I Can't Wait Until I'm Eight!

Maikalani Sarah Last week was crazy! Three of my four kids were sick, we just got back from Utah, and we needed to prepare for out of town company coming in for Maika's baptism. I have some of the best friends in the world! They came and cleaned my house for me before I got home so that was one less thing to worry about. We had some delicious meals brought in, and that helped too! Now, I could just concentrate on getting my kids better so we could enjoy our big weekend.

(Logan, Dad, Maika, Nalani, Bronson, Mom)
Grandma Marcia and Grandpa Gary flew in on Friday morning. Grandma Winna, Auntie Jennie, Auntie Jo, Chaz, Zion, and Etano drove in on Friday night. We all had dinner together and then started preparing the feast for after the baptism. Kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, potato/mac salad and fried rice were on the menu. After Auntie Jennie gave the traditional pedicures we were off to bed.

Saturday morning started with Maika's basketball games. I'm not being prejudiced here, the girl is a BALLER! She scored 18 points between her two games and can dribble like a pro! It was so much fun to watch her with her tongue hanging out like Michael Jordan. Kelly is her coach and finally had to tell her to stop stealing the ball from the other team:) I guess Auntie Jo's basketball camp this summer really paid off!

(Grandma Marcia, Maika, Grandpa Gary)

After the games, we all came home to finish the final touches on the meal and get ready to go to the church. The program was beautiful. Both grandmas spoke and Kelly and Maika sang a song together. I was fighting back tears the whole time! I'm grateful that Candy played the piano for us and Rochelle had her camera ready...I forgot mine! Jodi typed up and printed the programs...I told you I had great friends! I think they were willing to do anything for the meal afterwards:)

(Chaz, Logan, Grandma Winna, Etano, Dad, Maika, and Bronson stuffing his face)

Besides Zion being sick with a horrible migraine headache, it was a wonderful day! Thanks to all who came to share in our joy. Thanks to everyone for loving Maika and supporting her!

Taking the Time

I'm so glad that my family took the time this summer to go visit my dad in Monticello. Otherwise, my kids wouldn't have the memories of cutting wood, shooting guns, cook outs, or playing with Grandpa.

We got the news on a late Monday night, October 19th that my dad had passed away from complications of Diabetes. It came as a complete shock! Just two days after his 58th birthday.

I'm glad we all called him on his birthday...it was always a good day for him when his birthday was on the opening day of the deer hunt. I'm glad my brother, Jesse, and my sister, Rachel, were able to spend that weekend with him. I'm glad his sisters and nieces and nephews were down for the weekend. I'm glad he seemed so happy this past year. I'm glad he called and talked to us all the day after his birthday, for Maika's birthday...He told her she was the best eight year old he knew. I'm glad he thought his grand kids were pretty darn cool! I'm glad my dad taught me to love the beautiful creations of this world.

I miss my dad! But, I'm glad that we had great and some not-so-great memories. That's what family is about, getting through things and coming out loving each other in spite of it all!

In loving memory of Robert Curtis Holden. October 17, 1951--October 19, 2009.