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!!!