November 2025

 11/2/25

Hello Sister Wihongi

A lot has probably happened since last time I wrote to you but I can't remember anything lol. Leading up to Halloween Alisa and I carved pumpkins with her sister Kayla and Dodge. Alisa and I did scary creepy faces and Kayla and dodge did cute ones. For Halloween Alisa and I went to Chinatown in the morning and bought some yummy treats. I bought lemon egg tarts and candied hawthornes. I dont know what a Hawthorne is but it's like a sour plum the size of a strawberry. Anyways so good you'll have to try. Then at 6pm we went to Aunty Heathers for Halloween party. Alisa wore my fedex clothes, and I just wore a big box lol. We ate yummy boil up, chowder, chilli, and pizza. Then we went out for a walk around the neighborhood to see everyone's decorations and stuff. It was kinda sad because the streets were empty, there was hardly anyone out trick or treating. So sad not like what it used to be. Some nights Alisa and I would play phasmophobia online with Tane and Mina, a scary ghost hunting game lol. We watched all of demon slayer again and a show called Wednesday about Wednesday Adams. Oh I had an interview with Delta, but unfortunately I didn't get the job. I'll try again tho. Anyways that's all I remember. We love you and hope you're doing well. You're doing an awesome job!

Love, Alisa and Tyrell

11/14/25

Talofa Sister Wihongi,

I went to our work free Stamp In up giveaway at Murray District building parking lot. It was my first year going to get free stuff. I should’ve taken a wagon, there were lots of serious people there who came prepared lol Anyways I had 20mins to grab as much as I could because I still had to go pick up Erana and kids from school. I grabbed an empty box and filled it with free paper, stamp kits, markers, bags, ribbon, string, paint, pill boxes, cut outs. My box was soooo heavy. I squatted down to pick something up, and couldn’t get back up lol a lady had to help me! 

Most of my free stuff I gave it away to my teachers and I made a back full of everything for Sharlene Coombs in our ward, she appreciated it a lot. 

Today is Friday 14th, had a busy week. Monday, Erana and went to Murray High’s School play, ‘Once Upon a Mattress’. It was funny and I got to see some of my old students perform, and an old student saw me and said Hello and everything he’s a senior now, sadly I couldn’t remember his name. Also I posted a photo of Eran and I on our whanau chat and Jaxon compared my hairstyle to a japanese guy who has no hair on the top part of his head. It was so funny that Erana and I cracked up laughing and couldn’t stop. Wednesday the youth had a Stake Carnival. Each ward did a booth, and they had cotton candy and popcorn and you could win small prizes, they handed out colored tickets. The girls weren’t sure what the tickets were for. There were also spiritual booths, and I told the girls that I had a similar stake activity when I was a teenager and the more spiritual tickets you have probably means you go to the Celestial Kingdom. And I was pretty much right, they ended it as where do you spend most of your time. Who do you give your time to? And if you had white tickets from the spiritual booths you were giving your time to the Lord. 

Last night baby and I went to the Relief Society Friendship dinner. We ate a Thanksgiving dinner, I tried to not eat carbs. Because we had already ate McDs cause I forgot we had this argh! Anyways let us know how your transfer went, and Sonia La’ulu says that her Husbands Dad is from that village you transferred to.Today I’m taking Baby to her Drivers Learners License test, hopefully she’ll pass, cause I don’t know if she studied for it lol. Aunty Heather said, it took 5x for Dray to pass lol. So hopefully she won’t take that many times hehee. 

Love you Mum and Dad

Update: Erana did pass her driver learners permit test on the 2nd try. 

Hey Sister Wihongi!

A lot has happened, sorry I haven't been writing a lot. I got a new job as Intake coordinator at Hopeful Beginnings. I just verify new patient insurances so patients can start therapy (social work). I was sad to leave my old job because my old job was so chill and had such kind people, it was so chill that I just watch YouTube while I worked all day. Anyways, training at this new job is soooo stressful. The training was terrible and I just am faking it till I make it. I applied for this job because it pays more, I can work from home, and I get Friday off since I work 10 hr shifts. But holy cow is it stressful! I just gotta pray and pray that everything will be okay. My photography has slowed down but I don't even feel like doing it anymore with this new job… we'll see. Have you read your patriarchal blessing recently? We had a lesson on it to teach our Sunday school class (11/12 yr olds) not too long ago and no one in our class knew what it was. Anyways, we love you heaps! Keep fighting!! Gambare!

Love you,

Mina and Tane

Thursday November 26th - ThanksGiving Day!

Talofa Sister Leila Wihongi, 

Woke up earlier to put my brined Turkey in the oven. Dad and I watched the ‘Macy’s Parade’ on t.v. We celebrated Thanksgiving at your Uncle Scott’s home. We had a ton of food, Mina did the mashed potatoes and stuffing. Tyrell and Alisa made ‘cream puff’s’. We had turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, grilled veges, corn, gravy, cranberry sauce. We had too many pies, pumpkin, lemon, banana, chocolate and a cheesecake. And it was just us and Scott’s family, you know this cause you called and was talking with us with Kage lol. Mina took photos of Uncle's family, sadly we didn’t - I regret. Dad and I and Erana were the only ones to get in the hot tub. We listened to New Edition and other old songs. It was nice and relaxing but it was also kind of a boring Thanksgiving this year. We need to make family traditions, like add a spiritual thought, take family photos, and play fun games together - next year! 

I gave out the Secret Siblings list to everyone, you are exempt for this year lol 

Arohanui Mum and Dad xxx

October 2025 - Leila's 20th Birthday

Friday October 3rd. Aunty Dolly Baker’s funeral was today. This morning when I dropped off the kids at school, I got a watermelon and doughnuts from Walmart to take for the funeral. Family gathered for the viewing. Dad, Erana and I sat together. Mina and Tane were there also, Mina was taking photos of the service. Aunt Dolly’s kids and a few grand kids spoke. Craig, Aunty Dolly’s son said a shocker in his talk…. When his son Ashton was born…“he didn’t know whether his Mum was crying because of how small Ashton's penis was”... everyone was laughing and probably feeling a little awkward too. I enjoyed Kimberly (Oldest Daughter) and Aunty Raihi’s talks. Some of us Maoris got up to sing a couple of Maori songs. Uncle Scott dedicated the gravesite. We went back to the chapel for a feed, there was a lot of food, because they didn’t know if there were going to be a lot of people. The food was yummy, pork, funeral potatoes, baked beans, sourdough and maori bread etc. Erana went and slept over at Minas. 

Saturday October 4th, This is General Conference weekend. So Dad and I just enjoyed watching General conference in bed lol. Jaxon was supposed to join us but he was in the bathroom practically for an hour. And again for the afternoon session, Jaxon was in the bathroom for about an hour? 

In the afternoon I met Erana, Mina and Tane at a Pho place ‘Viet Deli’. We had yummy pho, spring roll and sandwich. Then we headed to UVU, Noorda Center. We went to watch Julia perform in her play ‘The Crucible’. Julia had a main lead, and she was great. It wasn’t a musical, but they had dancers that were entertaining. We met Zach and her afterwards and gave her compliments and flowers. Aunty Heather was also there with a friend. Erana slept over again at Minas. 

Sunday Tyrell made us breakfast, biscuits and gravy with sausage. And I made some eggs, and we had cinnamon wheels. I also took a cinnamon wheel to the Frandsens, cause I’m supposed to minister to them. There were a lot of good speakers. We were going to have our family photos but I cancelled them cause I thought it was rainy. But Mina and the rest of the kids except Jaxon went on a little hike in the mountains and took nice photos. 

While they were gone I made some pho soup with noodles, and used the broth that was leftover from Viet Deli. It was yummy!

They didn't sustain our new prophet and they didn’t announce any new temples. I liked Sis. Browning’s talk about Primary Music, and how you can strengthen your testimony from music. I liked the talk about the ‘Family Proclamation’, reminding us that it is inspired doctrine. 

I had my fall break, Oct 9-13th. Erana’s is not in sync with mine hers is Oct 16-20. Dad and I spent the night in Wendover on Thursday Oct. 9th, just to get away and for fun.

Even though Mum and Dad don’t talk very much to you on the phone lol doesn’t mean we don’t love you. That’s just how we are, we’re both not talkers lol. But we love seeing you every Monday and knowing you are safe and hopefully happy serving the Lord. Keep up the good work and remember to love the people and speak their language. Love you Mum & Dad

Talofa Sister Wihongi,

Today is Halloween, I’m at work. I came in costume as Shinobu. Last night we had our ward Trunk or Treat and Chili dinner (not a cook-off). I had made my first Chili ever the night before, and put beef mince meat and bacon, it was ok, but I think I could’ve done better, it was missing some flavor? For our Trunk or Treat, we did the Demon Slayer theme. I was Shinobu, Dad was Urokodaki and baby was Inosuke. Dad was annoying me cause he didn't know how to tie his white material on the bottom of his legs. Grrr, lol, I wanted to decorate our trunk the way I envisioned it, but I was running out of time and patience with people lol. Anyways it all turned out fine and we had a nice time. 

Friday Oct 31st. I went to school in my Shinobu costume. I saw a herd of boys dressed as Pink Unicorns, 3 bananas and one Tanjiro. Erana’s friends joined us for Halloween. Erana was the Red Power Ranger, her friend Trisy was the black power ranger who is also black, Liliana - green mask power ranger, she’s american indian, Rose - bee, hispanic and Kendra - piglet, hispanic - she joined us at Uncle Scott’s house. We took photos at home. We had some neighborhood kids trick or treat, and I was prepared this year. I actually had full size boxes of candy to give, M&M’s, Peelers (Dad & I love these new lollies), skittles etc. We started at 6pm at Uncle Scott’s house. I brought boil up with rice, it was so delicious!, left over chili, chips n dip, charcuterie. Aunty also had chili and clam chowder. Mina bought Pizza and Tyrell brought cream cheese chocolate cupcakes. Jaxon was Scream, and Talia and Nate were Roxanne and Max off of the Goofy Movie. When we were done eating everyone went out for a walk about except for Dad and I. We stayed home and gave out the ‘candy’. And we watched our KDrama or tried to lol. 

Saturday we chilled at home, and did some chores. Dad mowed the lawn. We also planned our Spring break get away with Mina and Tane. I’ll let you know about it later. Sunday went to church. We had curry chicken and left over boil up for Sunday dinner. And then we watched ‘Physical Asia’. I have your package I will be mailing sometime this week, if you think of something else you’d like me to send you lmk asap. Love you and talk to you today! - Love Mum & Dad xxx

September 2025 - Mina's 26th and Dad's 54th Birthdays

 9/9/25

Talofa Sis. Wihongi, 

Had a long enjoyable labor weekend. Went carving at Uncle’s, doing my Tewhatewha’s for Dad and Jaxon. Also making you and Erana ‘patu’s’. Went to Electric park afterwards for our Tausala show for Polynesian Days. The front gate people were very unorganized, Dad had to pay $10 instead of $5. I was supposed to buy him a ticket online. Tausala were first for the day performances. I didn’t watch the show, Dad recorded it though. Everyone did awesome! Afterwards we walked around and looked at the shops and got some yummy Otai, and fried musubis and panakeke. We didn’t stay very long and came home. 

Baby had Monday and Tuesday off of school. I just had Monday, I went and did some carving with Uncle. Went to Fashion Place mall and bought a gray, soft cover for our LoveSac. Found out we got the wrong size when we got home, so I called and changed it. 

Thursday 4th, Dad and I flew to Houston, Texas from Provo airport on Allegiant. They are a cheap airline with no snacks or tv/internet and uncomfortable chairs. Dad made him a bum pillow out of a laptop cover lol. 

William P. Hobby was the airport we flew into, it was in the hood, ghetto looking part of the neighborhood. It was at night so we got some Chinese food at the airport, it was yummy. Then we got an Uber to our hotel, about 25mins away. It was a nice hotel. 

Friday 5th. We had breakfast at the hotel, eggs, sausage, waffles, biscuits and gravy. It was kind of the same breakfast we had at our hotel in Tennessee. We stayed in our room till check out and then hung out in the lobby area till Jared and Tania picked us up. On our way to Port Arthur we stopped at this huge gas station facility called ‘Buccees’ apparently it’s popular and we’re getting one built in Springville, Utah.  Met Jody and Scott there we got some mixed candied nuts, drink, chips and some ideas for souvenirs.

Our Airbnb in Port Arthur was in a nice neighborhood. The house looked nice on the outside but someone needed to upkeep the gutters. The inside was a little creepy and 70’ish, kind of reminded me of BeetleJuice after the lady remodeled it. Jay and I got a nice big suite with a king size bed and a bathroom. Jared was up stairs by himself, Tania had a queen to herself and Jody and scott got cabbage beds lol. Jared, Scott and I went to get flowers for our guest, we stopped at a flower shop, but flowers needed to be ordered and they were expensive! We ended up getting flowers from the nearest grocery store. Donna Creech (Uncle Paul's daughter to a girlfriend he had before marrying Aunty Faye), brought over Tobi and Aunty Faye to visit with us. The living room was warm because the thermostat was locked to 80degrees. We got some BBQ from Tony’s, Donna shouted us. We got ribs, brisket, baked beans, garlic cheesy potatoes, fried okra and dirty rice - it was yummy! After they left, we stayed up late. I made Aunty Tania watch ‘KPOP Demon Hunters’. 

Saturday 6th, Donna again brought over Tobi, Aunty Faye and Uncle Paul. Shaun and Christine couldn’t come, because Christine had abdominal pain and they had to go to the ER. Michelle Elkins (cousin) couldn’t make it either due to Covid, we were supposed to stay with her Thursday night and drive up with her Friday. But all good Dad and I preferred our hotel and the privacy and not feeling uncomfortable lol. Also Scotty (Uncle’s oldest Son) couldn’t make it either due to Covid as well? Any ways we had a nice visit with them at our place again. And then we went and had lunch at ‘Judices 1927’. We got yummy appetizers, crab dip, alligator eggs, and boudin balls. I got a cup of seafood gumbo and seafood platter (grilled shrimp, fried fish, crawfish and fries) Dad got ‘scallops & gnocchi. Others got Ribeye steak, blackened red fish, shrimp tacos. All the food was delicious! We stopped off at the cemetery Granny Julia and Grandpa Ira Lee are buried at and took photos and chatted and said our goodbyes there to Uncle, Aunty, Tobi and Donna. Dad and the uncles got into a serious heated conversation about ‘Evolution’, and it was Dad against Uncle Jody & Scott and Jared was kinda for both. Aunty Tania asked me who I think is right, and I said Jay of course lol. The uncles believe in evolution and what’s been taught in schools, Dad doesn’t. I could tell Dad was egging a bit, and when we got back home uncle Jody seemed a bit stressed. So I told Dad not to bring that up anymore, Dad apologized to Uncle Jody. We had the rest of the day, so we went for a drive over a bridge and stopped near a lake. Jody left to go to his hotel near the airport. We then went and got us ice-cream from the grocery store. We all had another night in our Airbnb. The next morning we did our clean up and left. Stopped at ‘Buccees’ and got food and souvenirs. Dad bought a key lime pudding when he thought he bought a banana lol. We had some time before our flight so we went to look at the San Jacinto Memorial Monument. We had to be ferried there and that was a bit worrisome for Scott and Tania thinking it will take a long time and they’ll miss their flight pffft. We went since we googled it,  it only takes  5mins to load and for the ferry to get to the other side.  While in our car on the boat the waves splashed up and freaked out Tania. The monument is taller than the Washington DC Monument. Dad paid for everyone, because they didn’t want to even look inside except for Jared. The museum was actually pretty scabby, but we were allowed to go to the top and have a look. There was a movie but we didn’t have time to watch it. Got some pins and a t-shirt. It was fun, glad we came. We got dropped off at our Airport, and went through security and waited for our flight, ate some more yummy Chinese food. Dad shared his slow jam music with me on the plane since I was listening to ‘Kapohia’ over and over again, since it was the only song I had downloaded lol. We got back home around 11pm. I had to fix the door lock and while I was doing that Kiko ran outside and Dad did not want to chase him, so he stayed out all night.

Monday September 8th. In the morning before work I went to look for him, I was calling out his name down by the mailbox, and then I came up and looked around Jaxon's car and I saw Kiko sitting in the back yard, so I went and got a treat and went out to the deck and called him and he saw me and ran up to me and went straight in side. 

Right now it’s Wednesday September 10th and Charlie Kirk was shot at UVU and he died and I’m so sad. When I found out at school from our family message I was praying so hard he would be ok. I’m sad for his wife and kids and family, I know he's in a good place. 

Love Mum and Dad xxx

Hello Sister Wihongi,

Alisa and I have been rewatching all of demon slayer because we are going to see the new movie soon when it comes out. Mom and dad went to Texas so we stayed a night with Erana so she wasn't alone. Then we went to top golf with Mina, tane, Julie, kristian, and Erana one night for minas birthday, it was Tane's idea. After top golf we went to culvers for a treat. The next morning we met Mina, tane, and Erana at a farmers market in eagle mountain. We mostly just walked around and looked at everything. The food was too expensive so we went to Costco to eat. That evening Alisa and I went to the utes football game. It rained on us a little but luckily we had ponchos. And the utes smashed the other team pretty bad. On Sunday mom and dad weren't home yet from Texas so Mina and tane just brought papa Murphys for dinner. Then we played a game called munchkins which was kinda like dnd and Erana won. Anyways hope you're still doing well! We love and miss you!! 

Alisa and Tyrell

Talofa Sis. Wihongi,

On Monday 15th I took Apollo burgers to Jeanie Tomlin, she’s an older lady in our ward and she had a double mastectomy. Tuesday afternoon I made some asian dishes for dinner, cause Mina and Tane were coming over. We all (Me, Dad, Erana, Mina, Tane, Tyrell, Alisa, Jaxon and Xanda) met at Regal Movie theater to watch ‘The Demon Slayer - : Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle. Xanda was in town so he came to the movies too. Dad again forgot his glasses and had to go back home to get them. Jaxon and Xanda bought everyone popcorn, I got a free drink using my rewards. I wore a Tanjiro tshirt and a kimono and earrings lol, Jaxon and Erana wore tshirts. Jaxon had a demon tshirt ‘Akaza’, and now we know why. Because he has a sad back story, I felt sorry for him! The movie was awesome - you’ll enjoy it when you get home! 

Wednesday September 17th - was our 31st anniversary! I didn’t go to the YW activity, Erana did though they had combined pickleball. When I got home from work, Dad and I went to Chinatown for fun lol We ate some ‘Honey garlic fried korean chicken’, then went to another eating place and got some ‘Rose tteokbokki, it had sausage, bacon and fish cake with cheese on top’, it was sooo good and Dad was able to eat a little of it before it got to spicy for him lol. We got a lot of goodies from 85`bakery, the ‘Hakaido bun’ is yummy. We also got a ‘mango ice-cream’ and I was excited to see they had frozen ‘Candied Hawthorns’, which I always wanted to try them. Because I see them on my Chinese dramas all the time lol. They were like a cherry but a little bigger and a little tart, but I like it! Dad and I drove over the ‘Saltair’ and went for a long walk to get to the Salt Lake and just chilled there and watched the sunset. Then we came home and got in the Hot tub lol.Will be going to Logan Anniversary in next week also.

