We have the best family, ever. I'm not sure when, but some time ago Naki's cousin Kolei and his wife Nisi told Naki that anytime we wanted we were welcome to come down to St. George and stay at Nisi's Grandparent's (Jay and Nana) cabin that Jay built himself! Since I'm intimidated and honestly, sometimes uncomfortable, meeting and hanging out with new family, I was a bit wary of the idea at first, but Naki convinced me that my fears were unwarrantable and I am so glad that he did! I don't know what I was worried about. Kolei and Nisi are the sweetest and their kids, Brooks, Tori, and Dylan, couldn't be more adorable and likeable. They opened their whole weekend up for us, spending all their time relaxing with us and hosting us. They also gave us a mini tour of parts of St. George which we loved, too. It's amazing to me, one who grew up quite a distance away from my extended family, that these kind of relationships with Naki's extended family are so enjoyable and comfortable. I was thrilled to see the girlies interacting with their cousins and creating memories with one another that will last a lifetime. It was a perfect weekend. Naki told me on the drive home that usually when he is around Kolei he's with another cousin or brother as well, and that this was the first time that he'd been able to spend so much one on one time with his cousin, which he truly enjoyed. It was so neat for me to see what an incredible Dad and Father he was, bathing, feeding, and changing little Dylan, doing whatever it was that Nisi needed, and really, Nisi you are a very blessed woman! I was able to spend some much needed "girl" time with just Nisi when we first got there, and I loved every minute of it. Nisi is such a capable, caring, and gorgeous woman, I loved getting to know her. I don't know how she does all that she does, balancing work and motherhood like she does. But I do know that those looking for homes in the St. George area are lucky to have her. Brooks was such a gentle giant with all the girlies, never being concerned that he was the only boy cousin around! And can I just say Brooks, the girls just loved your dancing! We taped a bit of it, which maybe I'll put in one of these St. George posts, and during it Naki pointed out to me that you can hear Malia say, "Can I take Brooks to school with me?" It was so cute. Thank you Brooks for sharing your time with all of us. It was such fun to see that Malia has a twin out there, as far as likes and dislikes go. Apparently Tori has a purse collection just like Malia, they are little fashionistas, love the lip gloss, etc etc etc. The girlies talked about how it would feel to be Tori, outnumbered by boys on a usual day in St. George, and how much fun it was for all of them to get to spend some time getting to be with her. And that little Dylan is just adorable, and such a peacable calm baby.
After Naki convinced me that we should take the trip, we decided to not tell the girls and make it a surprise. The night before we left Naki and I stayed up secretly packing their bags and making sandwiches for lunch in the car. We packed up the car that night, and then upon waking the next morning did our usual morning routine so as not to raise any suspicion and after running a few errands, hopped onto the freeway. It was so fun making them guess where we were going. I should have taken a picture when we finally told them, their faces were so cute. But here is a picture of us pulled off an exit doing some much needed diaper changing. I was in the passenger side changing Eva while Naki was standing by his door on the driver's side changing Ane. It was so funny, those giggling girlies.
When we arrived at their house the boys held down the fort with all the kids while Nisi and I ran out to do some quick real estate errands and a little bit of grocery shopping for the cabin. After that, we headed out for the drive to the cabin in Pine Valley, Utah. What a GORGEOUS drive. We had never really been in this kind of scenery before and it is just stunning. We were in awe at God's creations all around us, and can't wait to get back to do some hiking and sight seeing. The kids played for a while and then we ate dinner thanks to the master griller.
Nisi whipped up some much needed and appreciated s'mores along with the ever famous hot cocoa and french bread with butter.
While Kolei was working his TV magic trying to set up a movie for all of us, the kids relaxed reading and just visiting and getting to know each other.
After a great movie we all found our designated spots for sleeping . These two look like their conspiring some mischievious plan, don't you think?
Some crashed as soon as their heads hit their pillows.
Others, like Bugsy here, did miraculously well at sleeping the whole night in their sleeping bag without waking even once.
Right before we went to bed we stepped out onto the cabin porch and looked up. It was unbelievable. The stars were incredible, and any word I use to try and describe it just wouldn't do it justice. There were no sounds either, just a still beautiful night. It was the perfect end to the perfect day.
The others were slowly waking up when we returned, so we eventually all got dressed, made beds, and ate some yummy oatmeal. (That's right, I said yummy. I've overcome my horrid relationship that I had with oatmeal as a child, Mom.) 
