Love me them Matagi's!

Locked Out

2011-08-23T03:06:00.008-06:00

So, we have been successful at losing our pictures for the last couple of months. Too bad since we had some good ones of a Pikula family reunion and lots of swimming.

So to fill the gap, here are some fancy studio family pictures taken near the first of this year (2011)...

After Shocks

2011-07-15T21:35:00.002-06:00

Once again, if you are looking at this on Facebook, you need to click on 'view original post' for you to watch the video....since the whole post is video...

Naki singing in the bath...

Naki loving fireworks...

Naki helping mow the lawn...

Debt Ceiling

2011-07-13T22:27:00.009-06:00

So...we lost all pictures from all of May so here is what we have from June and later. Missing like the spine of a politician, it's Naki...

That kid...

Naki at swimming lessons.
Naki post-swimming lessons lunch.

Apple juice, I think.

For July 4th, we went to a pancake breakfast held at the park.

Naki doesn't care much for fireworks.

Fanua has secured a baking position at a local diner. She bakes these treats that are on display every other week or as needed. Dream beginning to come true...

We went down to L.A. so Sefa could work and Fanua and Naki could play.

Naki likes planes

Swimming at the hotel.

The following are video's of Naki dancing to the king of pop. He really loves dancing, singing, and playing the guitar...

Just a note, if you are reading this on Facebook, you will have to click on the 'see original post' link in order to watch videos.

Don't stop 'til you get enough....

still don't got enough...

Not enough yet...

Stoppage Time

2011-05-27T22:37:00.002-06:00

Here are a handful of additional videos for the eye hole to absorb. If you are seeing this post on Facebook, you have to click on 'view original post' to see the videos...

This is Easter morning. Naki had to collect some smaller Easter eggs that lead to his Easter basket.

Here is Naki playing with one of his favorite friends from school.

Naki likes to cook. He also likes to use the magic word.

Naki feeds ducks where it is specifically posted and forbidden, to feed ducks.

Foreign Policy

2011-05-27T22:29:00.000-06:00

More scripted than an Austrian immigrant's American dream, It's Naki!

So it's been awhile. Here are some highlights...

So in the middle of March, we took a trip to Portland so Sefa can play in the company basketball tournament. Fanua took Naki to the local doughnut shop that happens to be world famous. Voodoo Doughnuts. Naki acts like he comes here all the time..

Sefa won said tournament. All by himself....with no help....

Here is Naki trying to take a ride on a sculpture in Portland.

In the meantime, Fanua's cheesecakes have been flying off the shelf at the local diner; Moon's Cafe. When she started, she was bringing in a dozen cheesecakes every other week. She is now requested to bring about a dozen cheesecakes a week. This is a non-Photoshoped picture of the goodness. She has been offered a position to be the diners' designated baker...

For Easter, Naki got to do some hunting...

Naki gave Fanua a card with his hand traced in it for Mothers day.

See video's below. If you are reading this on Facebook, click on 'view original post' for videos.

Here is a video of Naki on Easter morning looking inside some eggs for candy.

This is Naki wanting candy over money.

This is Naki just starting his hunt for eggs.

This is Naki still trying to find eggs. This video is shot 30 days later...

10th Inning

2011-04-05T22:22:00.002-06:00

More childish than a government budgetary debate, it's more Naki!

Here are a few videos of the little guy.

This one, Naki is playing in the ball pit...

Here is a video of Naki instituting his nighttime routine on an unsuspecting stuffed frog that sings nighttime songs...He has it perfected. This is pretty much what we do every night.

Here is Naki in a good mood dancing...sort of...

No viral videos here folks. Keep it moving. Save our 15 mins for something bigger and better...

Lybian Oil

2011-04-05T21:45:00.008-06:00

More power than a collective bargaining union, it's Naki!

January:

It gets cold in Boise sometimes...

Naki counting calories...

After all of our travels in 2010, we came home after the holidays and opened our presents.

Naki is happy...

Naki is cheesy...

Some presents that Naki likes...

February:

No. 2 is a boy because of the blue right?

It doesn't take much for a celebration.

Naki is exerting self control by patiently waiting for his ride to open up...

The dreads are born in Feb 2011. Naki called it funny hair.