Saturday Sept. 20th, went and did carving with Uncle. Nive Schwenke had a food fundraiser for her Mission. I bought 3 sapasui and 3 oka’s. It was at her grandma’s home, in our neighborhood. Mina also some but we gave hers and one of mine to Suresa and family. Suresa is on hospice at home. I also picked up Jaxons 3, which he got for himself, Xanda and Ceedrek. The sapasui was yummy but we really liked the Oka (raw fish). Dad and I went and got paint, we will be painting the kitchen and downstairs bathroom cupboards, gray. 

Sunday Sept. 21st. Paje played a beautiful piano piece with her piano partner. I had a Stake YW training after church. Erana stayed home from church, she wasn’t feeling well. Erana told me Saturday night that she was sick last week and I was sad she didn’t tell us, cause she could’ve stayed home from school. 

Keep up the good work, love and miss you - Mum & Dadxxx

9/29/25

Hello Leila, 

Thursday the 25th, I took the day off work and mum got off at 12pm. We booked a room at the anniversary inn at Logan for our 31st anniversary and my birthday. I actually booked it last November when they had a special. We left around 1230pm and stopped at the Cox honey store. We bought some honey and jam. We then got an ice cream at the Aggie creamery. I got the large 2 scoops and the girl piled it on huge. I had peach cobbler and Aggies joy which is almond joy, coconut, chocolate and almonds. Mum had huckleberry. The room we stayed in was the Arabian Nights. We checked in and relaxed but after we went out to eat dinner at Chuckarama. I was hoping they had fried fish but they didn't but I got really full anyway. We had yummy breakfast they brought to us in the morning and we checked out at 12pm. We went to some thrift stores and mum got her clothes. I waited in the car for her. We also went to the Gnosser foods place and got more flavored milk and cheese and another ice cream cone. We got root beer milk, orange cream, banana, strawberry, vanilla, cookies and cream. We drove home after and picked Erana up at school. She had a pop club thing. 

Friday night Auntie Dolly passed away. She had cancer and was expected to last a few months but a stroke she had made her pass away quickly. We went by to visit Uncle Geoff Saturday morning. Uncles Scott, Jody, Jared, aunties Heather and Monica came. We were there for 4 hours. Uncle talked a lot about his life with Aunty Dolly and about my mum and Dad and other things. I know we'll see our passed on relatives soon, the resurrection is right around the corner. 

Sunday we had a yummy dinner and birthday cake dessert. My cake was coconut pudding bundt cake and it was delicious. Mum made it. We played a game called munchkins with me and us all except mum and Jaxon. I ended up winning. Tyrell could have stopped me from winning but then Tane would have won and he already won it before so he allowed me to win for my bday lol. Oh mum and Erana went to Margaret Moleni’s (Muggles)  home coming talk today but I went to our ward. I'm the new Elders quorum president, I can't remember if we told you. I was a little sad with President Nelson's passing but what a life being 101 years old. He left us some awesome teachings like “Let God Prevail”, “seek and expect miracles”, “repent daily”, “think celestial” and “be a peacemaker”. The work will move forward, most likely with Elder Oaks as the new prophet. That's all I have. The church is true.  Love you!

August 2025

8/11/25

Talofa Sister Wihongi, 

Friday, August 1st, Dad, Erana and I did some family baptisms in the morning at the Taylorsville Temple. 

Monday, August 4th. Had an appointment with Erana’s school counselor to change one of her classes. She completed ‘Health’ for Summer School. And so we changed ‘Health’ to ‘Real Estate’. Her counselor was Ms.Evans, her great great great grandpa was Ephraim Magelby and he served 3 missions in New Zealand, he has a Wharekai named after him. 

In the afternoon Erana and I went to Maya’s play - Hadestown. Erana and I got front row middle seats. Mina, Tane, Tyrell and Alisa came too and they sat behind us. Moni, Jody and Serina were there too. Maya was an extra, she danced and sang with the other extras. The play was awesome, the main characters had amazing voices! Erana ended up sleeping over at Maya’s till Thursday. 

Thursday, August 7th. Erana got dropped off by Moni and Jody. And she had Tausala. 

Saturday, August 9th. I finished varnishing my Taiaha’s and Uncle will put the 2nd coat on them. Erana and I went to Jared’s home, to help set up for Talia’s Bridal Shower. Heather and I were hosting it. We had prepared Costco sandwiches, fruit, salad and desserts. We were there early because Heather bought a balloon arch. It takes a while to set it up. Talia’s Mother in law was making tons of food, chopsuey, potato salad and sausages. We didn’t get a good response on facebook to who and how many people were coming. I counted 5 people including us lol. Apart from Me, Erana, Mina, Heather, Camila, Maria (Talias MIL) her daughter and her 3 daughter in laws. 

8/21/25

Hi Sister Wihongi,

So Mum and I spent a week in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We flew out early in the morning on Wed, 8/13 to Dallas, Texas airport. It was about a 2 hour flight. We caught our next flight about an hour later to Knoxville, TN which was also about a 2 hour flight. In the Dallas airport we had to take the Skylink tram to another terminal. They have about 6 terminals that the tram goes around in a circle to each one. At Knoxville we got our car rental in the parking garage. A nice lady that helped us check out the car gave us a $94 fee waiver for having an extra driver. That helped out, she was nice. The drive to Pigeon Forge was about an hour from the airport. We got a nice Hyundai Tucson suv. Tennessee is green with green hills and forests and is hot and humid. Reminds me of New Zealand without the flaxes and ferns trees. We checked into the Microtel Inn & suites, room 203. It had a king bed, a business desk and a sofa sleeper, fridge and microwave. We relaxed a little before going to eat at the Sunliner Diner, a 50’s themed place which was nice. I got a burger and fries and mum got a steak. Mum thought her steak was too dry. She’s a steak snob. We went to a grocery store to buy drinks for our fridge. Then we went and rode the Lost Mines mountain coaster which was fun. At 8pm we went to the Country Tonite show which was good I thought. They sang popular country songs through the decades. They also had a gospel music section and sang songs about Christ. I felt the spirit. They had a patriotic music section too.There were many I liked but now I can’t remember the names of them. After that we returned to the mountain coaster to ride it at night with the lights on. It was half off to get a return ticket. It was cool seeing it lit up and we could see the town lights coming down parts of the mountain. It was a long first day.

Thursday, 8/14 we went to Dollywood Splash Country, the water park. It opened at 10am. It was a nice hot day. We found a spot then went on most of the slides. It isn’t as big as Aquatica but it was fun. But if we had gone on a busy day it would seem over crowded I think because of not having a lot of wide open spaces like the sandy area of Aquatica. The lazy river is a slow type on tubes. I kinda like the fast paced ones at Aquatica and Volcano Bay. We left about 5pm and stopped at a shopping area with a thrift store Mum wanted to go to. She got an apron, lol. We also went into a Hulk Hogan store, a dollar store and a Trump store and had photos with the General Lee car from the Dukes of Hazard. We also went to another mountain coaster called RockyTop. It was fun and it sprinkled rain on us during it but it felt nice because it was hot. At 7pm we went to the Hatfield and McCoys dinner show. If you read about those 2 families, they were infamous for the feud they had. The show was a light hearted way of showing that feud but then had a good message at the end of reconciliation and forgiveness. The dinner was fried chicken, creamy soup, corn on the cob, bbq pulled pork, mashed potatoes, rolls, cole slaw and a small dessert. It was a lot. We couldn’t eat it all. After the show we went back to Rocky Top to ride it at night with the lights but it was too crowded and we didn’t want to wait that long.

Friday, 8/15 we went to Dollywood. It was exciting going to a new park for the first time. It’s a beautiful park with nice walkways and buildings and themes. We went to the Lightning Rod coaster first. A wood coaster that was really fast. That was a fun one. We went around the park going to the right from the entrance. We did the river raft ride then went and ate the cinnamon bread that Dollywood is famous for. It was delicious. We continued after and went on a log ride and got a bit wet and an indoor ride with a town being on fire theme. Then we got to the Tornado Twister coaster and waited for like an hour in a hot line. Fridays must be a busy day. The ride was fun but Mum did not want to wait in any other line longer than 30 minutes. Some rides we skipped until Monday because of long lines or being down. We watched some shows with more country music, ate a potato tornado and the twisted dog which is a potato tornado with a hot dog in it. Mum had told them the wrong thing but meant to say twisted dog but they made the potato tornado so she ended up with both and paid for only one. We also had a brisket cheesesteak sandwich that was yummy. We went on another coaster called the Big Bear Mountain. It’s fast and long. They also have another wooden roller coaster named Thunderhead, that one was crazy fast and fun too. The park closed at 7pm. Before closing we walked around the museum buildings in the Dolly Parton Experience area. It had a show of her life growing up nearby and her story of getting famous and a lot of the clothes she wore to award shows and stuff. We drove into town after and got an ice cream at Rita’s then stopped at a general store named Three Bears then went back to the hotel. This area is very christian and conservative. They play christian music in the stores and have christian themed t-shirts. They are much more open about Christ publicly here than in Utah.

