Labor Day weekend at Big Surf

Since we couldn't get to the surf in Hawaii this holiday weekend, we opted for some man-made ones at Big Surf Waterpark. Some friends of ours invited us along, so we figured why not. 

We grabbed our swimsuits and headed out for fun in the sun all day long. We had a lot of fun riding the down slides and splashing in all the pools.

Jace enjoyed himself, especially because he could float with the lifejacket . . . life was good. He slid down water slides over and over again. Amazingly, he didn't fall asleep on the way home.

We arrived home in time for a shower and relaxation on the couch while UH football game was one TV. Aaaaaaahhhhh, life is good in the Sasaki Home.

Spirit Week 2014

One of the best things I love about Leigh is how outgoing and fun she is. Here she is with some of her besties. This was Disney day at school. They decided to be characters from the movie "UP": Leigh was "Kevin" the peacock, Makenna was the old man, and Aleena was the boy scout. Awesome girls!

Fridays with Jace

Every Friday I try to get Jace out of the house. It's still hot around these parts, so I take him over to the splash pad they have over in Marley Park. We came last week, but no one was here, so it's not as fun. This time, we made sure to bring a friend.

 My dad has a lot of brothers and sisters. And by a lot, I mean A LOT. The numbers of siblings reach into the double digits. My dad is one of the youngest in this huge ohana.

Of all those aunties and uncles, there are a few that I am very close with. Uncle Paul is one of them. I have known his family ever since I was little. At one point, when I was little growing up in Laie, HI, I lived just a block away from them.

Tonight, we had a farewell dinner for Uncle Paul and Aunty Suzie. They are moving to Baltimore, Maryland. Uncle Paul has recently been diagnosed with ALS. We are heartbroken by this news and are hoping that he is able to get the help he needs to deal with this horrible disease. They have raised such a wonderful family ---- 6 boys and 3 girls --- all of which are awesome people.

Uncle Paul and the kids that are left in AZ.

One of the best things about these dinners is seeing family that we don't get to see too often. These wonderful women are my dad's sisters and my cousin in the polka dot dress. I am so blessed to have women like these in my family.

Aunty Mesia and cousin Jake at the dinner. Aunty Mesia is another aunty that I have grown up knowing.

Aunty Teuila I have known all my life as well. She is one of my favorite, growing up in Tonga with her. She is a very talented seamstress and would sew all the things we needed growing up there.

Our AZ Chapter of the Niu Family.

The original Ole G's (LOL).

Aunty Ana is the eldest sister and eldest of all my dad's siblings. I didn't know her very well growing up because she lived so far away, but as an adult, I have grown very close to her.

So glad my kids get to see my family and learn more about their heritage. I feel so blessed to be part of such a wonderful family.

It's the Beginning of the End

 We have finally entered Leigh's final year of high school This really did come too fast for this mama. I'm keeping wanting to have a redo, a do over, second chance. For some reason, time will not listen, so I keep moving forward.

We are so proud of this girl and all that she's accomplished so far:

Made the Evolution Show Choir, 

Photography Club, 

licensed driver (yay!), 

just recently became employed with a discount online Lego Company, 

completed her YW requirements and received her medallion, 

not to mention, 

she has her own little photography business. 

I'm excited to see what she does in this last year and see where the rest of her life takes her. Excuse me while I go cry.

With that said, I AM proud of all my kids and all that they are accomplishing in their lives.

They are growing up so fast!!

Happy Birthday Micah -- Eleven Years!

Today we celebrated Micah's 11th birthday. 

As you can see, we party hard around here.

We actually waited until Saturday to celebrate because he wanted to watch Guardians of the Galaxy. This was our attempt at a birthday-family-selfie.

The movie got a little intense for Jace, so I took him out and we hung out for a bit till the movie ended.

After the movies, we headed to Red Robins for dinner. I was so full of popcorn, I could hardly eat.

This is what happens when you don't have 11 candles --- you use 11 matches. LOL.

Micah is wonderful son! He's kind, smart, loving and helpful around the house. He just finished his Arrow of Light and will be recognized at the next pack meeting. We are so proud of all that he's done. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICAH!!!

Heavenly Father has blessed with wonderful kids. I was little worried because I had to work 2 shifts back to back. I was worried about getting enough sleep to go back to work and also, what were my kids going to do while I slept. Leigh took charge and took the kids out to the movies then out to lunch. I woke up and they showed me these pictures. I guess they were fine without me.

4th of July: Visiting Montezuma

Today we needed to head up to Flagstaff, so we decided that on the way up, we would stop at a few sites that we always see. First stop: MONTEZUMA'S CASTLE

Ancient Puebloan dwellings in the cliff. When you see it in real life, its kind of curious because it is waaaaaaaaayy up in the cliffs. Makes you wonder how the ancient native Americans got up that high to build a home, or even why?

After walking around the site, we packed up the kids, stopped for a Sonic drink and headed to the next stop: Montezuma's Well

We spent a little more time at this site. I thought it would be a quick stop but it ended up being a little bit of hiking. Montezum'as well we learned is this water source in the middle of nowhere. 

We read that at the bottom of this water source were vents that water came through and entered into the water. Also, there are no fish in here, but THOUSANDS of leeches!!

It was fun exploring, but we were ready to go home and rest. It was fun spending time with each other. As we drove we talked about big road trips we want to take soon, exploring this wonderful country.

In the meantime, 

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!

Tempe Wave Pool with our AZ Cousins

It's been years since we've been here, but we've decided to return. Before moving to Hawaii, we came here with our "AZ Cousins" and had a blast. 

Jace of course was not born at the time, so naturally we needed to make another trip here with the cousins (cause it's not the same without them) to make sure he felt included. I'm kind of kidding, but he had no complaints about being here.

Us moms had to capture the fun memory by taking a pool selfie. 

We had an awesome time. Even Aunty Sara and I grabbed a tube and rode the waves. The kids tried to flip us over, but weren't very successful. We helped them out in the end ; ) Because of schedules, we ended a little early, gave each other our hugs and good-byes. We'll be seeing them again real soon. 

Jonathon will be leaving soon for his missions in the Phillipines.

Another fun day to add to the "Sasaki Summer  of 2014".