Naki at a basketball game.

He loves him some basketball.

March:

Fanua flies to Chicago and Naki loves riding the luggage ride at the airport...

Fanua in bakery land.

Here is a video of Naki enjoying a hockey game. He thinks hockey is 'not nice'.

Double OT

2011-02-09T21:29:00.002-07:00

And a few more videos free of charge:

Here's one of Naki dancing to some Christmas music.

This is Naki's favorite game to play when at any type of game place. In this video, we are in Circus Circus in Reno, NV.

OT

2011-02-09T20:56:00.004-07:00

Here are some more video's from Dec:

So Naki liked playing with the waves in the ocean until he started running from a wave and dropped his gum. While he was picking it up, the wave caught him and playing in the ocean was never fun again...

Here is Naki playing with Grandpa and Grandma.

Here is Naki trying to mimic what he sees in football.

In this video, Uncle Soni tries to challenge Tonka for best Christmas gift...

The Pack

2011-02-08T20:33:00.012-07:00

More helpless than an American at a Cairo state dinner, it's Naki.

Here are some pics of the end of last year.

We tried to go to the BSU vs USU football game but couldn't get in. It was the last one of the year and it was a blow out. B-ball has since redeemed USU.

Since we couldn't get in the football game, we went to a BSU b-ball game instead.

A rare winter in Boise

For the first half of Dec, Sefa worked in L.A. so he flew the rest of the family down to play near the end of that trip. Naki did great on the flight and we visited Newport beach and some of the festivals that were happening down there. Here is Naki not touching the touchable sea creatures.

...

During the visit down in So. Cal, Samoana got injured on the job in Colorado.

Naki's $8 backpack purchased in the fashion district.

For this trip, it rained most of the time.

A good indoor activity was going to a Clipper game. We watched the Blake Griffin and Dwight Howard show. All but Naki, was impressed.

Brought back a backpack for Naki's friend Spencer.

For the second half of Dec, we traveled for the holidays to Nor. Cal to visit the Matagi family. Not one for stress, Sefa made it a two day traveling event where we stayed in Reno at Circus Circus so Naki could play and Fanua could gamble. Fanua has always wanted to re-live the past.

We stayed for a couple of days at Naki's Grandpa and Grandma's house. They bought him a church outfit and Grandpa paraded him around church.

The rest of the trip to Nor Cal was spent at Clear Lake, CA in a Wyndam Resort.
Here, Grandpa uses jedi mind tricks to get Naki to eat everything in particular.

Here is a nice pic of the setting we were in. Naki and Grandpa are playing in the water with sticks. Uncle Soni is fishing off the pier. We all went hungry that night.

In the end, we took three days to travel back. Got caught in a snow storm in Tahoe and stayed the night in Reno at Naki's/Fanua's play land. Then spent another night at a bed and breakfast in a border town called Jordan Valley, OR. It was very nice and cozy.

Now, some videos:

Here is Naki and Grandpa playing.

Here is Naki finally shaving.

Here is Naki talking on a fake cell phone trying to learn how to count in Samoan language.

Here is Naki playing with Grandpa.

Jintao

2011-01-19T21:23:00.007-07:00

Farther away than a non-partisan congress separated by an aisle in the same room, it's Naki.

Here are some highlights from Nov 2010.

Naki touched a hot stove and was immediately rushed to the emergency room where he was fitted with a band aid from Walgreens...

We went to St. George for Thanksgiving. Some details: The roads were very bad so we made it as far as Ely, NV where we discovered a very nice hotel with a restaurant, casino, and pool under the same roof. We stopped there on the way back too. Made both directions a two day event. Thanksgiving was full of thanks.

Naki's friend Spencer.

Here is a video created by the makers of MTV.

Restore Fear

2010-11-10T21:39:00.006-07:00

Higher than an anti-Prop 19 pundit on election night, it's Naki!

Naki went to the zoo and made a friend. This is the type of friend that doesn't poke you on facebook.

Naki want's a closer look at the other side of the missing link. Grandpa is close, but the monkeys at the zoo are closer...

Naki is at least 30" tall.

Riding on a boat at the zoo.