Saturday, 8/16, we drove to the Sugarlands visitors center which is one of the visitors centers for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It was a couple miles past Gatlinburg which is a town a few miles from Pigeon Forge. We got a parking tag for the park for our drive on Sunday and had a walk in the nearby forest. Mum got a t-shirt and I got some pins. We went into Gatlinburg to go to the Skypark. It was a chairlift up onto the mountain side and they had a suspension bridge and food store and some walking trails. In the middle of the bridge it had a see-through glass part you walk over which was a little freaky. We took photos and walked a trail and got a slushy drink. It was hot. After that, we walked to Ripley's Aquarium. It was actually pretty big and had the longest shark tunnel I’ve been on. They also have the Ripley’s museum like the one we went to in Orlando but we didn’t go in it. Gatlinburg is full of fun activities to do like Pigeon Forge but the main street was more of an older feel to it like Jackson, WY. We got ice-cream after the aquarium. There was a pacific display where it showed clubs and spears that were labeled as maori but they weren’t even maori. The only thing they got right was the taiaha was Maori. We left Gatlinburg to be able to make another dinner show named Dolly’s Stampede at 5pm. It was an arena like the Excalibur show. The food was a whole chicken or cornish hen, creamy soup, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes and pulled pork. And a dessert. I had a coconut chocolate cake and mum had an apple turnover that we saved to eat later. The show was horse riders competing in teams, the North vs the South and a few other items and contests involving the audience. We were on the South team. It was a fun show but the Excalibur show was better. Mum got allergy symptoms after which we think was the dust from the arena. After that show we went to the Racing mountain coaster where we can race each other. I think Mum won it. It was fun. You go up then race down then go up again at another spot and race down to the bottom. Another fun day done.

Sunday, 8/17 we woke up a little early and checked out of our hotel to start a drive through Cade’s Cove in the Great Smoky Mountain National park. It’s a valley area clearing in the middle of the forest where a community of people used to live in the 1800’s and early 1900’s before the area became a park in 1934 or something. It was a driving tour that was an 11 mile loop that had stops where people used to live. Old homes, cabins, churches, etc. It was a really pretty area. We stopped at many of the places, old cabins and the visitors center. We saw the back of a black bear in the forest walking away from us. We could hardly see it through the trees. We were meant to take a different drive to Kuwohi visitors center which overlooks the Smoky mountains but the road there was closed because it got damaged during a rain storm. Maybe next time. We drove back home through Gatlinburg and stopped at the Ripleys mountain coaster because we have 2 activities to do that we paid for when buying the aquarium tickets. It was a fun coaster but more of the traditional way of one trip up and one trip all the way down. The others had more than one trip up. We went to Walmart in Pigeon Forge and got some laundry detergent and some fruit and yogurt for our cabin. We stayed in a cabin for the last 3 nights. It was a 30 minute drive out of Pigeon Forge into the country and up a hillside in the forest. It was a nice cozy cabin that had a hot tub on the deck and a big spa tub in the main bathroom. The address was 4120 Evans chapel road, for future reference. We got in the hot tub which was nice. The forest was so loud with insect noises. I had to also clear out some spider webs off the deck area where the orb weaving kind were making webs. Mum was a little freaked out in the outside area at night. We used the inside tub the next 2 nights, lol. The cabin had an upstairs area and a foosball table.

Monday, 8/18 we went back to Dollywood. We went right to the area where there were 3 coasters close by that we didn’t do on Friday. The first was Mystery Mine. That was pretty good. The next was Firechaser Express which was more for kids being a bit tame. Then we did Wild Eagle. That was fun. The coaster has 2 seats on the right side and 2 on the left which make wings of an eagle. We went on it twice in a row doing the right side then the left. There were no lines on these rides and it was pretty much like that the whole day. Monday was not crowded at all. After that we went on Twisted Tornado again, the ride where we waited for an hour on Friday but got straight on this time. We wanted a snack so we got some pulled pork fries. We did another ride named Dragon Flier where the seat hangs under the rails. It was ok. We went on Big Bear mountain coaster again. That is a fun ride. It’s long and fast but not as good as the Mako ride in Sea World I reckon because Mako has high ups and downs. We did a big swing ride named Barn Stormer. That’s a good one. We went on the Drop Line again so Mum could video from up high. It takes you up pretty high, rotates 360 then all of a sudden drops down. We did Thunderhead again too, the ride was wild. We stopped at many stores. Mum looked at shirts and I looked at pins. I got quite a few this trip. Mum got a cowboy hat for Erana in the hat store. We also stopped and got more cinnamon bread and ate it at the ice cream store at a table and mum got a peaches and cream ice cream. It was nice and cool there. It was another hot and humid day. We watched another show in a theater then rode the Lightning Rod coaster again. That one has made some bloggers’ top ten list in the US for coasters. Mum was very undecided every time she would look for a t-shirt. There were many good choices. We left about 7pm and drove to a buffet named Sakura in Sevierville. It was actually pretty good. It had sushis for Mum. It was about 8 when we drove back to the cabin. We wanted to get home before we had to drive in the dark. Oh that’s when we were talking to you on the phone.

Tuesday, 8/19 we slept in to catch up on some sleep. We went to the Island at Pigeon Forge. It's a shopping area with a big wheel and other fun things to do. It's like that area we walked to in Orlando that had the big wheel we went on. We looked in many of the stores and went on a Sky ride. It's like the Soaring ride at Disney but I think this one was better. We went on the big wheel which had awesome views from the top. We stopped at a key lime store and got a coconut chocolate key like pie slice on a stick which was yummy. I bought a cap that says faith, family, flag, freedom. We then stopped at another place called Rowdy Bear that has coaster rides. We did one where the seats hang under the rails and we shoot a laser gun at targets as we go around it. We did it twice. Next we went to Ripley's Old McDonald miniature golf. We had one more Ripley's activity to use with our aquarium tickets so we did that. It was pretty fun. I had about 3 or 4 holes in one. Mum had 2. It was shaded somewhat. It was a hot day. We went to the Sakura buffet after for dinner then went back to the cabin. 

Wednesday, 8/20 we checked out of the cabin around 10am and went to the main road in Pigeon Forge and stopped at several gift stores. We were looking for christian t-shirts. Mina wanted some. We got them at 3 bears gift store where we saw them the other day. The other gift stores didn't have them. Mum bought a bunch. We wanted to leave at least by 1230pm to get the rental car back by 2pm. While we were shopping we got notice that our flight had been delayed. Then they booked us on flights for the next day. I was a bit worried about that but said some prayers and everything worked out OK. We drove back to the airport about an hour away and stopped at Bojangles on the way. It's a southern fried chicken place. It was a little spicy for me. We got the car returned on time and went to the check in desk to find out if there were options for us to go back today. The lady (pango) said they booked us the next day because we would have missed the connecting flight in Dallas. We were a little bummed. We went and found a seat by the bag claim area. I felt we should go over there. We were going to finish eating our food. The lady came out of an office near there and asked if we wanted to get the next flight to Dallas on stand-by. The risk was we might have to still stay the night in Dallas or we could still try to get on the original flight we had. Many flights were canceled in the Dallas area because of weather. So we did that and she got us stand by passes. We did get on the flight no problem and sat together. We landed in Dallas about 2 hours before our next flight but the plane had to wait for ages getting a gate because everything was backed up. We prayed some more that we wouldn't miss the flight. We got off and went right to the gate. We told the lady there our situation and she put us on standby. After, we saw our names on the wait list had been cleared so we would get on and our prayers were answered. The flight was delayed and left a little after 10pm when it was supposed to leave at 9pm. We got into Salt Lake after midnight and it was after 1am when we got to bed. We had also prayed and added to our fast that we would have a safe trip with good weather. We saw the forecast showed some high chances of rain on some of our days but on the first few days we saw that clear up for our whole trip. It was sunny the whole time. Then the rain came back in the forecast the day we left. I know our prayers were answered with that too. That's our trip, love you so much, Dad and Mum.

Talofa Sis.Wihongi, 

While we were in Tennessee. Tyrell stayed with Erana sometimes. The Fergusons took her to the Ward Pool Party. Erana told me that she and others in the choir were given a one line song to sing, a solo. And her Choir Teacher Ms. Tarrant said “she hasn’t heard a voice like Erana’s in years”, and she’s going to teach Erana how to use her wide range and teach her how to sing high. 

Thursday 21st was my first day back at work. It was not bad, I told everyone about ‘Dollywood’. I wore my Dollywood t-shirt. I was told I can wait to have ‘lunch detentions’ tomorrow lol. All the kids seem happy, and the work on our new school is coming along nicely. I also let my boss know I won’t be here Sept 4th & 5th, going to Texas, to visit with relatives. 

Friday, we went and ate at Carls Jr in Jordan Landing, because our Carls jr closed, sad! Baby chose to go there for dinner. Afterwards I picked up and dropped off baby and her friends at the Taylorsville High Football game. When I picked them up the score was 12-26, to Murray.

Saturday, I went and did my carving at Uncles. He had already cut out both Tewhatewha’s and sanded down one. I started on sanding down the other one, which will be Jays, the other tewhatewha will be Jaxons. Afterwards I stayed home and did some cleaning, preparing for Sunday and going over my YW lesson. 

Sunday, I gave my lesson on ‘The Lord Gave me the Word of Wisdom to help me be healthy in Body and Spirit’. My lesson was the ‘bomb’, afterwards I had no regrets, said everything I wanted to say. My song was ‘I love to See the Temple’, from the Brown Hymn book. I made yummy charcuterie skewers for a treat. 

We had yummy hamburgers for Sunday dinner. Dad filmed us doing a ‘handing over the Taiahas that I made - ceremony’! Lol We had to do it twice because Dad thought he was filming but wasn’t. We looked at the photos and video from our Tennessee trip. Alisa and Tyrell made yummy mango sago for dessert. 

