaching him and his three friends this...

Nicholas, Preston Wilson, Parker Humpherys, and Michael Greer performed the Ka Mate Haka last Saturday at our ward talent show.

Mr. RSV

2010-02-23T18:52:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday, Brigham and I got a 2 minute ambulance ride from the pediatrician's office to the Show Low Hospital. Brigham's oxygen level was very low and and he was extremely dehydrated. After 1 blood draw, 1 chest x-ray, 2 really deep nose suctions, and 3 unsuccessful IV starts, our poor little guy tested positive for RSV. It's that respiratory virus that babies shouldn't get because it's VERY BAD!!! And as you can see by the look on Brigham's face above it really is VERY BAD. Or maybe that's the "GET ME OUT OF HERE" face??! Either way, after 52 hours (but really, who's counting?) in the Show Low Hospital Brigham was released breathing on his own.

And here he is today. SOOOO much better. Amazing what the proper amount of oxygen will do for someone. It's GOOD to have him smiling again!

A Very Merry Christmas

2009-12-30T18:19:00.000-08:00

December ended SO much better than it started.

Brigham received his first Christmas ornament.

Nicholas must have been good this year because Santa brought him a new bike and a cowboy hat.

Audrey and Sarah were definitely on the nice list.

Brigham's favorite present was given to him by his Dad.

Warning: Flood Zone

2009-12-15T17:04:00.000-08:00

December didn't start out so well. This is what we came home to Friday, December 4th.

We arrived home just in time to watch our ceiling collapse.

Oh JOY!

The only thing missing from this picture is the waterfall that was pouring over our fridge. A valve in our upstairs bathroom was either faulty or froze.

What a difference 11 days can make! This is what our kitchen looks like today!!! We've still got insulation repairs, and a lot of cleaning... but LOOK! No gaping hole or piles of insulation.

Now, back to Christmas!

November Fun

2009-12-01T10:51:00.000-08:00

December has arrived! So here's what happened in November...

Ryan had a birthday! If you're curious about how old he is you can count the candles. Good luck!

This year we participated in Mesa's Turkey Trot. Ryan and I ran in the 2 mile race while my Mom took on the 10K. So fun!!!

After the Turkey Trot we had Thanksgiving dinner at Jill's house. Here's the adult table...

and here's the kid table.

The kids got to watch a movie with Ryan while the rest of us went to see the movie NEW MOON. Love Ryan!!!

Audrey turned 5!!!

And her very most favorite present this year was Larry the Hot Dog given to her by Aunt Lora. It's an Aunt thing... or maybe just a Lora thing!
That wraps up November. Bring on the Christmas Season!!!

Brigham's Blessing Day

2009-11-02T11:12:00.002-08:00

Yesterday Ryan gave our new baby boy a name and a blessing.

Bringing a family together is just one of the amazing things a baby can do!

Halloween

2009-11-02T11:12:00.001-08:00

Here we are ready for the Halloween Parade! This year we had two witches, one jack-o-lantern, and Anakin Skywalker.

Our kids had an extra special Halloween. Grandpa Fiaui, Uncle Jan, and cousins Amron, AJ, and Anisee all came to visit for the weekend. These kids had a blast trick-or-treating and passing out candy together.

Aunt Cara and cousin Madilyn (the cute ladybug) came too!

Willis Farm

2009-10-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went with Grandma to the Willis Farm in Snowflake to conquer their corn maze and pick pumpkins!

Soccer Boys

2009-10-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

Soccer has come and gone. This year Nicholas had fun being coached by Velvet Nielsen, and playing on a team with his cousin Tucker Nielsen and friends Parker Humpherys (left) and Gage Heap (right).

Sarah Ann is 3!

2009-10-17T06:57:00.000-07:00

How this happened I really don't know.

Sarah no longer has to push an empty stroller around outside while her brother and sister ride their bikes. She's got her first set of wheels!!!

Sarah's cake of choice... A princess sprinkle cake. It doesn't get any better than this for my 3 year old!

Uncle Kyle Quiz

2009-10-12T22:06:00.000-07:00

What is the newest and best thing about Uncle Kyle?

Aunt CANDACE!!!

That's right! These kids got a beautiful Aunt Candace last week Thursday!!!

