..MoNdAyS iN tHe PaRk....

Hey y'all! 

Mondays in the Park is an annual show we do during the summer (click on link for more info) 

Annual shows are always fun because we are pretty experienced with the event so there's not a whole lot to prep for, and most of all because it's a treat to see familiar faces of those involved in the event. As we prepare for Mondays In The Park we know we'll always promote the event by doing a morning segment the morning of the show with a local station. This year it was KSL. We always have a blast with KSL on any segment we do, even if it's at 5am ;)  check out the segment here... Haley Smith is such a darling anchor and made it all worth waking up and dragging my kids and hubby out of bed so early. haha... 

For as long as I can remember I have been performing on stage, whether it's singing or dancing. I believe since the age of 5, and is the probably the reason I'd rather dance in front of a million people than speak in front of a group of 12, or teach a class lol.  As I look back on all the many performances I can't help but be grateful for 

1.) the talent and ability that my Heavenly Father has blessed me with to be able to even perform and do what I love.

2.) being born into a family of entertainers- my goodness what a blessing it has been. I can't even imagine what my life would've been like had I been born to a boring family...lol (j/k boring people)

3.) the opportunities and experiences I've had through entertaining.

and 

4.) being able to stay connected with my culture has enriched my life in ways I never thought it could. I can honestly say I am a proud Polynesian who understands and appreciates my culture because of singing and dancing. 

The thing I love most about being an entertainer is being able to witness the happiness of those we perform for. It truly is an amazing feeling and makes all the time and effort put into practice all worth it. =)

I've seen a ton of interesting things, been to many places, and met incredible people who have all touched my life in one way or another. I hope that, like my parents did, that my love for entertaining will rub off on my babies. I love seeing that they already have a great love and appreciation for music and most of all dancing. I don't know to many babies that already had the rhythm down and could bob their head to the music by 6 months. I love it!

Life is awesome and I sure am grateful to be me....Xoxo

...asiata party of 4...

So we've well established that I am horrible at blogging so I'm not even gonna try and redeem myself. I am going to try [again] to keep up with my blog (don't laugh) only because I'm forever explaining my life when posting pics on facebook or instagram and I'm sure no one cares lol.

Not much has happened since my last post except LIFE.... haha
We actually moved to West Valley and are on our own (finally haha). Although it was challenging to get use to (because we've been totally spoiled and living with family since we got married) it's been wonderful. Of course we miss our live in babysitters and paying only a tenth of what we pay now but we absolutely love our own space and privacy, and that's what matters.

Our son Lauina turned one in May. He's at about 25 lbs, wears a 2T, size 6 in shoes, loves the water, and eats eeeeeverthing. He is the sweetest baby boy who just loves and adores his older sister. He's so friendly and submissively allows her to rip toys out of his hand, give free horsey back rides, and shower him with lots of kisses while hugging him tightly a.k.a. holding him in a choke hold lol. I know my days are numbered kissing him a million times a day so I'm just gonna continue to do so while he lets me.

Our Alilia.....She is 3 now and is a ball of energy. She is about 27 lbs (YES, only 2 lbs heavier than her brother) and we are still trying to get her to eat. The day she eats as much as her brother will be a big celebration. Her iron levels are even now and she's in good health so that's a blessing for me, and her because she swears her [iron] medicine is the death of her lol... She reminds me so much of me though when I was younger I wasn't a girly/girl or a tomboy, I loved everything. Everything from ninja turtles to My Little Pony interest me. If Alilia had a choice though, she'd live in the water, she is our Little Mermaid. As of late she is obsessed with rice crispy treats and helping me around the house. She's an awesome big sister and is always looking out for her brother, it truly is the most adorable thing to me.

