Happy New Year 2010!

This year we decided to slide out of the old year, and splash into the new one! Happy 2010!

Our family and the Fakatou family (old friends from BYUH) met at the Holiday Inn to welcome in the New Year. This was no ordinary Hotel though... it was a new hotel with an awesome indoor water park! It had one big slide, a kid spash pool with small slides, a basketball pool, a big hot tub, and an 'old folks' pool to just float around. We enjoyed are last big feast at Chuckarama, and then swam all night! It was so fun to catch up with old friends, who now have children that give our girls new friends. :)

You gotta love Samara's expression in the beginning as she is patiently "cheesing" it for her mom to take a picture. Poor thing didn't know it was a moving picture!

Like most kids... Nani is a water girl... and she was big enough to go on the big slide. She loved it!

Kea, Teisa, and Nani

Samara and her Mom taking a break from swimming.

Our friend Briony with her 3 daughters... Teisa, Alisi, and soon to be baby girl #3!

Three girls, just like us.

Tino and Malu go WAAAAAAAAY back. Back to the island of Tonga!

After swimming for hours we got the little girls all cleaned up and cozy in their pajamas and met in our room to welcome in the new year. Almost all of us made it... Kea fell asleep at about 11:55. Briony provided fun hats, necklaces, poppers, and sparkling cider in fancy plastic cups... it was a real party.

I had taken a video of it all, but 10 seconds before Jan. 1st... I ran out of memory. :)

New Years R4esolutions...

Nani's resolution is to 'make do with what you have'. She and Kea had tried so hard to make a BIG snowman, but the snow just wasn't sticking. So... She made this little guy, and she did it all by herself, and all with a smile. :)

Kea's resolution is to 'keep trying, even when the odds are against you'. Maybe she wont reach her goal at this time... but she will certainly get stronger trying!

Samara's goal is to 'be happy with who she is and Smile'... and help others smile too! I bet she reached her goal already! (You can't watch this clip and not smile.)

Happy 2010!!!!!!

Christmas Day!

Christmas Morning

I LOVE the excitement of Christmas morning! Our girls slept in too long I guess, because their Dad decided it was time to wake them up and get on with the show. :) They had all miraculously slept through the night and were soooo happy to find out what was wrapped and under the tree.

Nani was thrilled to find her "American Doll", Mary Lynn with 2 outfits, a book, and lots of fun accessories including a violin!

Kea received her favorite mermaid, Ariel perfect for the pool or bath. All of the girls love this!

Samara was so happy to open her Doll house, especially because it has a pink toilet, a baby with a stroller, and the cutest Grammy!

Christmas Party with the Hopoate Clan

We enjoyed good food and great company as all of the local family gathered to our small home for Christmas Dinner. The kids enjoyed playing a gift game... or at least they did until they ended up with things like a pound of butter, or a food chopper. :) We had an Xbox set up, and also did a mini family photo shoot. It was a great way to end the day.