Kyle and Candace were sealed for time and all eternity in the Snowflake Temple.
Above are the Pattersons and Drains that came to the temple.

There's nothing like BROTHERS!

Ryan and his little girls!!!

She's Got Wheels...

2009-10-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

and knows how to use them!

Audrey has inherited Nicholas' bike and says she loves it because it matches her eyes. (Whew! The princess bike she's been asking for has totally been forgotten!!) When I told Audrey that I wanted to take a picture of her and her new bike she said, "Okay, but I need to change my shirt." So please note the green sweater that matches her green eyes that match her new green bike. Girls!!!?? You gotta love 'em!

How Do You Roll?

2009-09-17T12:18:00.000-07:00

This is how they ROLL... to school!!! Nicholas and Preston are big boys with big bikes. With new tires and handle bar grips, Ryan turned Uncle Kyle's old bike into the best bike EVER! Just look at that smile. Nicholas loves his new bike and new found freedom.
(A special thanks to Grandma Patterson, who always has what a boy needs.)

Fun With Airplane Grandma

2009-09-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

These kids had a lot of fun with Airplane Grandma while she was here. Besides morning walks everyday, they also cracked wheat for breakfast,

made monster cookies,

and fresh apple cake to enter in the fair.

Even Brigham had fun being rocked to sleep.

Airplane Day

2009-09-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

Airplane Grandma came to visit all last week. While she was here she spent a day with Nicholas and his class teaching them all about airplanes and how to talk like a pilot.

The kids had a lot of fun learning how to call the St. Johns tower and request for take off with their own call signs.

Little Farmers

2009-09-03T09:13:00.000-07:00

We didn't make it out to the field with the camera before it got cut, but you can kind of see how tall the grass was by what was leftover. It was so beautiful.

Audrey was on clean up patrol.

While Sarah, who was supposed to be helping, decided picking flowers was more fun. And yes, she is shoeless. I can't keep shoes on this girl.

Baby Brigham

2009-08-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

He's finally here!!! Brigham Fiaui Patterson was born on August 25 at 11:45 pm. He weighed 8 lbs 7 oz and was 21.5 inches long.

Our Fabulous 1st Grader

2009-08-17T11:10:00.000-07:00

Today is Nicholas' first day of 1st grade. Nicholas has been so excited for school to start back up, so it was no surprise when early this morning I found him showered and dressed waiting for breakfast.

24th Celebration Parade

2009-07-27T08:43:00.000-07:00

This year we had one parade participant and two spectators. Nicholas had a blast throwing candy to the crowd from our ward primary float,

while the girls enjoyed gathering parade treats.

4th of July Fun

2009-07-13T15:52:00.001-07:00

Cupcakes and pinwheels. Does it get any better???

Why yes it does... races and cracker jacks!!!
Here's our 2 year old girl racer,

our 4 year old girl racer,

and our 7 year old boy racer.

All of this plus fireworks and popcorn at Lyman Lake. Now that's a fantastic 4th of JULY!

Guess Who's Home

2009-06-27T18:20:00.000-07:00

Just yesterday--our very own--Elder Kyle Patterson returned home from serving in the Tulsa Oklahoma mission!!!

Nicholas is so happy to have his Uncle Kyle back!

There are Farmers in the Dell

2009-06-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

Here are my two hard working farmers. Ryan and Nicholas have disked, leveled, and laid pipe over the last couple of weeks to get Grandpa's field ready for irrigating. On Father's Day the boys got to irrigate for the very first time on their very first field.

I cannot tell you how excited Nicholas was to finally get to wear the irrigation boots he had been trying on every day for weeks, and you would've thought Christmas had arrived when Nicholas found out that he would get to work ALL through the night with his Dad!!!

Ryan and the kids taking a little break in the shade.

Uncle Adam got home from BYU just in time to help!

Super Seven

2009-06-13T09:22:00.000-07:00

Our Nicholas turned seven yesterday!

We ate pizza and went bowling in Show Low with Grandma and Aunt Lora.

Here's the birthday boy in action. Nicholas has never bowled before and he beat out me, Audrey, and Aunt Lora for 3rd place with a high score of 93!