For work this year I quit doing the ‘Engagement Specialist’ job, and now just do ISS & attendance. And they’ve changed it to just having a lot of ‘lunch detention’ instead of ‘full day ISS’. So hopefully I can leave on time every day. We have 2 new ladies in our High School ‘car pool’. Sophia Bokovoy and Addison Hansen are the two extra girls, Addison only needs a ride home from school.  Anyways that’s what’s new with us. Love you Mum & Dad xxx

Hi Sis,

This past week has been so busy. Last Tuesday, Tane-Toa and I went straight to Julie's house and had a barbecue with Hiro and Yu. Yu is julies cousin and Hiro is her husband. We stayed at their place in Japan so they came over to visit America for the first time. Anyways, after the barbecue, we left to st. George with julie and Kristian. We stayed at our cousin Maddie's house in st. George. She just left to New Orleans because Nephi is starting football again, so we were allowed to stay in her empty house. It was nice. We went to st.george because the next day at 5am we woke up and went to the red rocks to take Yu's and Hiro's Wedding/bridal photos. (Julies family also came to st.george) Yu and Hiro got married during covid so they dont have any photos of each other so I took them. It was really pretty! Sunrise shoot. Then after that we got smoothies, took a small break and then left to vegas for the day to hang out with them there. Did lots of walking in malls and the strip and ate at a K BBQ place called Captain 6. Then said goodbye to yu and hiro because they fly out that night in las vegas. We went back to st george. The next day we ate at culvers, went to the di, went to the wildlife museum, ate at a healthy place for dinner, got ice cream at red barn, then went back to maddies house. I got a poke bowl at the healthy place for dinner and it was nasty lol had weird mushy brown rice instead of white rice. The next morning we woke up at 3am to head to Zions National Park and hiked Angel's Landing at 6am. It was perfect weather, cloudy and overcasted. The hike was beautiful and gets scary at some parts because we are holding on to chains on a cliff. It was 7.5 miles. Then we went home after and stopped and ate at The Creamery in Beaver. The next day we helped at Julies mom's place for the Japanese Matsuri. Tane and I were in charge of doing the shaved ice (Kakigori) and tyrell and Alisa did cotton candy. Sunday I woke up early for stake council at 6am and I had to lead the discussion. Then went to Hemi's farewell. He leaves today to Africa mtc. Ate dinner at mum and dads and had burgers. After dinner we went to Fisi's house to have a small get together with Fisi and his family and James and moanas family because Matiria and Angelo are here. I got to hold Becca's baby girl. She's so small and cute and looks just like Becca. Her name is Zion, but her nickname is Bug lol. On Monday after work I ate dinner at Texas roadhouse with Angelo and matiria and Angelo's family. And took his brothers engagement photos in the mountains right after. Sooo busy all the time and I need to edit galleries! Hope you have been doing well. Love you heaps, Mina and Tane-Toa xxx

8/26/2025

Hello Sister Wihongi, sorry we haven't written to you in a while, we've just been real busy with work mostly. Other than that nothing really new has happened in our lives. Alisa and I are doing good, we went camping with her family near bear lake for a few days. We took erana out to kpot for dinner one night. We slept over with her a few times while mom and dad were on their trip in Tennessee. Tonight we are going to go hang with Josh and louisa to have FHE. Mom finished carving my taiaha it's really cool. Anyways, we love and miss you. Hope you're doing well! 

Love Alisa and Tyrell 

July 2025

 7/7/25

Kia Ora Sister Wihongi, 

Monday June 30th, I felt better in the afternoon to go out for Tyrells Birthday. We shouted to Tyrell, ‘Sukiya’. We ordered 5 Sushi rolls, and they were yummier than the buffet. The buffet’s meat was a bit dry, probably cause people eat the sushi and raw fish stuff mainly. We got full though and drank some yummy mango and coconut milk drinks. It was very expensive, $200 for 5 people. But Alisa ended up paying for herself and Erana, which she wasn’t supposed to. So now we owe them a dinner again lol

Friday for the 4th of July, we slept in and then went to the West Jordan Parade. We found a spot usually where we sit. It was hot and sunny with a nice breeze, we had an umbrella. The Parade was fun and it seemed short. We celebrated at Uncle Scotts house, in the afternoon. We had BBQ and I made ‘baked beans’ and ‘potato salad’. Shaun and Tania’s families did not attend. Girls went swimming in the Hot tub. And we did fireworks in the cul-de-sac. Oh yeah and Talia and Nate eloped in Las Vegas this past week. They were at Uncle’s and we congratulated them! Also your Uncle Tyrone Midgley and his wife Sarah were there. They had visited back in January but are planning to move here from Australia. He is a younger brother to your Uncle Sheldon.
Love you Mum and Dad xxx

Hello Sister Wihongi,

Sorry we haven't written to you in a while. These past couple weeks was my birthday and the 4th of July celebration. For my birthday Alisa bought me two new pairs of shoes. She also prepared a surprise party for me before my birthday and all my friends were in the backyard waiting for me to come out. We ate burgers, talked a lot and played blood on the clocktower. Then on my actual birthday, we went to sukiya for dinner with mom, dad, and erana. Then another day, Her parents took me to a place called Thai delight Cafe for dinner. They had one of the best phos I've ever had. For the 4th of July Alisa and I went to the bakery in Chinatown, then we went to Aunty and Uncles for dinner. There was a lot of yummy food. And a lot of cousins showed up including louisa with her new baby. Alisa and I made pasta salad and strawberry sago. We also brought the coolest fireworks. On Sunday we had a hot dog picnic at grandma's grave, and then we went home and watched old family home videos. Anyways, that's about all. We're glad to see you doing okay. 

We love you! Tyrell and Alisa 

Talofa Sis Wihongi, 

A lot has happened. Molenis had their family camp at bear lake. Tane and I went after work on a Thursday and stayed the weekend. We ate at Zips which was a popular spot at bear lake and it was sooo yummy. They had yummy crispy tater tots and a delicious cheesy burger with a jalapeño raspberry jam on it. We went to zips twice. Of course we swam at the lake, played clocktower, and also played some pickleball. Then we came home on Saturday in time for a surprise birthday party for Tyrell. It was in alisas backyard. I took louisas and Josh's photos with new baby kiera. Then it was 4th of July and celebrated that at aunty Heathers. In the morning, we bought some nz meat pies and sausage rolls from my stake's party. I am doing a lot better and things feel back to normal. 

Alofa atu, Mina and Tane-Toa 

7/14/25

Hi Sister Wihongi,

The big event last week was Maddie and Nephi’s official wedding and reception Friday evening. It was at a wedding place called Siempre in Draper on the south end foothills which had an awesome view of the Salt Lake Valley. It started at 4:30pm but we were a little late. We picked up Suresa because Nephi is a relative. They had the wedding vows outside then the reception inside. It wasn’t too crowded. It was about 200 people. We were on table 21 at the front near the food and they let our table go first. It was pulled pork, rice, cheese breads, salad, and salmon. It was ok. After we went up a level to a dance floor area where they had a DJ. They did the usual speeches, toasts, cake cutting, parents dances, then Maddie did the money dance. She did well and there were heaps of money on the floor. Then Uncle Jared did a wero, mum did the karanga and we did kamate. Uncle Shaun did his best maori warrior impression with the patu off to the side when all that was going on. Uncle Jared explained it all before we started it. Nephi and his brothers joined in the haka as they had practised. They took off their shirts but I didn’t do that because they might have been ashamed of their NFL football bodies if they saw that a 53 year old’s body was more muscular. They had cake and ice cream and then sliders and fries later. We danced to the DJ music and Erana had fun dancing. We left about 9:30pm to take Suresa home. Jaxon saw someone he thought was pretty but he didn’t make any moves. It went to about 10pm.

Sunday only Tyrell and Alisa came for dinner. Mina had a photoshoot. We had cut up pork chops and zuchinnis from the garden and some grilled cheese bread with meats on top. They watched Flushed Away after in the basement, Erana’s choice.

Keep doing your best in your service to the Lord. We love you so much.

Mum and Dad

7/22/2025

Hi Sis Wihongi,

In response to your email, Tane-Toa supported me by doing what I say and listening. He can do better at “see a need, fill a need” instead of me needing to tell him how to care for me. I already told him that so hopefully he does better next time if I'm being honest😅 But I have a habit of hiding my “rough” moments because I dont want people to see me as weak or I'm afraid of how theyll react. but I do let it slip in front of Tane-Toa sometimes and he gives me hugs and kisses. But he is an example to me because he is a positive sunshine boy. Always making me laugh and smile when i dont want to. I'm always thinking the worst and stress myself out but he reminds me to have joy, I'm blessed to have his cheerfulness. Sometimes he is oblivious to my feelings though lol. I just read the recent hunger games book called Sunrise on the Reaping. Its about Haymitch's games, hes the drunk guy that mentors katniss and peeta. His back story is really really sad. It was a really good book though. Had bookclub on Friday about it and I had a trivia for it. Louisa won the trivia and she won a swig gift card. Ariana came and brought her kids and they just hung out with Tane-Toa the whole time on the kitchen table hahah they loved him. Tane-Toa is the toddler/baby whisperer. I went to a content shoot with chrystelle at the Sahara desert (sand dunes) and it went pretty nice. I was sick last week too with a cold. When i started to lose my purpose, I just remember my “why”. I wanted to serve a mission because I wanted others to know the peace, love, forgiveness that I've felt because of our Savior’s Atonement. He saved me and I had received firm confirmation that He lives and loves me. Because of that, I was pretty driven throughout my mission so didnt really lose my sight of purpose. But just think about those souls who are yearning for peace and love that only Jesus can bring and you only have 18 months to find as many as you can! Even if that soul ends up being yourself or just a companion or 1 person, it counts! Anyways thats all the time I have right now. You having trouble with that? What are your current struggles?