Honestly, I have no clue how I ever lived life before my kids. They are my world and I thank our Heavenly Father for them each day. Life gets so crazy and we get caught up in criticizing ourselves whether it's our own personal issues, issues with others, or issues at work and school but one things for sure, whenever I see my kids they are a reminder that being their mommy is the most important thing and a reminder that it is my duty to be the best mommy, protector, and lover... Knowing that I have beautiful little people that depend on me for that alone is my reason for living. Shawn and I are doing great. We learn each day a little more about each other, what makes us happy, and also what buttons to push when we're upset with each other lol. He's the most adorable daddy to our kids. It's so fun to watch him with them, I thoroughly love sitting back and watching him rule his role as their father. I honestly wouldn't want to tag team with anyone else but him on this parenting rollercoaster. I can't wait to see how he handles them as they age. He has also been an incredible spouse. Like every marriage we share our differences but I can honestly say he makes me so happy. He puts me and the kids above all other things and we have a ton of fun and never ending belly aches from laughing. We have an incredible support system that loves the heck out of us and for that we are truly grateful.

Life is a bliss with these gems...we are truly blessed.

...recap...2014

Oh hiiii....

Yes i'm still here and kicking and breathing. My last post was super late but I had to post it for myself since I totally sucked at keeping a pregnancy journal. It is a new year so I'll briefly recap our last year.

It was a fulfilling year and though at times it seemed crazy we managed to get past it all, we truly are blessed.

After my previous post of being in early labor at 38 weeks I ended up having baby. haha I had a surprise shower by my sisters, had a graduation dinner for my good friend Henry, and after being in pain that entire time Shawn and I just went into the hospital. It was about 11p. I still wasn't dilated as much as I had wished but they kept me there because babys heart rate kept dropping. The nurses kept coming in and out through out the night because of his heart rate. Honestly it was scaring me so bad because at one point they had to hook me up to the oxygen machine because it got hard to breathe. It was weird. I waited til I was about a 6 to head to the delivery room. By then it was about 7am...I didn't want to get the epidural yet because I was trying to be super woman haha....and then, I couldn't take it anymore I chickened out and got it at about a 7. After I got the epidural my OB got into work and we talked for little and he said I'd probably give birth at about noon. So we let our families know. Even though I REALLY did not want ANYONE at the hospital Shawn let them know I didn't want anyone there til about 12. Well at 10a my doctor came in and told me we were gonna have the baby right then because his head was already poppin out. haha So it was Shawn and I and about 6 nurses... lol. He popped out in no time. By then my epidural had worn off so I could feel everything....in a good way. I wasn't in pain but could feel it. It was awesome. Right after that my parents got there and were so bummed that they missed baby...well my mom was. But it was all good we had a healthy beautiful baby, and couldn't ask for anything more.

We named our little 7.5lb, 20 inch baby Pita Lauina Asiata, after his late grand father. He has been such a blessing to our family. His sister although jealous at first just adores him and is totally a big sister to him. A bully who punks him yet is the first to make sure he's okay. I love their bond it is so sweet.

He is such an easy going baby and makes my heart melt every time I see him or hold him. I probably give him about a million kisses everyday. Poor kid doesn't know I will do that to him his entire life! haha...

I love my babies and am so blessed that they have chosen me to be their mommy and Shawn their daddy. I still don't know how we even lived lives before they came along. As crazy as parenthood may seem it is THE BEST thing in the world, and I am truly grateful that our Heavenly Father has trusted us as parents to raise and nurture his beautiful children. 

Lauina was definitely the highlight of our year last year. It was trying year and was really hard on my husband emotionally and mentally. I don't know how it feels to lose a parent but I do have an idea because of what my husband has had to face. A lot has changed this man of mine since he's lost his father, all being good changes. It's taken such a toll on him and our family in general but through the grace of our Heavenly Father and his perfect plan of salvation we are constantly reminded that everything will be okay in the end so long as we live righteously. I know things work out in its own time, and for us, its working slooowwlly but surely. 

our Alilia turned 2 last year and she has surely been in her "terrible twos" lol. But we love her and are truly grateful for her fun personality that keeps us both on our toes. She is seriously the funniest girl I know. She's like a little sponge that soaks everything up....even all the bad words she shouldn't be saying lol.