Nicholas loves little cars and trucks, and this year he asked for a "road cake." Here's what we came up with... a triple chocolate fudge cake with accompanying semi and race car.

Father and Sons

2009-05-16T11:32:00.001-07:00

Ryan and Nicholas are packed and ready to go camping. Let the fun begin!

Girls Night In

2009-05-16T11:20:00.001-07:00

While the boys went camping, we went to a party at Christy Skousen's home. These are the cupcakes Audrey and Sarah made for the party.

The girls got to make pizza, enjoy a chocolate fountain, put on makeup, play dress up, and make flower clips for their hair. Needless to say we had a lot of fun while the boys were away!

Spring Has Arrived...

2009-04-29T09:19:00.001-07:00

Well, at least at Nicholas' school it has! Yesterday was his Spring Program.

Nicholas and his Airplane Grandma. My Mom was Super Grandma for 5 days and 4 nights. She watched our kids while Ryan and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary. The kids had so much fun and can't wait for her to come back. We're still dealing with fun withdrawals!

Nicholas and Uncle Adam. Adam was home for the weekend from BYU and stayed for Nicholas' program. There's no need to explain how happy Nicholas was about that!

Nicholas and his friends just after their program.

Easter Sunday

2009-04-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

Easter Fun

2009-04-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

Last night we did our annual bunny cake decorating and egg coloring. This year we had some friends help us with our Easter activities. (left to right) Sarah, Preston Wilson, Nicholas, Laurie Wilson, Audrey, and Aubrie Wilson.

Preston and Nicholas

Audrey, Aubrie, and Laurie

Sarah

And... here are the kids at 5:30 this morning enjoying their Easter Bunny deliveries.

Nicholas' Wish Come True

2009-04-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

Last Friday it was confirmed at my ultrasound appointment that Nicholas is getting his long awaited baby BROTHER!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

Last night the kids crafted this year's leprechaun trap.

Well, we didn't catch the leprechaun, and he did get away with all of our gold...AGAIN!! But he did leave yummy golden chocolate.

Do you like green eggs and ham?

You do not like them.

So you say.

Try them! Try them!

And you may.

Try them and you may, I say.

Oh BABY!

2009-03-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

After having an ultrasound last Friday, I am very happy to announce that we are expecting baby #4 late August! At 15 weeks it's kind of hard to tell it's a baby, but it is!!!

Bubble Fun!!!

2009-02-12T08:08:00.000-08:00

Who knew chocolate milk could be so fun!

Our Little Precision Dancer

2009-02-06T14:51:00.001-08:00

This is Audrey's first year in Tara Crosby's Precision Dance program. Almost every day and multiple times a day she asks me, "Is today dance?" or "Are you sure there's no dance today?"

Last night the girls performed their dance routine during half time of the varsity girls basketball game. It was too cute!!! Audrey loves every minute with Tara and her dance friends.

The Girls' Pictures

2009-02-03T16:41:00.000-08:00

I finally got them done! So with Nicholas we took him to a portrait studio...umm...at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year, 2 years, and every year on his birthday up until he started kindergarten and now takes school pictures. My girls on the other hand have been seriously shorted on the portrait studio visits. When they get older and realize this for themselves my defense will be that they grew up in Saint Johns! They enjoyed every birthday in Saint Johns with family. Poor Nicholas had to spend the first few years of his life in the valley. Think I'll get any sympathy? Well, here are some of the girls' pictures...

AUDREY - age 4

SARAH - age 2

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!

2008-12-28T14:03:00.000-08:00

Kindergarten Christmas Program

2008-12-16T20:40:00.000-08:00

Today was Nicholas' school Christmas program. I love this time of year. There are so many fun things going on, and things to do. The kids did such a great job!

Nicholas and cousin Anna.

The kindergarten boys...(left to right) Micheal Greer, Preston Wilson, Nicholas, and Gage Heap.

Happy Birthday and Happy Thanksgiving

2008-12-02T11:38:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was filled with more fun than usual. Our Audrey Catherine turned 4 on Thanksgiving day!!!

Here are the kids waiting for their turkey and dressing.

This year's cake was graced with Audrey's 4 favorite princesses!

Happy Halloween

2008-11-01T09:29:00.001-07:00

This year we had one purple fairy princess, one pink fairy princess, and a crocodile hunter!