Alofa atu, Mina

Talofa Sister Wihongi, 

Monday July 14th, went to carve at Uncles. Been cleaning and organizing and supposed to be dejunking the house. But seems like there’s nothing to get rid of. Erana had Tausala practice and it was at our chapel. I got the girls ice-cream pops, popsicles and watermelon. Brought back happy memories of when we would practice there all the time. It’s nice having Aunty Fina back teaching. 

Wednesday 16th, did carving at Uncles, Aunty Jenni Atkinson came too carve her taonga. A huge wooden necklace for her relative in NZ.  We had combined Young Women Mutual at Murray Park. We took Uncle Scotts badminton and corn throw games. We ate yummy treats/snacks that Sis. Jamie Skinner brought. The girls played twister, and our games we brought. It rained on us sometimes. 

Thursday July 17th, I went carving at Uncles. I also have those gourds that I bought you last year. Tyrell drew a maori design on one of them and Uncle was carving it and accidentally put a small hole in it. Uncle also gave me two huge gourds, one of them I’ll make into a drum for you. 

Erana had Tausala again, they have a show on Friday at the Samoan Heritage Festival. 

Friday July 18th. I didn’t go to Uncles’ cause Jay, Erana and I did Temple baptisms at the Taylorsville Temple. Sister Ballard was the lady that gave us our clothing. Dad went first and then baptized Baby and I. We went to Samoan Heritage Festival around 530pm, it seemed busier than last year. We got Otai, and food it was expensive. I got lamb curry, and a Samoan meat plate and panikoko. We got at spot right up front in the middle of the stage area. The show went well, except for the girls got their costumes there and for some reason they didn’t get their Hawaiian costumes. Also I think the seamstress lady gave baby the wrong Puletasi top, she had to squeeze into it. The dances were awesome and we had a nice time, it started to sprinkle near the end of our show. And so we didn’t stay to watch anything else. 

Saturday July 19th. Ashley Morgan got engaged and it was her bridal shower today. Jaslyn Masina had her baby shower last Saturday (Tonja’s youngest bro.wife is having twins for her, because she can’t have babies). This coming saturday is Alyssa Skinners wedding, next Saturday is AnnaLee Morgans wedding. 

Well that was last week, Dad and I will be camping for 2 days at Pineview, Yippee! lol There’s so much stuff we had to pack in the car. You’ll hear about it next letter. Thank you for you cute email you sent for our Whanau. We love you very much, Mum and Dad xxx

7/28/25

Hi Sister Leila Pearl Wihongi,

Last week’s highlight was camping Wednesday and Thursday and coming home Friday. Just Mum and I. Erana went to FSY and had a good time. Hopefully she can tell you about it. She came home Saturday morning. We first stopped at Magpie camp, the place we camped at last year but the spot we used was taken so we put a paper on another site then went down the road to see if better open spots were available. We found a nice camp site right next to a river in the South Fork camp place. We’ve been there before when you were little. So we reserved it and went back to the first one and took our paper off the sign. There was a little hidden spot by the river where we just sunbathed for both days. We didn’t bother going to the lake. Mum would go up to her neck in the river but it was so cold I could only go up to my thighs, lol. We used a nice new big tent that we got last year. We also bought a new full size air bed where we could both fit on. We made our meals and had a camp fire. We had hot dogs, stew, baked beans and other food. When it was dark we laid by the fire on a blanket and looked at the stars. I did think about the times we did these things with our kids and started to miss you all. You’ve all grown up so fast. We went in the tent and watched a movie on our laptop both nights that I copied on a usb disk. The Thunderbolts the 1st night and Predator: Killer of Killers the next night, an animated movie. We didn’t finish them before we got sleepy and watched the rest in the morning. The nights got pretty cool, in the high 50’s but we had enough warm stuff. We went to the park in town Thursday to catch up on messages and email, etc because there was no data signal at camp. We got more firewood, ice and a shake each. Friday morning we got up, packed everything back up and headed out about 11:30am and got another shake. Mum got a bunch of clothes in bags from Auntie Christine and went through them all to see if she wanted to keep anything. It’s all going to the Moleni families. She also went through more of Grandma’s stuff that Scott and Heather have finally all boxed up ready to throw out. Uncle Jared will take most of it to store at his house. Saturday we went and got Uncle Scott’s old couches from the basement. They got new ones as well as new carpet. Mum cleaned them up and put more padding in some of the seat pillows and they look nicer now. And to answer your questions, my garden is doing good. I’m growing cucumbers, which we made the first ones into pickles which were yum, Golden melon which I think grew too late in the season to get ripe in time, zucchinis, the small tomatoes we had last year and potatoes. I can’t remember any new stuff I have learned this year. Love you heaps, we’re so proud of you. Dad and Mum.

Talofa Sister Wihongi,

Tuesday 29th, went to the movies and watched ‘Fantastic Four’. It was a good movie. But I felt guilty missing the Stake Youth Pool Party at Centennial Pool. But Erana said she’d prefer going to the movies. We also ate out at ‘Rollz’, had yummy pho, sandwich and spring rolls. 

Wednesday, was dentist and ortho appointments for Dad and Erana.

In the mornings I wake up at 7am and get ready to go to Uncle Richard Poulsens house to do my wood carving. I’m carving a taiaha for Tane and Tyrell, which I started last summer. Uncle gave me some gourds to make a drum for you and to carve. I’m also going to carve a ‘patu’ for you and Erana. 

Love Mum and Dad xxx

June 2025 - Erana's 15th & Tyrell's 28th Birthday

 6/3/2025

Last week we had Memorial Day off and slept in and went to some stores, Mum already mentioned that. I went to Tville HS to watch Erana in the assembly do her POP tahitian dance but I missed it. I was a few minutes late, then I went to the gym side doors and they were locked. I didn’t know where to go so I walked around to the middle back entrance and then walked to the gym on the inside and it was locked. I tried going back down the hallway but the hallway doors were locked. I realized that it must be in the auditorium. I went outside and back around to the middle entrance and to the auditorium and they were doing the samoan dance but that was after Erana’s dance. But Erana was the best one. Thursday night I had online DnD with Josh being the Dungeon master. It was fun. Friday we ate out at Carls jr for Erana getting good grades. She had all As and one B. Erana did well with her recital. She did a Lord of the Rings song. It was at Vicki’s chapel this time on Saturday. Sunday we ate dinner at the cemetery. It was a nice hot day. We had sub sandwiches and chicken and fruit and chips. Keep working and studying hard, the church is true! Love Dad and Mum.

Hello Sister Wihongi last week we celebrated memorial day on Sunday at uncle Scott's and had a barbecue alisa and i made cream puffs, the next day we celebrated it with Alisas grandparents and cousins and did a barbecue too. I'm working back at fedex right now as a delivery driver so other than that we've just been busy with work. We've been playing dnd more with the cousins. Alisa had a book club party with Mina,Louisa, and julie. Alisa and i also went to a jujitsu class with dodges buddies. We also played pickleball a  couple times. Alisa and I went to a restaurant called tokai sushi twice in a row cuz it was good lol. We also went out for Boba a couple times. That's all I can remember. Anyways, we hope you doing well and loving the new area. We love you, Alisa and tyrell.

6/9/2025

Talofa Sister Wihongi,

This past week I still had work, Monday to Thursday. Monday I had lunch detention with kids, Tuesday I had no lunch detention and went outside to get some sun. Wednesday I covered the front desk for Jenni. The kids were going to classes late and not worried so much about being tardy because of it being the last day of school. We had 9th grade assembly and awards, we also gave earbuds to the two kids that had perfect attendance all year. 

Wednesday after work Erana and I went to Asian Market and to HMart and bought some watercress from HMart. We also looked at Kim Long Fresh Market and saw watercress there too, which was cheaper. 

For Mutual we did a combined Relief Society and Young Women painting night, with Tessa Sanders painting and you could either copy her or do something on your own. I did my own thing, which was the LDS Youth logo for this year, and Erana did a cool pickle lol. It was a lot of fun! Thursday was just watching kids outside the front of the School signing their Yearbooks! I got my yearbook signed by teachers, faculty and kids too. When I got home I looked at the Teachers and Faculties photos and mine wasn’t even in there, cause I didn’t even get it taken, sad! Last night I had a dream where I was sleeping and my breath got faint and fainter until I couldn’t breath anymore and in my dream I kept on gasping for breath and it happened over and over again. 

Friday was Erana’s 15th Birthday and we went to Tous Le Jour for breaky, then got a lamington and Coco Samoan cake from Sagato Bakery and then dropped Dad off at home. Baby and I went to Ross, Burlington Coat Factory (got Dad’s day gifts), went to Walmart. Went to the Calvary's Thrift store, Erana liked this Granny outfit, and I got her a dress. Got a Swig drink and then looked at the Goodwill and got Erana some shorts, looked at lucky’s for pigtails. We stopped off at home and unloaded stuff and then went to Fashion Place mall and walked around the whole mall. The last store was H&M and I got Erana a strapless bra and a dress. Then we came home, rested a little and then went out to eat dinner with Jaxon at Hwa’s Japanese & Korean Restaurant Dad and my favorite. Baby got Udon with tempura Shrimp, I got Pork Bulgogi, Dad got Japchae and Jaxon got Spicy Beef Bulgogi. At home we sang Happy Birthday to Erana and her cake with the Lamington and Coco Samoan cake.

Saturday I got up early to help clean the chapel, I cleaned the men and womens bathrooms. At home I did a lot of cleaning. Erana got picked up from her friend to go watch her ‘Silk Show - Aerial acrobatics. Dad did some yard work etc. I also prepared stuff for tomorrow’s dinner. And then I went and got a Tiramisu cake from Luckys for Erana’s Bday celebration with the Wedlings tomorrow. 

Sunday we had church and then celebrated Erana’s birthday, she wanted Boil Up, and a Tiramisu cake. Tyrell and Alisa also made her a pavlova. They make really good pavlova’s. We sang to baby again and she opened a few presents. Mina als let her know that Me, Jaxon and her bought her the Monster We Make book volume 2 but Mina got her volume 1 as well. Mina did it without asking her, but Erana told me she wanted it and then Jaxon told her he was going to buy it for her. But Erana thought Jaxon had talked to me about it. Anyways we all bought it! Dad, Erana and I also packed out bags and got ready for our vacation tomorrow, which will be in Anaheim, California - to Disneyland and California Adventures.

6/16/25

Monday June 9th, we woke up early and drove to Mina’s and she dropped us off at the Provo Airport. Provo Airport was small and nice, security was a breeze. Their plane was simple, lucky it was a short flight. We got a Lyft to our Hotel. Our Hotel was called ‘Alpine Inn’ and had a Switzerland snow theme. We left our bags there and walked over to Downtown Disney. We walked around looking in the stores and while we did we also tasted the foods. We got a cheesy jalapeno pretzel and Cinnamon bites, Banana Foster Beignets and a Pickle Dog. Then our hotel room was ready so we went back and checked in. While baby took a nap Jay and I went and got some groceries from CVS across the street. And then we decided to go to a Hotel food court to eat dinner, and when we arrived it was just one kitchen that made different foods from different restaurants. We ordered but what we got was scabby and weird. I had a hair on my bleu cheese burger ewww. Anyways the food wasn’t that bad even though it wasn’t what we expected, but it was daaaang expensive $61, for 3 entrees/meals. 

Tuesday, June 10th. Woke, got ready and ate our breaky in our Hotel room. Walked to Disneyland. Lines were ok, got in and took photos and waited for the Rope Drop. We went on the Jungle Cruise first, then Pirates of the Caribbean.And basically that’s how it went, we didn’t have to wait in really long lines, maybe our longest was 30mins. Went on nearly all the rides, Tiana’s Bayou log ride was cabbage lol. I like the Zippidy Doo Dah song and theme better. 

We were in the Star Wars part and in the line of the ‘Millenium Falcon’ but we got out of line and exited (Dad was nervous we’d miss our time for the next ride) and went to our Lightning Lane ride which was the Rise of the Resistance. That was fun! Went straight to another Lightning Lane ride which was Indiana Jones. We also ate some tasty treats, my favorite was the Bengal skewers, the pork belly was our favorite. I found someone's food card on a rubbish bin and it had $11 left sol I used that towards our yummy ice-creams. We ate pineapple beignets, corn on the cob, turkey leg, Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese bow, and Chilli Dog. We went up the tree house then the pirate ship on the river. Did some rides in Fantasyland. Baby and I danced at a dance show in Tomorrowland. Went on the MonoRail and we got stuck on it because it broke down, and missed the parade and night water show, of course. And my pinky toe was in pain cause it was squished and rubbing up against my shoe. We went to the Star Wars land to watch the fireworks there. Didn’t get a very good spot as everywhere was full. But we got a good spot to watch the Skywalker story show that was projected on the rocky outcrop landscape behind the Millennium Falcon. That was pretty cool. Then our last ride was Space Mountain at 10:30pm then we walked back to the hotel.

Wednesday, June 11th. I wrapped up my pinky toe in 3 bandaids and some tissue paper but it did nothing. I was walking around California Adventures in pain the whole day! We were there for the rope drop. And walked briskly to Carsland to go on that car ride. Fortunately we decided to use the single rider lane and got on the ride in less than 10 mins - Yay! Then we walked around and did other rides, roller coaster, Buzz Light Year, little Mermaid. Spiderman Web slinger was new and fun, Guardians of the Galaxy, California Soaring. We ate yummy foods again, salad taco, Not so little Chicken burger, ramen, udon, corn on the cob, another turkey leg, flavored drinks. I left in the evening to go to CVS and buy me some flip flops $3, while Dad and Erana stayed to watch the lights turn on in Carsland. 

Thursday, June 12th. I was so relieved I was able to wear my cheap; flip flops, Dad was concerned I would get sore feet from them. Well it couldn’t be worse than what I experienced the day before. Anyways they were perfectly fine! We were there for the rope drop and went on Space Mountain for our first ride. I went on it by myself ahead of Dad and Erana, cause they were slow pokes. Went in the Submarine, went to Toon Town and went on Roger Rabbit ride and the new Mickey Mouse Railroad ride, did it twice since it was fun and the line wasn’t long. Then went to Indiana Jones again. We had a Blue Bayou reservation around 330pm. We got starters Erana and I got the Chicken gumbo and Dad got Crab cakes they were both yummy. I got a flavored drink. Our waiter was really nice and gave me a free refill on my drink. Dad then got Banana Foster Cake with vanilla Ice-cream, baby got a fruit tart. We were only went for the experience and won’t be going back seeing that, that experience costs me $80. We went on the raft to Pirate Island and explored that some. We more treats after. A Cinnamon cream cheese pretzel and a Matterhorn macaroon. Went through the haunted house and Star Tours again. Also we did a little train ride and the canal ride in Fantasyland. In the evening we wanted to catch the Fantasmic show on the river at 9pm. Dad didn’t want to stick around for that. He had aches and pains in his back so he went to the hotel. Erana and I stayed and found a place to wait then stand and watch when it started. It was fun. Pn the way out there were a lot of people in main street waiting for the fireworks and a new main street show where they project images and film on the buildings. That was quite cool but we didn’t stop to watch, just saw what we could on the way out. That’s our Disney fun done.

Friday, June 13. We checked out of our hotel at 9:45am and took a Lyft to Knotts Berry Farm theme park. Had to get through security with our bags but got in and put them in a locker for the day. We bought an all-day dining ticket to get food every 90 minutes. We shared it between the 3 of us lol. But it was enough to not be hungry all day. We got a hot dog, a boysenberry pie slice, Fish tacos, huge chocolate chip ice cream sandwich, Panda Express and other food. We went on the park's 3 main roller coasters first, Silver Bullet, Hang Time, Excelerator. They were fun and as good as the rides at Bush Gardens. I think they were all new since we were last there in 2012. There were smaller roller coasters but we didn’t do those. We also went on the river raft ride in which mum luckily wore her poncho because the only 2 big splashes of the ride went on her. Her face got all wet. We went on a mine railroad ride and the train ride. We walked around the whole park which had a Ghost Town area that had so many employees in cowboy era clothes playing characters from those days that you can interact with. We watched a show in the small theater that was good. The main lady sang really good. We went to a hoe down after that in the main stage area. Erana and I danced and they told us what moves we should do. Then Erana danced with some of the characters after I went to the toilet. They also had a few different stages where bands played. I think the summer weekend days have more stuff going on. We were supposed to leave around 5:30pm to the airport to catch our flight at 8pm but we kept getting notices that it is delayed until they pushed it to the next day at 12:15pm. So we stayed in the park until about 9pm and went to a hotel we found close to the airport with a free shuttle to the airport and free breakfast. It was a La Quinta Inn hotel. The Allegiant airline gave us $200 to use for a hotel and a $100 each discount for future flights. We went to the bakery and got a peach cobbler cinnamon roll and a Boysenberry pie type tart thingy and our last meal at Panda Express again before we left and ate it at the hotel. Our room was nice and bigger than our other hotel. It was nice relaxing before going to sleep.

Saturday, June 14, we had breakfast about 8:30am. Scrambled eggs, sausages, hashbrown potatoes and waffles. We took the shuttle to the John Wayne airport in Santa Ana about 10am. Got into Utah about 2:55pm where Mina picked us up at the Provo airport. It was a nice vacation.

6/22/25

Monday June 16th, Dad didn’t have work today cause State Employees were taking today off for ‘Juneteenth’ which is actually on Thursday 19th. After the temple we went on our first Hike in the mountains. I wore strap sandals because of my baby toe. It was a short walk and the weather was nice. We took the car (blackie) through the Car Wash - Wiggly Wash. And thoroughly cleaned the inside. When we were done, Dad tried starting up the car but nothing happened? So I went and told the workers that our car can’t start. They helped us by giving us a jump start. Dad thinks he left something on in the car and that’s why it couldn’t start. I then got a  couple of groceries from Smith’s while Jay drove around a bit and when I was done he picked me up.. Dad, Erana and I went to Uncle Jared’s house for a TVB’s get together. Sinclair and Tina Tarawhiti were visiting their kids, and moko’s. Stan & Lee Marie Moleni and Elsie, Lisa Gudgeon with Liam and Kaela came too. We had some yummy Mama’s Kitchen food, I had made Japchae, and we also video chatted with Leila. 

Tuesday June 17th, dropped off Uncle Scott and Aunty Heather at the Airport, they going to New York for the week. Later Baby and I went and did Temple Baptisms at Jordan River Temple. We saw Fia’s (from Tausala) younger sister working in the temple giving out the baptism clothes.

Wednesday June 18th.  I went and did carving with Uncle Richard. Hope I can finish Tyrell’s and Tane’s Taiaha this summer break. Then I took Erana for her 1st free lunch meal for this summer. We then went through the Wiggly Wash again but this time with Dodge, and thoroughly cleaned the inside. It took longer because it was dirtier. But Dodge was able to start up afterwards. For Mutual we were combined with the Young Men and we played Human Fuse Ball. It was mainly the youth that played, the Bishop, Bro. Jensen and Bro. Maloy. 

