Lavinia Vaitai: Bay Getaway-Jan. 2011

As a child growing up, our family always made trips out to the Bay on a regular basis [almost monthly]. They are memories I cherish and I am grateful I had the opportunity to make more memories while spending the weekend in the Bay with my VAITAI famz. It was nothing short of AMAZING.

It is such a blessing to have so much family, to feel of one another's love and to create everlasting memories with them. This past weekend, we were able to celebrate a birthday and a mission farewell.

My dad's sister Seneti Tonga has one daughter, Niu'ui. As part of the customary Tongan tradition, we celebrated her 21st birthday with loved ones from all around. It was a very intimate setting with close family and friends.

In addition to celebrating "Ui's" birthday, we also celebrated our last weekend with her younger brother, Siosifa Tonga. He was set apart Sunday to be Elder Tonga in preparation for his entrance into the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah Wednesday. He has been called to serve in the Tuscon Arizona Mission [Spanish Speaking] where he will serve for a period of 24 months.

One of the things I love about the Tongan culture is the respect and unity between siblings. My dad is the oldest of two families: his biological parents [Sione & Melaia Vaitai] and his adopted parents [Fanaafi & Haisini Vaitai]. My bay area family consists of gpa Fanaafi & gma Haisini's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their love and respect for my father, as the oldest, is uncomparable. The same is with my dad's biological brother's and sister's. I know that because of the culture and the teachings of these parents, we are able to feel an unconditional love from both sides. There is no difference between either family and I'm grateful to feel and know that.

Some of gpa Fanaafi and gma Haisini's grandchildren.

^--boys girls --^

In addition to this portion of my extended family, are gpa Sione & Fanaafi's sisters, Great Aunt Akanesi, Great Aunt Sulieti and Great Aunt Hina, and their children. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of them, but if I can manage to snatch a few from my Auntie Sela [main photographer this weekend], I'll post them.

SOME memorable moments from the weekend [not in any order]:

1. Rollin' with my cousin Laventa Vaitai [15] all over San Mateo like we were residents #rentalcar cruisin'

2. Makin' party favors: it really is hard to tie a bow when you have fat fingers #itestifyofit

3. Cousin Emma Mapu's [14] slow moments: 10% of $5.00=$0.05 #Californiaeducation

4. Niece Mo'unga Lea'aetoa [8] calling me "Nisa" all 3days there #holdbackslap

5. Seeing dad's smile around his family #priceless

6. Hearing Elder Tonga's testimony #spirit-filled

7. Delicious bread rolls at reception #carbs&calories

8. Being asked a million times "When's the big day?" #annoying

9. Spending all my money #wellworthit

10. Depositing memories in my memory bank #eternalhappiness

Here's a little entertainment for anyone who actually read all the way through...haha. My niece "Momo" showin' us how they do it Oakland style before Malini tops it off TEXAS style. haha:

A few more pics from the weekend: