Playing Cards

Last night was a beautiful evening. Not too hot, not too cold (yes it does get too cold in Hawaii on occasion). Everyone sat out on the grass and played cards. Well I watched cards, because honestly I don't like playing cards. Probably comes from the fact that I have never really excelled at the game, so if I can't win I don't bother... but that is another story entirely. Nadia was very interested in the card game. She sat on the side for a while sucking on a piece of apple then joined in with Inoke. Watching card games with my in-laws is always entertaining. Inoke's mom is always arguing with his dad on who is winning and double checking his arithmetic to make sure no points were mistakenly forgotten. They get quite competitive and take the game seriously. Now I know where Inoke gets it from. Once Inoke and I played Monopoly on this particular occasion I was actually beating him; when it became clear that he had no hope at winning he messed up the entire board so nobody could win. Uh huh... yep I guess he comes by it honestly.

Pearl Harbor

I am a little behind on updates on our goings. Since Inoke's parents are visiting we decided to take them down to see Pearl Harbor. I honestly can't say how many times I have visited this attraction, but I can say it never gets old. Never fail, each and every time I sit in that auditorium and watch the video about the events of history, I am truly touched. Something about the realization that so many have lost their lives in defense of the very liberties and rights that I so often take for granted, it just brings out the patriotism in me.

My Little Baby Doll...

Inoke's parents have been staying with us for the last few weeks and will be here until the end of May. I have really appreciated having his mom around to help out with Nadia, it has been a big blessing. His mom is always teasing me about how I am always putting little bows and frufru girly things on Nadia. She says I dress her up like a doll. I take it as a compliment. So here are a few pics of my little "Baby Doll" in the most adorable tutu. My sister Kirsten, MADE the tutu. I am totally impressed in that I have zero crafty skills to speak of. I just couldn't resist dressing her up and taking some pictures out in the yard. Here are my two top pics then a slide show below because I just couldn't narrow it down.

Happy Mother's Day

I know this is a few days late, (I have a good excuse). Sunday was the first Mother's Day in a long time that I was actually excited to go to church. The past seven years or so Mother's Day has been one of those dreaded holidays that I am lucky if I survive without shedding a tear or two. This year however, I am no longer the excluded lady with no children, now I am a mama too. Inoke was very kind in that he realized the significance of this Mother's Day and got me a sweet present... (picture below). I still cooked breakfast and lunch for us.... but Inoke did hold Nadia while I ate first and enjoyed my meal. Here are a few pictures that we took after church. Yes, I know that I have a slight obsession with matching Nadia and my church clothes... But hey, let me have my fun. So happy belated Mother's Day to all you mamas out there and don't give up on Mother's Day to all you who are yet to become mamas.

And here is my sweet present from Inoke... A beautiful new Coach purse and matching wallet that can double as a stylish "diaper bag" when necessary. He definitely scored major points this year...

Happy, Happy Birthday Inoke...

It seems like yesterday I was posting Happy 30th B-day to Inoke. Holy smokes the past year has flown by and so many new and exciting things have happened for us. Inoke isn't a big mushy lovey dovey kind of guy so I don't want to embarrass him too much. I just want him to know that even though I am always talking his ear off and lecturing him about everything and anything I do love and appreciate him. He is a very hard worker and has a big heart. (Sometimes I think it is too big). I love to watch him play with Nadia that is when I get to see the big burly man turn into a kid again.

Here are a few tidbits of info on the Birthday Boy...

A - Age: 31
B - Bed size: King
C - Chore he hates: he doesn’t do chores…
D - Dog's name: no dogs
E - Essential start the day item: toothbrush and toothpaste
F - Favorite color(s): orange
G - Gold or Silver: Bling Bling Gold
H - Height: 6’4”
I - Instruments he plays: guitar and ukalele (kinda)
J - Job title: Youth Corrections Officer
K - Kid(s): Nadia Ann Talaivakaturaga Biutanaseva
L - Living arrangements: House in Laie, HI
M - Mom's name: Titilia Bale Tuwai Biutanaseva
N - Nicknames: Knox, Noqu Buba, Noqu Rosi Vinaka
O - Overnight hospital stay: Hernia Repair as a child and then sleeping over when I was in the hospital.
P - Pet Peeve: Karla talking TOO much.
Q - Quote from a movie: “Senka, Are you dead man?” (Cool Runnings).
R - Right or left handed: Right.
S -Siblings: 6; Balavu, Tuwai, Wati, Finau, Wesley, Talei
T - Time he wakes up: Alarm goes off at 4:30, but snoozes to 4:40, on the road by 5am!
U - Underwear: yes
V - Vegetable he dislikes: Salad for sure, but it might be easier to say what he likes: Corn, Green Bean Casserole, Fried Eggplant and Bele. That’s it.
W - Workout style: Weights, Rugby, & Punching Bag.
X - X-rays he’s had: dental
Y - Yesterday's best moment: Playing with Nadia.
Z - Zoo favorite: Hmm we never go to the zoo, but he really liked Shamu at Sea World.

Inoke, I know you wanted a motorcycle for your big day... but hmm maybe next year...

Day at the beach...

Yesterday Inoke and I took Nadia to the beach. The first time she tried to "lick" the water, She quickly picked up on the difference between a swimming pool and the ocean. Poor thing she had this shocked look on her face like "hmm that water tastes BAD." The salt didn't slow her down though, she loved splashing around in the warm water. I couldn't have asked for a better day, the sky was blue, the water was crystal clear, and the wind was just enough to keep you cool without blowing sand all over. It was perfect. After Nadia swam for a while, Inoke took the lead with her back home so I could enjoy some much needed sun time. Inoke is always reminding me how fair I have become and how much I need some color. I don't remember the last time I was able to relax and soak up some sun at the beach like that. Its hard to be in Hawaii and still look like I just moved down from Alaska. Ahh it was heavenly...