She's an awesome older sissy and is just as loving as her daddy. She totally takes after her Mama (my mom) when it comes to family. She calls everyone her cousin...haha. Seriously. We went to the laundry mat the other night and she was playing with these little palagi kids that were there, she then came back to me and told me she needed to get some candy from the vending machine to share with her cousins. I said "who?" and she pointed to the two little boys and said "My cousins.." hahaha well at least they weren't her boyfriends right? lol

I love my little family and all the time we get to spend together. I am grateful to still be working for the best airline ever...haha Thru them we have been able to visit many places and attend many family functions. We took numerous trips to MInnesota to visit and support Matt and his family during the season and off season, I took both babies with me to Hawaii as we bid our 'see you later' to my sweet brother Fano, Alilia visited Disneyland with her firstiez, she also visited the ER 5 times last year =( haha, i recently took Lauina with me to Pittsburgh for my cousin Lennys funeral, and we just got back from LA last night... It's been a busy year and with all our flying around I'd be ungrateful  if I didn't recognize our Heavenly Fathers hands in all we do. I am most grateful for the health of my kids. They may have a little cough here and there but they are healthy little babies and I couldn't be happier. 

Shawn and I are doing great. He is an amazing father and a very very veeeeerrry patient and loving husband. He does everything in his power to keep us happy and I love him for that. Many times I forget to remind him how much I appreciate him but I plan on showing that a lot more this year....i promise haha. The biggest thing I've learned about marriage thus far is to make a marriage last you must be 2 very forgiving people. lol.. yes that has been a challenge for the both of us and although we fall short of many things at times we always end up compromising that sticking together through whatever hardships we face. I love my man, and hope I am being the kind of wife he needs and especially the kind of mother he needs for his crazy kids.

Once again I hope I can keep up with this blog this year.... haha

Happy New Year folks....

...Life Sucker?....

I wanted to keep a pregnancy journal with baby #2 because I'd actually be going through the whole pregnancy {knowing} I was actually pregnant. It wasn't like last time where I couldn't really keep track because I technically only knew I was pregnant for 3 months of the 9. haha... Those that are pretty close to me always joke around about how my first pregnancy wasn't even a real one because of that exact reason of not knowing. lol... and I do feel that way sometimes so THIS time I wanted to kinda go through a "real" pregnancy. Keep a journal, track it more, and watch this baby groooowww!! ;) I haven't even kept a journal or even attempted to start it so I figured I would just update my blog with the latest baby news even though I only have about 2 weeks (crossing my fingers any day now) left in this pregnancy. Mainly for MY keepsake as well as baby's if baby #2 ever wants to read it. =)

Quite honestly this pregnancy has SUCKED. haha... seriously. I told Shawn I'm pretty sure we found out the first week we were pregnant. I was so sick and by the time I made it to my first appointment I THOUGHT I would at least be 12 weeks but I wasn't, I was only 8 lol. My whole first trimester was pretty depressing, I didn't want to do a thing. I was never up to doing anything, not even going out to eat, because every smell made me nauseous and I knew I'd eventually throw the food I did eat up . I was tired ALL....THE....TIME, I had no appetite, and when I did have an appetite it'd be in the middle of the night and of course I'd want something from somewhere that was closed. =( It sucked.....did I say that already? lol. A few times I'd try to replace my 'middle of the night' cravings for something else and that was totes a bad idea because within a few minutes after eating I'd be on the toilet puking it all out. =/ {insert emoji throw up face} i know...sorry-
Like I said I DID NOT HAVE AN APPETITE for anything, couldn't keep anything down to save my life. certain smells like sauteed onions and garlic would make me vomit, and I absolutely love that smell. I promise I'm not being dramatic lol.... the funny thing is even at work from the smell of the airport environment to our break room, stock room, offices, the rugs, ground, just the scent of EVERYTHING made me nauseous, it was terrible. One time I could smell a banana peel at the bottom of the garbage can like 10 positions down from where I was working... the janitor thought it was funny. haha...
All I pretty much did during my first trimester was lie in bed, not even sleep, just lay there. I wasn't in the mood for reading, getting ready, or even hanging out with my Alilia. =( that's what made me depressed the most, is I felt like I was being such a terrible mom because Alilia would want to play and I just wasn't in the mood. It seemed like the only time I was in the mood to do anything with her was when she just wanted to cuddle... haha so i'd try and find different movies to watch with her so she'd just sit still and stay with me in bed. And the only thing I had to keep reminding myself was "THIS IS WHAT WE WANTED" another baby, baby was a blessing and gift, AND....I myself wanted to experience a "REAL PREGNANCY".... that's seriously what kept me going.