Nicholas and Preston are ready for the Halloween parade.

Sarah and Audrey are waiting to get the show on the road.

Here's the cutest part of our trick-or-treating pack. Starting at the left... Carly Wengert, Audrey, Aubrie Wilson, and Anna Tenney.

Even cousin Madilyn dressed up for her first Halloween.

Pumpkins Pumpkins Pumpkins

2008-10-23T13:51:00.000-07:00

Last Friday we went to the Willis Farm in Snowflake to pick out this years pumpkins...

and to run through the corn maze like crazy people. We completed the course in about 45 minutes without a map, which entitled each of us to a--as Ryan would put it--very expensive candy bar!!!

And, yesterday we finally got to decorate our pumpkins...

Sarah wasn't much for decorating hers, but she loves her "punkin!"

GOOOOOOOOOOAL!

2008-10-21T19:41:00.001-07:00

Soccer has come and gone...

Tonight was Nicholas' last soccer game of the season. Thanks to his coach, Kami Avila, he has had a blast!

Guess Who's 2

2008-10-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

Our little Sarah Ann is 2!!

Ryan and I gave her a baby doll, and Nicholas and Audrey gave her a very special rock collection that they have been working on for weeks. Some of the rocks are from our backyard, some are from the Coronado school playground, some are from Grandma and Papa's yard, and some are from when we hauled wood. Not just ordinary rocks people! These were hand picked, washed, and sorted for quality! What quality I'm not quite sure of, but quality none the less.

And the cake... this year it was a strawberry sprinkle cake!

A Weekend in Utah

2008-10-06T11:10:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we went to Utah to visit family and attend a session of General Conference. While my Mom, Ryan, and I were at Conference the kids enjoyed their much anticipated Uncle Ken Day! My brother spoiled and spoiled and spoiled them. They love Uncle Ken!

While in Utah we were also able to see Adam,

and my Uncle Jason, Aunt Jackie, Brittany, Haley, and Brayden.

I had to steal this picture of them because some how I got home without taking a single one. Ughh!

The County Fair

2008-09-15T19:52:00.001-07:00

A special thanks to Grandma! She is the reason these kids had a great time at the fair and got to put in their entries!!!

These are Audrey's blue ribbon peppers,

her red ribbon butternut squash,

and her red ribbon asters.

This is Nicholas' blue ribbon spaghetti squash,

and his blue ribbon asters.

This is the picture Nicholas colored at school to enter in the fair with his class.

Here's Sarah enjoying the fair with her cotton candy bag in hand!

Nicholas and Sarah had a great time testing out the race cars too.

Labor Day Weekend

2008-09-02T08:23:00.000-07:00

Ryan's cousin Corin, her husband Mike, and their 4 girls came to visit us last weekend. We all had a great time, and the kids were amazing together. You would think that with 7 kids in one house we were bound to have a few time outs or discussions on sharing and being nice. Not with these kids. Talk about playing well with others. It was unbelievable! All they did was have fun fun fun!

First Day of School

2008-08-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

Today is Nicholas' first day of full-day kindergarten. He was so excited about going to school that he was up, showered, dressed, and awaiting his breakfast at 6am! We have got to invest in blackout curtains!!! Well, being the good mother that I am, I told him it was too early and that he should go back to bed and then I proceeded to pull the covers over my head... for a few more precious minutes of rest. Amazingly enough we made it to school EARLY. Nicholas is in Mrs. Udall's class and at lunch today he told me, "I like my teacher. She is very nice." So we're off to a great start of a great school year!

St. George, Utah

2008-08-10T18:59:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went to Ola and Jessie Kaonohi's wedding reception in St. George, Utah. Before the reception we were able to tour the St. George Tabernacle, Brigham Young's winter home, and see the Pioneer Miracle movie at the visitor's center. I have never been to St. George before, and must say that it is a beautiful town, and the St. George Temple is absolutely gorgeous!

This is the inside of the Tabernacle.

These statues were around the outside of the Tabernacle.