Naki also went to the state fair. Actually it is called the Western Idaho Fair because we all know that Eastern Idaho is really just a Northern Utah wannabe.

Naki won a fish that looks like a certain movie character.

One day, Naki went to the lake to throw rocks at the water. See video's below.

Here, the water gladly accepts being hit by rocks.

Here is a video of Naki playing some more.

One time, we went to the park and Naki was really eager to take our order as if he was working at a fast food joint.

Restoring Sanity

2010-11-08T21:07:00.007-07:00

Darker than a collapsed mine in Chile, it's Naki.

Some randomness.

Privileged folk.

A procession of lawn mowing...

Four videos below:

Here is Naki helping with the new bike rack...

Here is Naki at a local balloon festival in Boise.

Here is Naki at the park.

Here is Naki at a local festival called the Hyde Park Street Fair.

Mid Term Elections

2010-10-21T22:48:00.006-06:00

More unemployed than a law student with a 4.0: It's Naki!

So we recently went on a forced vacation to Park City. Is Park City really a vacation?

This post will take place chronologically backwards.

We ended up visiting Naki's great grandma who has recently undergone surgery for bowel stoppage. She enjoys a visit from Naki.

While we were there, we met up with some of Naki's cousins. It was a very nice and refreshing visit.

Previously we went on the Heber Valley Railroad. Naki is somewhat trendy and likes trains.

Naki also likes to throw rocks at water.

He likes his biological father.

Here is Naki contemplating an afternoon swim.

On the train, in the canyon, happy with mommy.

Naki likes trains.

Naki being very protective of his popcorn.

Some good scenery. The water in the background is a nice touch as well...

Flirting with the lens.

Eating lunch at a rest stop. Naki's Christmas present from his uncle when he was months old, was this canteen.

Witchcraft

2010-09-25T14:42:00.001-06:00

Hotter than holy books in Florida, it's Naki!

Naki's day care had changed ownership so they have a new facility. They threw an open house where all the families can come and BBQ and watch BSU beat Wyoming and the kids could play. They had lots of games that the kids could play and they could win prizes such as the one Naki is showing you. All of the kids at this particular day care seem to love Naki. When we showed up, the kids just took him everywhere to play and win prizes, like the one Naki is showing you...

There is a Mom and Pop restaurant here in downtown Boise that has been around for decades. It's the type of place where famous people go in order to get a taste of Boise. It's the kind of place that has politicians show up and it's the kind of place that has pictures of all the famous people that has stopped by with their autograph. Anyway, this place is called Moons Cafe. It's a regular place with good food and ice cream shakes. The picture you see is a new item on their menu, personal cheesecakes. Fanua was able to talk to the owner of Moons Cafe and secure a small baking gig where she would provide them the personal cheesecakes for their menu. The dream continues...

We, of course, had to stop by and purchase these wonderful cheesecakes and they were good.

A personal cheesecake for Naki.

Also, for our last minute trip before Fanua had to go back at school, we went to Bear Lake in northern Utah. We went with some friends from college who had a boat and a cabin. The video below is of Sefa getting up on the wakeboard for the first time in his life...

Mosque Locations

2010-09-10T08:36:00.010-06:00

More needlessly controversial than pop culture in Wasilla, it's Naki.

Upon hearing he was going to be featured in another blog posting, Naki was happy.

Upon hearing he was going to be spoiled by a bunch of Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins, Naki was happy.

We went to SLC in early Aug. This is at the Discovery Center in town. At the helicopter, Naki was scared.

Having some time to kill, we rode the Traxx trains around town and Naki was happy-ish.

Still killing time.

Every photo album has a picture with this backdrop.

The Pikula Family Reunion. The reason for our visit to SLC.

We went up the canyon one night and roasted stuff. Naki had a good time but couldn't figure out why everyone left so quickly. He thought the skunk was cute.

Here is a video of Naki playing at the Discovery Center.

Stop Exploding

2010-09-02T22:37:00.009-06:00

Our camera broke so I have to dig up some old pics 'from' the summer.

Safer than a dolphin on a tuna boat....it's Naki.

Naki at the end of swimming lessons family swim. Loves him some water.

We had some visitors mid-summer.

Almost everyone is happy.

If you know something about this picture, leave a comment.