that...was the first trimester.

The second of course like most pregnancys (so i heard) got a lot better. I wasn't as sick. I found I had more energy and more of an appetite. (<<---not sure if that was so good for me lol) We traveled more and I think I was more focused on being there for Shawn emotionally and mentally since his father had passed during my first trimester. Shawn was more busy with training for football and focusing on life changing events so in a way I'm kinda glad because it made me step out of my whole depressed pregnancy mode and focus on my family.....like I should've been from the beginning. LOL. We traveled a lot more during this time as well so that was nice. Spent Christmas and New Years in Minnesota with Shawns family so that was a nice change as well. I feel like my second trimester is when my belly really started growing, you could totally tell I was pregnant after our trip to Minnesota. haha I seriously was eating nonstop and not gonna lie, I probably used the "it's 'cause I'm pregnant" excuse more than I should have but it's all good. A full tummy makes a happy heart right? ;)

As I entered my  third trimester things health wise seemed a bit easier besides the fact that I couldn't fit in ANYTHING and I couldn't breath because this boy was just growing. {{YES, if I didn't spill it before, we're having a boy}} All my check ups and testings turned out good, baby was growing perfectly, and I was doing good as well. Now that was about the first month of my 3rd trimester....things began to change slowly. I found that I was more tired, just like I was during the first trimester, if not MORE tired than I was then. hah... Honestly, all I wanted to do was sleep, I had less energy, I began to get migraines...you know like the ones right between your eyes? Yeah...those ones. The ones I hate the most. Apparently though, that came from being dehydrated. I went into the doc I think 3 times and was told I was dehydrated and that I needed to drink more fluids and eat more. I SWWEEAAARRR I was eating plenty with all my weight gain during the second AND third trimesters, but I guess I had to eat and drink more. lol...
Right now, I am 38 weeks. I had Alilia at 38 weeks so I was pretty sure this one would come early too. Well.... I was wrong. haha. Apparently this boy is pretty stubborn because not only did I have Alilia at this time in that pregnancy just a week before I had her I was dilated to a 2 already and within 4 days I had dilated to a 6. Not so easy with this one.... =/ Last week I went in for my appointment and the doc said I was dilated to a 1....at that time I was thinking "okay well at least there's some progress...by next week I SHOULD BE at least a 3 or 4 and ready for labor".....well.... WRONG AGAIN. Today I went in for my 38 week appointment and I was only a 2.......barely. =( I wanted to cry. haha because I've been in early labor the last 3 days. Let's just say I'm not a fan [AT ALL] of early labor- (excuse my french but...) that shit hurts. :'( and to think that it's just early labor and not even actual labor....HOOOOIIII teu mate au. =/
I wanted this though right?? Experiencing the "real pregnancy"..... so it's all good. I know it's just a moment and the blessing in the end will be all worth the not-so-fun pregnancy. ;)

Sorry not to many pictures from this pregnancy because I was so fat lol. This was 36 weeks though and although I hate pictures during pregnancy I absolutely love my belly and the whole feeling of baking a cute little human being. Lets pray this is as easy as my first one.....

...our Hero...

