Nia loves...: Oakland Trip

We were honored to go to California last weekend so that Vili could baptize his Aunt Manusiu. The drive with two kids (and overbearing female in-laws) was my least favorite part but I'd say the good parts of the trip far outweighed anything negative. Samu (Talite's brother), Elenoa, and Ana were kind enough to host us and spoil us that weekend. We got to visit so many places in Oakland, where Vili served his mission for two years. He showed us different apartments he stayed in and streets he knocked doors on. We went to the Oakland Temple and toured the Visitor's Center with sister missionaries and even watched the videos there. I cried. Not really sure why but I felt the Spirit so strong in there!

My favorite part of the trip was seeing Vili baptize his aunt. It was like having a flash forward moment and realizing that one day it will be my girls in that water. What an incredible experience! Later that night we got to see Talanoa's boyfriend (Inoke) get baptized as well so we were definitely spiritually uplifted that day. Funny story about Noke's baptism. Vili and I each took one kid with us and sat far apart. It's the only way we can last through any program where reverence is required. Lol! At one point in the program all I hear is a loud "Soweeee" that quickly faded after the door closed. I had to do everything to keep from laughing because I knew it was Talanoa saying "Sorrrry", one of her favorite lines lately. We joined them not to long after because Elina wouldn't sit still. One day I'll look back and laugh at all these embarrassing parenting moments but I'll be glad I wrote it down.

Another highlight of my trip was being able to see my Aunt Tiana (my Dad's 1st cousin on our Mataele side). I haven't seen her since I was about 9 but I remembered her face like it was yestersday. She didn't recognize me so I introduced myself as Venisi's daughter/Luisa's granddaughter and her memory came back. We weren't able to spend time with her before leaving but we saw her again on Sunday and she gave me money! It's something I love about being Tongan. Not the money but the simple gestures in our culture that remind me how generous and loving our people are.

Last highlight is all the amazing food we ate! Two nights of the freshest crab and fish I've ever tasted thanks to Samu, all you can eat seafood buffet for Noke's baptism, amazing Tongan food for Manusiu's baptism (each person got a silver tray of food which I thought was for the table!), waking up to breakfast every morning, Jack in the Box on the way home. We were definitely spoiled!

Walking temple grounds....this picture was on top the temple roof! Such a gorgeous view!

Inside the visitor's center

The famous burrito truck on 55th! Thanks Noke for treating us

to the most amazing steak cheese fries!

Came home twice to a huge pot full of these babies! Yuummmmm!

Ready with snacks in their backpacks for Manusiu's baptism. Too bad more snacks made it on the floor than in their mouths :/ At least we got through the first half of the baptism!

We had to go outside after the actual baptism so the kids could play. They could not sit still or be quiet for the life of them. Aren't they so cute though?