Look closely. You can see a spoiled child whining about not being spoiled fast enough.

We owned and operated a lemonade booth at a local event called the Boise Music Festival. The line went on for miles. It was an overall good event and we made lots of $$ and plan to retire.

Boise has a large Basque community and they have a large festival each year and an even larger festival every five years. This is a five year deal.

Naki and the Shears

2010-08-19T22:33:00.005-06:00

My baby Naki got his first haircut, ever!! And I didn't save a lock of his hair-bummer!! He's 2 years and a 3 months old and I didn't want to touch his hair until now. It was all weedy and fuzzy and fluffy at the same time. I wanted to see if it would curl up or just to see how it grew out. So far, it's the same as mine, except I had angelic curls in my soft brown hair as a baby!

Shout out to my fine friend Carly, for helping to lop off all 9 feet of his thick, luscious mane!! She's the bomb :)

So, as you can see it looked like his parents are slackers and don't know what a good haircut looks like. Ahem, Sefa.... :)

Here's the 'during' shot. He was apprehensive when Carly pulled out the clippers-the buzzing noise and feel of them on his head was too much at times, so I had to hold onto him. Cute little bugger! :)

And....the 'after' shot:

Too cool for school:

Thanks Carly!!

Happy 30th Hannah!

2010-08-17T17:16:00.001-06:00

Birthday shoutout to Hannah Hansen Cardwell today!!

It's the big 3-0 for you, my friend!

Love you!!

Immigration

2010-08-02T21:35:00.009-06:00

louder than a born again on the street corner, it's Naki.

Been some events lately so I will try to stay up to date.

A couple of weekends ago, we went camping up in Redfish lake along the Sawtooth Mountain range here in Idaho. The trip was two-fold, we went camping, and also ran Fanua's lemonade stand at a nearby craft festival called the Mountain Mammas Festival in Stanley Idaho. Some friends went with us, and they gots a blog too...right here: http://scfamilyblog.blogspot.com/

This is Naki's friend named Spencer.

They like each other....sometimes.

This rock has started the long process of erosion at the bottom of the nearby river thanks to Naki.

Naki took swimming lessons this summer.

Also, once in a while we would go to a 'chuck e cheese' type of place called PoJo's.

A couple of weekends ago, some of Naki's cousins came up to play with him.

Here is a video of Naki being small...

For Todd:

2010-07-31T00:39:00.002-06:00

I just read in the Welch's blog that Todd's cut out hamburgers (that sounds too tough for me!) so Todd, this one is for you! :)

Actually, I was getting boh-hore-ed with the plain brown and cream template that I just threw one when Hannah was helping me start this blog. I believe that was back in 2007 or even earlier! Anyway, my choices for backgrounds were limited and so I went for the most interesting and tasty looking one there.

You likey?

-Fanua

Mele is tulet-icious!

2010-07-14T13:45:00.002-06:00

Mele, mele, mele, mele, mele! I am so proud of my younger sister Mele's talent and style and skills!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/tulet

This morning she was featured, no-debuted, in the Utah Bride Blog (www.utahbrideblog.com) for her sexy and beautiful bridal hair pieces! Have you checked out her website yet? Go do it and you'll be blown away by the beautiful hair pieces!

You go Mele! Love you!!

Fanua

Free Agency Decisions

2010-07-05T22:33:00.013-06:00

More press than a free agent in Cleveland, it's Naki.

Let me guess, another post about me...

We recently had a holiday and planted some flowers in the front lawn. This is Naki eagerly helping by stepping on most of them and pouring dirt on the rest of them.

Plants need dirt to grow.

He supervised the watering of his plants.

We have also recently come across some bunnies that were caught in a nearby garden. I built a pen for them and Naki enjoys feeding them. There is a video of Naki yelling at them if you scroll down to the end of this post.

The City of Boise put on a firework show near our house. We got on our bikes and went to the rim of the bench that we live on to watch explosions. Here is Naki's dimple.

Our fireworks consisted of last years remaining sparklers. Naki kept a close eye on them.

We also went to a nearby town called Emmet. This place is known for it's cherry orchards as well as other u-pick farms. We found one where we were able to pick some blueberries and cherries and then just bought a bunch of raspberries.