Our little family of 3 and a half had planned to spend Halloween with the Asiata's in Minnesota. It had been well over due since we seen them so our trip was planned a little over a month and we were anxious to get out there. I had an appointment Tuesday (Oct. 29) for baby so we were going to go to that and then catch the next flight out to Minnesota. It was Monday evenging around 8p and Matt and Shawn had been texting  to verify flight details on our arrival for the next day. Alilia and I were at my parents house when I got a text from Tangi asking if I was with Shawn, which I wasn't he was at his parents place in Bountiful. She had mentioned that Shawn had pocket dialed Matt and someone was crying in the background. I didn't think anything of it I just assumed Shawn was getting lectured or something lol...so I left it alone. She then text back again and said she thinks something bad happened, but they're trynna figure it out because now Shawns not answering. =/ I was stuck between being worried and a bit irritated he wasn't ansering now..... I had just been texting Shawn within the last 20 minutes and he had literally just got off the phone talking to Alilia before Tangi had text me, then I text him and no response. I called his phone...and no answer. I then text Tangi to just let me know if she finds out anything.
Tangi (text):  Lauiga got in an accident and didn't make it.
I'm sitting there thinking everything possible besides what was really going on in my head.
Me: Didn't make what?

Then we stopped texting because by now, my levels of panicking were increasing. I called Shawn again... this time he answered but didn't say anything, all I could hear in the background was crying and screaming. By now my level of worrying were pretty high and I was scared. I hung up because I didn't want to believe anything I was hearing or anything going on. My phone then rang and it was Shawn, and of course I ask him a question I already know the answer to. "Are you okay?".... what the heck, OF COURSE NOT. All he said was his dad was in an accident and asked if we could meet him at the hospital in Murray because dad might be there. Without hesitation I began to dress Alilia. By then my dad knew what was going on because he had already started getting phone calls from friends asking if my father in law was okay.

Seriously? How did people already know stuff and our family hasn't even got any confirmation about anything? As I'm dressing baby as quickly as possible I then get a text from Sina (sister in law) that they're almost to IMC. I found some kind of peace in that because if he is at IMC at least we know he's okay and still with us. Getting Alilia ready and all together to go seemed like forever but I couldn't leave her because going to the hospital with no expectations of anything might just be Alilias last time seeing her Papa, so she HAD TO GO. It was just a matter of time getting her in the car. Just as I was putting Alilia in her car seat my dad turns on the tv and of course the accident is on the news. I glanced over to the tv and saw the accident. My heart dropped and all the peace I felt was gone.
Thank goodness my parents live right by the hospital so we seriously got there within 5 minutes. All the family was outside of the emergency room just waiting. When I got to Shawn he embraced me and wouldn't let go. He cried, and I cried. We were helpless and I couldn't even imagine what he was going through. He said they had no records on Lauiga there and that they were waiting for a trooper to come back. Soon after the trooper pulled up and came to talk to us. He then reported that my father in law was the driver of the accident and was pronounced dead at the site. ='( My heart sunk to its lowest and us, along with the rest of our family there lost it. I had to pull it together and be strong for my husband because at that point there was nothing anyone could say or do to put his feelings at ease or make the situation better. So if anything I had to keep it together and no matter what be there for my in laws, especially my husband.

I've lost aunts, uncles, grand fathers, and cousins whom I was close to but this by far was the hardest for me to face, I'm sure because it was MY husbands father and just with everything it almost seemed impossible to even endure. We grew so much and learned a lot about each other and the amount of love we had for each other that particular week but even with all that it still seemed so unreal. We met a ton of new people and a lot of family (me especially still being a newby in the family) and the amount of love that was shown towards my father in law and our family was incredible. I found myself upset through the first part of the week because I would sit and find myself questioning our Heavenly Father about WHY he did the things he did. Why my father in law had to go NOW? Why did he have to go out THAT way? Why? I mean seriously who the heck am I to even be asking such questions?....uhh yeah NO ONE. Definitely a reality check. It wasn't so much of crying because he was gone, although YES I was sad he was but I KNEW he was in a much better place. I knew he was finally rested from this crazy world. However, I was upset with myself for questioning the Lords reasons. I'll admit I did feel a bit cheated because my kids won't have their "PAPA" here on earth with them. Alilia was so young, what memories would she have of him?...umm none. That's what made me a bit upset. I'm just grateful that Shawn comes from a strong family oriented foundation that made it much easier to get through that week and the knowlege that i have of the gospel eased all the questions and pain I had been feeling.

