Our Visit with the Pope's

This past Thursday our friends, the Pope's, came to visit us. We had such a great time with them. Unfortunately, they only stayed for one night but we sure made that time worth it. I really wanted them to stay another day but they already had other plans. I'm just glad they took some time to fit us into their "vacation" plans.

They all looked great! Saia and Luisa are still the same. The kids are so big now. I couldn't believe how big they've grown, and they're such great kids. They were raised very well by their wonderful parents. I'm so proud of them. I remember when they were little. I watched them grow and to see them now, they're so beautiful! Tia is 23 yrs. old and single. She works for a realty company. AJ just returned from his mission about a month ago, in Minnesota (Spanish speaking). He's planning to go to Snow College in a couple of weeks and plans to play football. He's come to be a great man...so humble! He'll make a great husband for someone one day. Keni is working for Convergy's (I think thats how you spell it) and she's single but in a serious relationship. She can't make up her mind yet if she wants to get married or go on a mission. Likio is 17 yrs. old, and will be a junior this coming school year at Provo High School. He plans to play football...I'm sure it's required in that family, especially by his dad, since his dad is the head coach for the football team. When I asked him what position he plays, he said he was on the "D" line...yah, whatever that means. hahahaha I think it means "defensive" line, just a guess. Well, he's a big guy so I'm sure he's a good football player. And Mata, who wasn't able to come with them, is in Hawaii at BYU taking summer classes. I hear she's having a great time there. I wish we could've seen her. She's so fun and bubbly and I know the kids would've had so much fun with her. They remember her the most because she's so friendly and fun...still a kid at heart. Hopefully we'll get to see her sometime, but more so...I hope she can get together with the Moa's while she's in Hawaii. I know they'll be so excited to see her. Luisa is doing great! She's still working at Family First Credit Union, I think she's the President. hahaha She might as well be, she's been there so long. She's also the Stake Young Women's President in their Tongan stake. I know she's doing a great job because she's been in the Young Womens program forever. Either that or she's not doing something right. hahaha I know that's not the case. She's great and I love her! Saia is doing great also. He still teaches the "BD" (behavior disorder) kids at Provo High School. I can tell he's a great teacher, especially for those kids...he's so patient and very loving. He's also the head coach for the Provo High School varsity football team. In his ward, he's a counselor in the Sunday School Presidency. Luisa says he's the hall monitor. I'm sure he can get everyone in class with no problem. I'd be in class too, if I was in his ward. No....he's just a big teddy bear.

Anyway, they came over to our house and I gave them a tour. They really liked our house. I had them all gather around the computer so they could see pictures of my family in Hawaii. They were suprised to see my mom. They said she looked different but my dad looked the same. I think they were a little sad to see my mom in her frail condition. When I showed them pictures of the Moa's they were surprised at how big the kids have gotten. I think they were very excited to see pictures of them. I bet they miss the Moa kids. I'll tell you what...if the Pope and Moa kids got together, they would have the best time together...I can just imagine a great reunion. After hanging out and talking for a little bit at our house, we went to a seafood buffet dinner at Terrible's Casino. We had a nice dinner, and then we decided to go back to their hotel so the kids could swim. My kids had a ball swimming with AJ and Likio! It was neat to see them play so well. They swam until the pool had to close, which was about midnight. We went back to their room, the kids changed into their dry clothes, we took pictures, and then it was time for us to leave. I didn't want to leave, the kids didn't want to leave either. It's always a sad time when we have to say goodbye to people, especially special friends and family. We had the best time with the Pope's even though it was short, but I know we'll see them again. I hope they'll want to come again and stay longer. I even told their kids if they ever wanted to come down, without "mom and dad" they were welcome to. I think they just might take me up on that offer.