Sarah and Audrey

These are two of Ola's three older sisters, and MY dearest childhood friends. Kaulana is on the left, and Kristy is on the right with her baby boy Coby. Toni, who is not in the picture, is serving a mission. These are the girls I grew up with, and I love them! I am so glad that I was able to see them this weekend. It was A LOT of fun! You really can't go wrong at a Hawaiian wedding!!!

This is Audrey and Kristy's girl, Kylan... or as Audrey calls her, "My friend from Hawaii."

And this is what Audrey and Kylan were doing while everyone else was cleaning up! You gotta love girls!!!

Breaking Dawn

2008-07-28T20:56:00.001-07:00

As some of you are aware and waiting, this Saturday, August 2nd, Breaking Dawn will be released. It is the 4th and final book in the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. Thanks to Lora, I love these books and have had a lot of fun with them. I read Twilight with my book club girls, inhaled New Moon a week later, and then anxiously awaited the release of Eclipse by hosting a Twilight Prom with my fabulous friends...

Julie (in blue) and Keirsten (in pink).

That's right! We planned, prepared, decorated, and hosted our own Twilight Prom and had a BLAST...

with family and friends.

This was by far the best girl party I have ever been to. There were 47 beautifully dressed moms, daughters, sisters, grandmas, and friends eating, reading, and dancing!

The Beach Bums Are Home

2008-07-16T15:49:00.001-07:00

After 23 days of island fun we finally managed to find our way home. I have to tell you though, I could really be a professional beach bum! It totally suits me.

Nicholas and Audrey at Lani Kai Beach.

Sarah decided that she liked the beach this year!

Audrey and Grandma after their walk along the shore of Kailua.

Audrey, Nicholas, AJ, and Anisee found a crab to play with at the Ko Olina coves.

The Polynesian Cultural Center

2008-07-16T15:38:00.000-07:00

I love this place! It is seriously one of the best things to do and see on Oahu.

The kids and I are in the Samoan village standing in front of a Samoan fale.

The grandkids enjoyed hanging out with Grandpa.

Audrey and Anisee

Me and Sarah

Nicholas and Grandpa patiently waiting to see cousin Nani dance in the canoe show.

Airplane Grandma

2008-07-16T15:33:00.001-07:00

This is why we call her Airplane Grandma!!! My Mom is a private pilot, and a member of the Civil Air Patrol, Hawaii Wing.

Here she is in a F-4 Phantom.

My Mom is also the owner of this Beech Muskateer. This is Nicholas just before his first "authorized" flight with Grandma. Nicholas and I went up with my Mom once before about 2 years ago, but I neglected to consult with Ryan. I thought it would be better to ask for forgiveness. Not the best choice I know, but it was soooo cool! This trip Ryan kindly lifted Nicholas' no-fly ban. Needless to say Nicholas and Grandma were extremely happy and had a awesome flight.

Audrey got to listen to the Honolulu Tower and taxi with Grandma.

Little Sarah loved the airplane too!

Grandpa's Waiahole Farm

2008-07-16T15:30:00.001-07:00

My Dad took us to see his farm in Waiahole. It's a very beautiful piece of land that has an amazing view of Kaneohe Bay. Some of the things the kids saw growing on the farm were, papaya trees, coconut trees, banana trees, and taro plants.

The kids even got to see Uncle Ken climbed a coconut tree so that they could enjoy some fresh coconut juice. This is Uncle Ken, Audrey, Nicholas, AJ, and Anisee posing by a papaya tree.

Two little monkeys, Amron and Nicholas.

Makapu'u Lighthouse Hike

2008-07-16T15:23:00.000-07:00

This was quite a hike for little legs and little feet, but they did it!

Here are the kids and my mom at the trail head.

We made it to the top!

From the lookout we were able to see Molokai and Lanai peeking through the clouds.

Honolulu Zoo

2008-07-16T15:20:00.001-07:00

I was very surprised how much the kids enjoyed the zoo!!! It was pretty hot the day that we went, but the kids were so enthralled with it all that they didn't even notice. They pretended that they were on an adventure to discover animals. It was so fun to watch them.

