A Visit From Uncle Damion

Several weeks ago we received an email from our sister-in-law regarding a surprise trip to West Virginia. Damion's birthday was soon and she had planned to surprise him with a ticket to visit us. We were all so excited but Derek was super excited, he and his brother are so close (the talk to each other almost every day).

It was a short trip but it was so much fun. We've been living in West Virginia for three years and we still get homesick during the holiday's. We didn't get to go home for Christmas so having family visit is just what we needed.

Pittsburg, PA 

Damion flew in Friday morning, Derek had the day off so it worked out great. We spent a few hours in Pittsburg, we discovered an amazing street that had a variety of ethnic foods and stores. I found the Latino market and there was a taco stand near by so of course I had to order my carne asado tacos, Derek and Damion found the local Middle Eastern market and ordered Gyros and our little American boy Acalias enjoyed some french fries and nuggets from the McDonalds (Yup, I took my boy to a place that I myself haven't eating at for over 9 years...I'm so bad I know but it was also the only place we could sit down indoors). The streets were flooded with Pittsburg, Steelers paraphernalia  and cheap stuff. We stopped by the fruit market for some fresh healthy treats and we had to get a treat from the dessert shop too.

There are a lot of Italians here, therefore cannoli's are a big hit. 

Good thing I'm not a big fan of them, they aren't worth the calories.

I really don't know why we felt like we needed a treat after eating so many sweets during the holidays...and setting goals to eat healthier.

We ended up getting a white and dark chocolate dipped cookie and a coconut macaroon, chocolate dipped cookies...both were very yummy.

At home these two wasted no time in catching up with hugs and goofing around. 

Skofeild was very jealous and and wanted in on all the action.

On Saturday we visited Valley Falls, it was such a beautiful day. 

We spent the day there and had a picnic.

These two couldn't get enough of Damion.

Acalias was thrilled to have an Uncle to play with him. The weekend flew by way too fast. 

This was the last few minutes before Damion departed at the airport.

We had a great weekend.

Here's a few love letters to Acalias from this too week...

Christmas Day

Derek and I were giddy with anticipation for Christmas with Acalias this year. We had set out presents earlier but when I caught Acalias tearing into a present I had to hide them in the closet. We didn't make it back home to celebrate Christmas with family but Derek had a few days off to hang out with Acalias and I.
The weather has been beautifully mild, so we took a walk downtown to see the the window displays and lights. I noticed this Nativity scene while out on the run one evening and I thought it looked neat against the brick wall.

Our Christmas tree.

Just in case you wondered what it would be like to visit us during Christmas.

Our newest ornaments. 

We had to get a WV instrument since we've moved 30 minute away from WVU, the logo is everywhere.

The 2nd ornament was a gift from family.

On Christmas morning Acalias was a bit annoyed that we woke him up, once he tore into his first present his mood quickly changed. His grandpa scored with this dog book, if anyone loves puppies, it's Acalias. He was so distracted with the book that he didn't want to move on to the next present. We ended up opening presents throughout the day rather than in one sitting.

Acalias loves music so much, he loved the toy instruments Santa got for him.

Derek and I were more excited for this remote control car than Acalias was.

I forgot how much I enjoyed playing with toys!

I almost finished my green dress on time for Christmas, I wore it anyways. I need to take it in a bit so that the folds are taut against my body like the dress form below.  I really enjoy creating my own clothes, it feels good to tell people that I sewed it myself!

I love my dress form, it makes dress making easy! 

I know longer have to try on my dress a zillion times and avoid getting pricked with pins.

The weather has been so nice here, can you believe this was take on Christmas Day?

Hope everyone enjoyed Christmas.

He's ONE!

He's curious. He's independent. He's silly. He's ONE!

We sure do love him!

Happy 1st birthday to our little, BIG munchkin.


A special thanks to my loving family who helped plan a memorable 1st birthday for Acalias. 


The details.



My sister-in-law Stacy was the master mind behind all the amazing decorations.

My brother, the BBQ king and personal GPS to those who had trouble finding his home. 

My goofy family making Otai (a delish Tongan drink).

The guests.

The gifts.

Grandpa Rodeback gave him this talking card and he loved it. 

The cake!

                                                                          

I love the picture with his two elder cousins, they all look so happy.

More candid shots.

The newest addition to Brooke and Damion's family. He is so handsome.

My BFF Susiane & Malia. 

Grandpa Garn, Brooke, Damion and the family.

My BFF Alithe & her sister.

It will be so fun to watch these two play together when they get older!

Many attempts to take a family picture. 

Proud Mom & Grandma.

We love and miss you all!

Utah

Mom gave us a buddy pass for a weekend trip to Utah. We were so excited to see our family and meet our newest nephew/cousin Zachary. 

Derek asked me to snap a picture of the mountains for him, we love hiking & camping in them. 

Acalias meeting his cousin Zachary. 

Grandpa Garn has been working on this playhouse for several years. It has sentimental value because the walls are built with the dance floors he had built for our wedding. The play house is equipped with part wood part carpet floors, cabinets, electricity (indoor and outdoor lights), windows and furniture. Each time I've visited, grandpa has added something new to the house, this time it was a sandbox underneath the house. He informed me that next time, he will have running water. I would have loved to have something like that as a child, the kids seem to have so much fun with it. 

Visiting with uncle Damion

Such a cutie.

We watched Braxten show off his soccer skills, he is such a little athlete. 

One of the risks of flying on buddy pass is getting bumped off your flight. I was bumped three times but I was happy to spend more time with my family. My nephews were excited whenever they would return home from school and see that we missed our flight. Thanks Simi, for being my personal taxi back and forth to the airport, I owe you!

Visiting Grandma Mele's grave.

The super model. 

Loni Baloni, the youngest member in our family. I can't believe she's going to be 16 this year, I still haven't let my other sisters drive while I'm in the car. I still see them all as my baby sisters. 

Janelle and her girls. We served in Oakland together, we have so many great memories out in the mission field together. It was so nice to visit with her and meet her newest addition Eloise. Love you Janelle!

Acalias had so much fun with his cousins, by the end of the trip he could say "Zai zai", short for my youngest nephew Isaiah.

Audric's graduation, they sang Acalias' favorite nursery songs can you tell by his grin?

We miss you guys, can't wait for our next visit.