Thursday June 19th. Went and did Carving again. Took baby for free lunch. Went to get Dodge fixed at Auto Magic but Nate (the mechanic) said to come back on Monday when it’s less busy. So baby and I looked at Calvary Thrift Store. Went to get ice-cream at Macy’s but ice-cream machine was broken. I made Banana Bread for Kapahaka. Only a little bit of people come to practice, sad. We had snacks before I took Erana to Tausala, but when we got there Jaelyn told me practice will be combined now. So no 7pm class, sad cause there’s not a lot of older girls that come anymore. Got in the hottub.

Friday June 20th, went earlier to carving cause Dad and I went and did initiatories at the Taylorsville temple. I took baby to free lunch. Watched a show in the hot tub, got windy so went inside. 

Saturday June 21st. Went and helped clean the chapel. And then went straight to Uncle’s to carve. Came home around 1030am, Dad was still in bed. Did some house chores and Dad and I went to Mina’s. Mina and Tane shouted Dad to Seven Brother’s, a burger place. I got a bleu cheese burger, Dad got a mushroom burger and we got loaded fries. It was yummy. We also went to Bookers for ice-cream. And they had many different ice-cream flavors, I got mango and tamarino, tigers blood (watermelon, coconut and strawberry) and pina-colada. I should’ve just gotten two flavors because all the food was too much. We went to walk it off at the trail, and looked at a natural hot springs little pool by the lake that people go to sit in. Came home dyed my hair and finalized my lesson for combined Young Womens tomorrow. 

Sunday June 22nd. Went to church, taught the Young Women about ‘Forgiveness - Forgive One Another’. I had tons of time, and I didn’t think I was going to have a lot of time, because last two times I taught I had to cut stuff out, and rush the ending. And I took out a the story of ‘The Unmerciful Servant’, and I regretted doing that. Oh well learn from my mistakes. But the lesson was good. We had our first BBQ of the Summer, I made yummy steaks, and grilled potatoes, Mina bought a salad, Tyrell brought fruit. We watched ‘KPOP Demon Hunter’ an animation on Netflix, it was funny and had a lot of cool songs in it. 

Talofa sis!

Sorry it's been awhile since I wrote. I think the last time I wrote to you, I didn't have my miscarriage yet. Well, I had it a couple days after Becca and Eric's wedding on May 24th. Their wedding reception was at a stake center in West Valley and it was still very nice. Although I got immediate food poisoning from it and was throwing up and diarrheaing all night till 6:30am. I was throwing up until my stomach was empty but my body would still make me try to throw up nothing so I was just gagging out air. And diarrhea. It was a nightmare. This happened at a hotel too because Moana booked tane and I a hotel in West Jordan to be closer to the wedding and to have a lil “getaway” for our anniversary. It was very uncomfortable though. I was still sick for a couple days and on Monday after their wedding, I had to take medicine to induce my miscarriage because my body wasn't recognizing that my pregnancy stopped developing and it needed to come out or else it'll rot inside me or become septic. I took the medicine and was sick and bleeding all Monday evening and then Tuesday evening was the worst ever. Most pain I've ever felt in my life and a huge massive hard clump sac came out of me which was most of the tissue. But I still bleed for a week. It was so painful I was crying so much and Tane didn't realize I was going through hell.. felt kind of lonely going through such intense pain by myself in the bathroom. For some reason I always think I can go through trials on my own and not need to ask for God's help because I don't want to appear as weak to Him or anyone else, which is stupid. Once I started praying, I immediately felt peace and comfort that I wasn't alone. It was still painful but it felt so much better turning to Christ and using His Atonement. I was really sensitive emotionally after this and drained physically. I've cried a few times after when Tane's cousins asked questions or talked about babies to me (they didn't know I had a miscarriage) or just randomly when I'm alone. It just happens. But other than that, my stake relief society presidency surprised me by taking me out to Cheesecake Factory because I told them what happened. It was very nice of them. Took mom out for pho for mothers day, and dad out to Seven Brothers for father's day. Took Tanes parents out to Bonchon, which is a Korean restaurant that just opened near us.it was aight. Took Alisa's family photos and some photos for chrystelle. Had a FHE with Josh's family and Wesley's family and Tyrell and Alisa. Had book club with just Julie and Alisa this month because Louisa had her baby the other day. That's pretty much everything. Just healing still but it's getting better. 

Alofa Atu,

Mina & Tane.

6/29/25

Talofa Sister Wihongi, 

Thursday June 26th, Erana and I had Stake Yound Women’s Camp at Heber City. We all met at Sister Maria Oblad’s home.Daphne and Lydia drove with us in our car. Girls and I got a camp bag with the Youth Logo on it, and we colored them at camp. The bags were filled with goodies, journal, jewelry, stickers, glasses etc. We were in cabins at the Heber Valley Camp ground. And the Young Men were there at the same time. And we were allowed to meet and converse with them when we had free time. We had 2 cabins, and I was in cabin C with, Tiffany Brown, Tessa Sanders, Isla, Penelope, Miriam, Lydia and Harper. The rest were in the other Cabin, Jamie Skinner, Maria Oblad, Erana, Daphne, Ana, Sarah, Brynnlea, Julia, Seren and Heather. And another cabin that was close to us had the Bennion Ward Young Women. We had a very entertaining informational instruction meeting given by the Camp Missionaries, they sang the rules and an Elder played the base guitar. We had lunch, hoagies. We then practiced for our ‘LipSync’. Dinner was bbq chicken, rice, mac salad… Sister Sonia Ta’ulu was in charge of the Food, and Heather Wihongi was helping in the kitchen. Scott and Dray were also at Camp. All wards performed their LypSync my favorite was Crosspointe Ward. We won the sparkle award, and got soda pop for everyone. We did awesome, and then had a little dance afterwards. DJ played a little inappropriate songs lol. We all then walked a bit and waited in a parking lot to go on the ‘Walk with Christ Trail’. The Trail was more than I ever expected. It was amazing and spiritually uplifting. With visual and audio with music and talking from the Prophet and apostles and other people. 

Friday June 27th, we had a yummy bacon and pancake breaky. We had our devotional with everyone, everytime we do devotional the YCL’s are in charge. Erana, Ana, Sarah and Daphne were our YCL’s. Each ward was in charge each time. We would do ours cheers, some of our’s were ‘Fear Not Brookshire is Here’, We ain’t nothing but Brookshire, praying all the time 2x, Bennion East Stake you are a friend of mine - Thank you, thank you very much (Brookshire has left the building). We sang a song, had prayer, said the Young Women theme and did the flag ceremony. We had activities we could choose to do. First we did some tie-dye hair scrunchies, then we put beads on glasses, and there was embroidery. And then the girls did their challenge, which was the Zipline and course. Us leaders didn’t get to do it, cause of too many girls. I took photos. We had burgers for lunch and then a little down time, colored my bag and made jewelry with the girls. We then walked to the lake, while we walked we sang Disney and church songs. At the lake we were given time with another ward or two. We could go on the canoe’s or paddle boats. Me, Tessa and Jamie went on a paddle boat (the one where you paddle with your legs). We did not get wet, all the other girls and leaders were getting wet. Bishop and Bro.Ted Thackeray were with us for the day, they were getting wet with the girls. They had squirty sticks to shoot at people. After the lake we showered - I had a 2min cold shower lol We had Cafe Rio for dinner. We then had our Testimony with our wards. We had our firepit, and were given some time to bear our testimonies. Erana bore her testimony, she gave a very heartfelt lovely testimony. I wanted to bear mine too, I had it written out before camp and was going to say exactly what I had planned out, because I’m scared to have a mind blank and be embarrassed saying things that don’t make since. BUT I decided to let the spirit guide me and say stuff that comes to mind lol Anyways I did and it was going great, then I felt the spirit strongly and started to cry (another reason why I don’t let the spirit take control cause I don’t like to cry lol) But it turned out ok and I have no regrets. After testimonies we had smore’s and then I stayed up late to put out the fire, cause I didn’t get to sleep last night and did not have enough sleep (I had a migraine yesterday due to lack of sleep) So my plan was to stay up late and then go to bed and see if I’m tired and fall to sleep. It was harder to put out the fire than I had thought it was going to be. I think I inhaled some smoke. I went to bed at about 12am and then when I woke up to go to the toilet I was hoping it was around 6am but when I looked at my clock it was about 3pm?! 

Saturday June 28th. We had a cold breaky which was bagels and fruit, Bennion ward gave us their leftover bacon, their leaders are fun!  Went to devotional then came back to camp and started to clean and pack up. We were an hour early getting home from Heber Camp. We relaxed and then I went to Smith’s to get a couple of things for Tyrell’s birthday surprise party tonight at Alisa’s home. Tyrell was surprised to see all his close friends there, Tyler, Rhett and Quinn, only Alex was missing. Scott (Alisa’s Dad) cooked the hotdogs and hamburger meat. We were in the backyard. Everyone started playing a game except for me and Rhett’s wife,      we got onto the topic of KDrama’s and ended up talking the whole time lol.

Saturday June 28th, I was sick from lack of sleep, and all the tree pollen on camp. I had a headache, runny nose, congestion, chills, fever, achy body. So I stayed in bed the whole day. 

Sunday June 29th I was still sick and couldn’t go to church, which was sad cause I wanted to go to hear Bishops lesson to the youth. Erana came home and said they gave out the Camp Awards, she said I got ‘Night Creep’ for watching the girls sleep. Erana got ‘The friend we all wish we could be, ERANA the unbothered queen!’

Dad had to bbq the marinated chops (Tyrell came and took over), and mash the pumpkin and cook the veges, he did an awesome job. There wasn’t a cake for Tyrell’s birthday and they didn’t sing to him either.