Temple Valley

2008-07-16T15:19:00.001-07:00

I have to admit that I have passed by the Valley of the Temples in Kahalu'u a bazillion times in my life but have never gone in to see it. So Ryan and I decided to take the kids in and check it out. Within the Valley of the Temples is The Byodo-In Temple that was built in the 1960's to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant workers in Hawaii who came to work in the sugar plantation fields. It is a replica of the 950-year-old Byodoin Temple located in Uji, Japan on the southern outskirts of Kyoto. Inside the temple is a huge golden Lotus Buddha. It is stained in a black lacquer and decorated in gold leaf, and is the largest wooden Buddha carved in over 900 years... Who knew?!

As is customarily done before entering the temple, the kids rang the peace bell. This ringing of the bell is done to purify the mind of evil spirits and temptation. It is also said that ringing the bell will bring you happiness, blessings, and a long life... I rang it twice just to make sure!

My Brothers

2008-07-16T15:15:00.000-07:00

These are my big brothers. From left to right... Kenneth, Jan, Me, Jas, and Doug. My younger brother Justin was the only one not able to make it to Hawaii.

The Fiaui Family Reunion

2008-06-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

This past week was super super fun! WE'RE IN HAWAII!!! ...and as if that weren't enough, the kids and I were able to take part in the FIRST EVER Fiaui family reunion. Our week started with a fantastic family home evening at my Uncle Fata's home, then continued with a day at the beach, followed by a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center, a family barbecue at my parent's home, and ended with a very special family meeting. I am extremely grateful to Ryan and my Mom for making it possible for us to participate in this wonderful family event. We had a lot of fun being together and making memories.

Above is my Dad and his brother and sister. On the left is my Uncle Fata, in the middle is my Aunty Manofo, and on the right is my Dad, Loia.

This is my Aunty Manofo and her daughter Fitu, and her husband Steven, and son EJ. Missing in this picture is Fitu and Steven's daughter Tayla, who I think was sleeping?!

Here is our family picture. From left to right in a round about way, here goes... Mele, my fabulous sister-in-law who is holding her oldest son Tolufale, my brother Doug who is holding their baby boy Tina'u, Me, Nicholas, Audrey, my oldest brother Jan, his daughter Anisee, son AJ, and son Amron, my Dad, my Mom who is holding Sarah, and my brother Kenneth. Missing from our picture are Ryan, Jan's wife Michelle, my brother Jas, his six kids, and my brother Justin.

This is my Uncle Fata and Aunty Sese's family. From left to right... Lani, Nani, Aunty Sese, Uncle Fata, Junior, and Ron.

And here we all are, together for the first time, at my Uncle Fata's home in Laie Hawaii, Monday, June 23, 2008.

Nicholas and Preston

2008-06-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

Nicholas and his friend Preston Wilson were born two days apart. Last Saturday, Nicholas and Preston celebrated their 6th birthday together by inviting their friends to a special party at the best movie theater in town. This awesome idea belongs to Preston's mom, Tana. She's amazing... and the party was a fabulous success!

Papa and the Kids

2008-06-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

We love having Papa and Grandma home! Here's Audrey, Sarah, and Nicholas enjoying a beautiful summer morning relaxing with their Papa in the shade of his front porch.

Happy Birthday Nicholas!!!

2008-06-13T12:05:00.000-07:00

Our Nicholas Ryan turned 6 years old yesterday. He had a fabulous day! It started with jumping off of the diving board for the very first time during his swim lesson, and ended with cake, ice cream, and family. The cake of choice this year was a lemon Iron Man cake.

Camping

2008-06-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I took the kids camping this weekend just below Big Lake in the White Mountains.

Puppy Love

2008-05-21T14:20:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was an exciting day for us. Nicholas got to go over to his friend Parker's house to pick out his very own puppy. While picking one out, Nicholas insisted that it be a boy like him. Completely understandable from a boy with two sisters. Audrey on the other hand, insisted that it be black, NOT yellow. What she thought was wrong with the cute yellow ones, I have no idea. Anyway, Nicholas loves his new puppy and has decided to name him Scout. Thanks Chuck and Kristen! You've made one little boy very happy.

Summer Fun

2008-05-16T19:18:00.000-07:00

Let the summer landscaping fun begin! Ryan and I have decided to tackle our barren front yard first. Grandpa Drain let Ryan borrow his fabulous tractor. Ryan would have you know that it is a mid-1950's International, for any of you tractor buffs. All I know is that it's the best invention ever!!!

