Joy

I've decided to post one picture at a time from our trip to Samoa. This is Sivai on the first flight from L.A. to Fiji right after we boarded the plane. The only flights into and out of Samoa require connecting through other countries. This leg of the journey was a 10.5 hour ride, overnight. Our connection both ways was a 15 hour layover in Nadi Fiji. The boys did really well. Austin slept most of the way but as you can see Sivai was filled with excitement and had a hard time sleeping.

I hesitate to call our trip a vacation, or a trip, or a visit. I can't think of what to call it but those words don't fit. It was life changing. I'm still not adjusted, and I don't know when or if that will happen. I think about the people and the country nearly every hour. I hope that posting a picture at a time and writing down some memories will help me process the whole experience.

Lily and I made cinnamon rolls for Father's Day. I asked her to smile for the camera and this is what I got. Typical.

Austin and Sivai just finished up t-ball and coach pitch baseball. They missed most of their games due to weather cancellations and our two week trip to Samoa. They did enjoy the couple of games they got to play and I could see some improvement from the beginning of the season.

Sivai had a run-in with the front step. Thankfully it only needed glued instead of stitches.

Austin and his friend Maddy. He's convinced she's going to marry him when they get older.

Amelia is learning to walk, everyday she gets a little more confident and daring. As of today she can take 4 steps before she tips over. She has been my most cautious walker and knows how to "fall" without hurting herself.

Sliding Rocks, Upolu

Shot by Austin, video has no sound.

Sivai and Austin, P.O.V.

We bought a small digital camera for Sivai and Austin to use while we were in Samoa. They had a fun time taking pictures and video with it. I have a bunch of pictures but I think their pictures really tell a story.
Above: Sivai's birth Grandmother, in the green, birth sister, in the red. She makes Siapo, or tapa. It was such an emotionally rewarding and draining experience for all of us.

Below: Afaesi, Sivai's foster brother for a year. They were best of friends while we were there.

Leufito, this was Sivai's foster Dad, he is married to Tulelei. He can hardly speak English but Sivai loved being with him while we were there.

I wish Sivai would have gotten a little better picture, but this is Tulelei, some of her kids and some of her nieces and nephews.

"Umu," outdoor oven. Leufitu and family made a wonderful feast, the black things on the pig are hot lava rocks, the white is taro and banana. After all the rocks are added they cover with banana leaves and cook for several hours. Sivai and Austin were fascinated with the process, we watched the whole butchering.

Sunset at Manase beach fales.

Austin wanted a picture of us with the ocean.

Sivai's birth Uncles. I don't know what but this is the pose most Samoans give in every picture you take of them, Sivai caught on quick.

Grandpa Dotson pulling a face for the Camera.

Tulelei and my Mom, they got a long well but it killed my mom not being able to help out. It's custom there that the guest are served first and waited on. No helping out allowed.