 There was seriously nothing negative anyone could say about my father in law. When I think about it even if you dug deep down into someone's past, when they are as sincerely sweet, humble, honest, and genuinely a good loving person there's no way you can find anything bad about them. And that, was Lauiga. For me personally, besides my own father he was one of my own heros. One of THE most amazing individuals in my life. Someone I could truly look up to and want my own son to be like.

My fondest memory of my father in law was ever since I met him back even before Shawn and I were even an item he was always so sweet and welcoming. And after Shawn and I got together he was even nicer to me...probably because he knew I would get that boy in check. ;) hahaha... Every single time I'd see him (even after getting married) he would always be so happy to see me, especially ALILIA, I loved it. Always smiling and just approachable and loveable. Sometimes, his gigantic heart made our family mad because he always let his love and respect for others get in the way... lol I swear my husband gets his characteristics from his dad. haha. TOO NICE. ehh... but thats good when he's married to a witch like myself. ;) It definitely evens us out. I admired how he was so supportive of his kids and their sports. He was so proud and an amazing 'personal' coach, who never critiqued in a negative way, but always inspired and motivated them in ways to do better. And I truly believe that's why the boys play the way they do. =)

I could seriously go on and on about how wonderful of a man he was and the impact he left on so many people, but I'll save that for my journal and story telling nights with my kids. I truly loved him and admired his loving effect he had on all he came in contact with. My kids will know all about him like he is still here. I hope Shawn and I can raise our children in such a way that through our examples they can live a life like their grand father did. Hard working. Humble. Loving. and ALWAYS putting his family before EVERYTHING. He is missed everyday but he is always in our hearts and its comforting to know that through our Heavenly Fathers PERFECT plan if we live the way we should we will see him again.

...baby #2...

I'm not even going to try and excuse myself from slacking on this blog, [clearly] I just suck at it. I was pretty bored at work so I decided I'd look through my previous posts just for the heck of it. I realized I kept up pretty well during my pregnancy with Alilia, and man was I grateful. =) I didn't keep a journal during that pregnancy (or at least 3 months that I did know of it lol) so to have record of my '3 month pregnancy' was awesome. After seeing that I decided I would keep up better this time.....
...by 'THIS TIME' I mean, THIS PREGNANCY. haha YES we are expecting again...and YES we were expecting and planning this one. haha. Long story short- Shawn and I talked and decided we wanted another baby soon, around Alilias age because
1.) I was a middle child, yes the golden child (6 years between me and Josh, my older brother and then 7 years between me and Frankie, my younger sister) however I always wished I had a sibling to grow up with like my two older and younger sibs had. 2.) I've blogged about it before but I've always admired how Shawn and Matts relationship was. I would've loved to have a bro/sis that close in age to grow up with, go to school with, always have someone to play with, etc...
So we wanted a sibling for Alilia to have that way IF we don't have any more at least they'll have each other. =) The closer in age th better right? Yeah, I guess... haha
So yes, we are expecting and I'm pretty sure I found out the day after.Funny thing is, we 'planned' on having a baby soon for the above reasons however after about a month or two we sat down and talked again, and decided maybe we weren't ready and we should just wait.......but....by the time that talk came around it was to late, ready or NOT our little baby was already making a home in my freshly flattened tummy {insert JK face} HAHAHA... jk about the flattened tummy that is. lol..