Here's Ryan and Nicholas relocating the hardest dirt I have ever seen in my life. Nicholas is the best helper I know. He has always loved working and helping. Nicholas was pretty upset this morning when he had to go to school instead of help his Dad work at Grandma and Grandpa Drain's house. The only thing that made him feel better about going to school was when he was told that there would be plenty of work for him to do with his Dad when he got home.

Whiskey Row Marathon

2008-05-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 3rd was the 30th annual Whiskey Row Marathon in Prescott Arizona... and it was a BLAST! The weather was perfect, and we all had fun participating in our races. This was my first organized race, and I now totally understand why people get into this stuff. There really is something super fabulous about crossing a finish line.

Ryan and Adam
at the start of
the half marathon.

Nicholas and Grandma
at the start of

the 2 mile

fun run.

Greer For The Day

2008-04-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I took the kids to Greer during the day of our anniversary. It was such a beautiful day, and the kids enjoyed visiting the ducks.

Spring Has Sprung

2008-04-24T14:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Nicholas' Spring Program. The kids recited poems, sang songs, square danced, and did the two step. It was so fun to see all the things he has been doing and learning in Mrs. Herring's Music class. Nicholas has music on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and almost every day he wakes up and asks, "Is it Tuesday or Thursday today?" We love Mrs. Herring. She makes school so much fun!

The Mighty Mighty Mud Cats

2008-04-22T20:34:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, April 15th was Nicholas' t-ball debut! Nicholas proudly wears the #2 for the Mud Cats. He loves his uniform, loves his hat, loves his glove, and would wear them every game day, all day long, if I would let him. Nicholas is very intense on the field. Once the ball is hit, from no matter where he is standing in the outfield, he will take off running after it and jump, roll, dive, tackle, or whatever it takes to get it! We might need to work just a wee little bit on teamwork.

Here's Nicholas with two of his buddies, Parker Humpherys (left), and Joey Wood (right).

Perfect timing! My Grandma and Grandpa were passing through on their way to Texas the day of Nicholas' first t-ball game. He was so excited that they were here AND that they were going to go to his game. Now I know some of you are thinking, "Who in their right mind passes through St. Johns on their way to Texas from Oregon?" My answer... Fabulous Grandparents that love their grandkids. Pretty lucky huh?!

Kalua Pig Anyone?

2008-04-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

My Dad, three of my five brothers, two nephews, and one niece, came to visit us the first weekend in April. And yes, we found one more great use for a backyard full of dirt... it's perfect for digging an umu to cook a pig, or in our case pig pieces. It was a lot of fun visiting and working and cooking together. This is one of those really fantastic moments in life that I am so thankful for!

Here's Nicholas after making s'mores with his cousins. How one little boy can get so dirty is still amazing to me!

Easter Fun

2008-04-21T21:55:00.000-07:00

This year we spent Easter down in the valley at Jill's house. We had lots of fun coloring eggs, visiting family, and having our Easter picnic.

St. Patrick's Day

2008-04-21T21:25:00.000-07:00

This is the leprechaun trap that Nicholas and Audrey made the night before St. Patrick's Day. While they didn't catch him this year, the leprechaun did take the "gold" (pennies) in and along the trail leading to the trap and replaced them with gold covered chocolate. They also ate green eggs and ham for breakfast. Audrey wasn't so sure of the green eggs, but after telling her to close her eyes, she decided she liked them Sam I am.

Fun in the Snow

2008-04-21T21:13:00.000-07:00

This is what a sloped backyard full of dead weeds and dirt is good for on a snow day!

And so it starts...

2008-04-21T20:34:00.000-07:00

I guess this is a good place to start. Our latest family photo that never made it into Christmas card form. Christmas was a blast. Ryan, Sarah, and I were able to celebrate Christmas '07 in our new home, which was fabulous. Where were Nicholas and Audrey you ask?! At their annual Christmas Eve sleepover at Grandma's house. Even with a new house of their own, no one was going to get them to give up that tradition! Nicholas assured me that Santa would find him at Grandma's house because he was going to take his stocking with him, and then he would call me to come over when it was time to see what Santa brought for him. I love that kid. Always thinking (hee hee hee).