Anyway, so at this very moment,

I am 15 weeks.
Due May 14, 2014.

This pregnancy thus far has been the total opposite of Alilias smooth sailin one. I've been so sick with EVERTHING, but heartburn (....thank goodness...). Morning sickness has kicked my butt, being tired ALL THE TIME and no energy seems to be depressing because I hate not being able to accomplish what i need to {LIKE WORK and CARING FOR MY CHILD} and then all the crazy dreams and memory loss... HOOOOIII (<---- yes i just said hoi lol) don't help in any way at all. On top of that I just found out after a month of a painful mouth, I've got a wisdom tooth that decided to come through that needs to get pulled and I need to get a root canal this next week because it is already infected, so of course the pain has multiplied by 10 since I'm expecting, and i just want to pull my mouth off my face and stomp on it. haha.... Oh and lets not forget that I have been congested for the last week and half, and all I can take is Tylenol. {insert painful/hopeless face}. But even with all this, I am extremely excited and CAN NOT wait to meet this sweet baby. I can't wait to hold another offspring of mine and shawns. A sibling of Alilias that she will probably beat but love so much. ;) A beautiful gift that will bless all three of our lives more that we will ever know. =) All the sickness, pain, tiredness, wacko symptoms, and toothaches become but small factors in this pregnancy- and the effect that baby #2 already has on our lives already make life better in EVERY WAY.

I'm grateful for the opportunity our Heavenly Father has given me to bring another child in to this earth. It will be another beautiful PAINFUL moment that I will never forget. A wake up call to be consistent in teaching not only nothing but good but leading by example to do so because this crazy world teaches nothing but the opposite. I'm so grateful for a loving supporting family and husband who are always willing to watch and care for Alilia when I just don't have the strength to, who always make sure my cravings are being met, and who accept me for all these annoying pregnancy issues i have. lol... Seriously, this pregnancy is totally opposite of Alilias so I'd be the most ungrateful person if I didn't recognize and thank my support system for being the best I could EVER ask for. Wish us all luck the rest of this journey...

..AsiataOC..

After Alilias party we decided to take a trip out to OC to visit Shawns family. Believe me, after that party we needed a vacay. I got the days approved at work just in time so we packed up fast and left our beehive state for the Sunshine State! I am an L.A. girl at heart. Born in L.A.,  love L.A. and if I could afford living there I would totally be there instead of here (which is probably the reason I don't make enough to live there haha.) Before I was married I never really went to Orange County or even had any desire to make my way down that way unless it was for family functions which that side of my family rarely had......however Since I've been married I've gone to OC so many times already and I love it more each time I go. =) And I really can't complain because it helps that my inlaws are just as cool as my family. ;) 

\We got to hit our favorite beaches (Huntington, Venice, and Newport) which is always a treat when we can go to more than one in one trip.

...sweet mama of Nonosina... who personally told me she would love if I came back and danced...which she was probably joking. HAHAHA but since that's a compliment I'll keep believing it. LOL

I had the chance to even get some work done with TheWhatItDo while I was there. I had the opportunity to cover Nonosina's new show TUMU while there. They did amazing and I was just glad to be there and be apart of sharing their show. I absolutely loved that the spirit of MANA was strongly in the air at this performance. =)

 

We totally lucked out that weekend being there because we were able to not only catch up with family we got to be there for our cousin Isaiah's (Zeek) album release. He did good as always and we had a lot of fun with the family.

Overall, the trip was exactly what we needed. A quick getaway that involved NO PLANS. We got to Cali with NO PLANS so everything kinda was on our own time and own pace, which wasn't so bad. Normally I don't like that. I'm one who has to have things planned out- if not I feel so unorganized and then I get super stressed and when I'm stressed I annoy everyone around me, especially the ones I went on this past trip with LOL So that's why I like to plan and organize. haha.... ;)

With all that said- Thanks to Mattangi, Tafaoga boys, and my baby daddy for an unforgettable trip.