Naki liked picking, throwing, and eating, mostly in that order.

Naki is all about sharing, as long as he gets his mouthful first...

This is downtown Emmet (pretty much the size of Tooele). Here is Naki communicating his needs.

The last few weeks, there has been a lot of construction on our street burying a new water transmission line. The contractors leave their equipment parked on our street overnight. Not only does Naki get to watch all the large equipment work during the day but when they go home at night, Naki gets to play on his enlarged toys...

Throwing rocks at something is funner than throwing rocks at nothing... There is a video of him playing on one of these if you scroll down to the bottom of this post.

Here is a video of Naki and his 'big truck'.

Here is a video of Naki playing in his 'enlarged toys'.

Here is a video of Naki squealing at the bunnies....which reminds me, we should name them.

We also recently had a picnic up the mountains at the nearby ski resort called 'Bogus Basin'. It was very scenic and below is a video of Naki caring less about how scenic it was. He just liked throwing things down the hill.

Top Kill

2010-06-24T21:54:00.005-06:00

More wayward than an ill driven robot, it's Naki.

Here are some more pictures of Naki with some presents that he got for his 2nd birthday. Being in Boise, we weren't too impressed that he has lived for two years...

He really likes the card Grandma and Grandpa gave him. Niiiiiccceeee!

He really enjoyed his presents overall.

Electrifying $500 shirts!

For this weekend, there was a Greek festival that we went to and ate some good food. We then went down the street to a park where Naki got to play while Daddy sat nursing....a rolled ankle.

We have been mostly working around the house and staying in town on the weekends to relax and enjoy summer. Naki as well.

Naki gets to eat all the good summer food like berries.

He really likes his construction outfit.

Complete with tool belt.

Here are some videos of the kid.

Some thank yous.

Problems.

Blow-Out Preventer

2010-06-15T21:58:00.003-06:00

Louder than vuvuzelas in So. Africa, it's Naki.

Been a while so here is what we got for now...

Naki's tonsils.

Naki's safety photo op.

Naki's 2nd birthday. We have very few pictures and little to none videos of Naki's birthday and his party that his parents threw. There were roughly 30 people there to see the event. We barbecued some dead animals, had a cake, played with toys, opened presents, and talked while the 30+ kids played out in the yard. The party ended peacefully without incident. No weapons drawn, no cops called, no fire marshal alerted, no drone attacks...

Here is a quick video of the kid...

Drill Baby Drill

2010-05-12T21:16:00.006-06:00

Slicker than uncapped fossil fuels; it's Naki.

Fanua found out that we used to have Easter baskets growing up with goodies inside on Easter morning. She then proceeded to copy...

Naki got a train for Easter.

He used to protest the wearing of hats but has slowly been drugged into liking them...This is a Boston Celtics hat we got him at the Celtics game in Boston.

Naki also had an Easter egg hunt around the house. He's stoked...

He approached it like a champion sleuth...

Here is a video of Naki enjoying the outdoors on his tricycle.

Tea Parties

2010-04-18T13:48:00.039-06:00

Our farmers market opened for the season this summer and we opened our lemonade stand as well. There was a lot of advertising and even some news crews showed up. One of us got on the news:

http://www.fox12idaho.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=4712606&h1=8th%20St%20Farmers%20Market&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=106667&LaunchPageAdTag=News&activePane=info&rnd=95559214

The other one just got their gloved hands on the news...

A little bit after we went to Vancouver for the 2010 winter Olympics, we took a quick weekend trip to Portland for a basketball tournament that Sefa was involved with. Sefa almost died...

Driving there.

Daddy's still alive.

On the way home. Daddy is watching a light down a tunnel...pause..

The next trip we took was Fanua's spring break. We went to Cape Cod for the whole week and ended up in Providence RI, Boston MA, and Martha's Vineyard.

The plane to Boston consisted of two legs. One to Denver (which Naki slept on), and one to Boston from Denver. This last leg was 4 hours. Naki did very well and only broke down once.

We got there Saturday night so Sunday was our first day of sight seeing. Here we are in Provincetown at the very tip of Cape Cod.

We walked the pier.

We hit the beach a little. That is at the very tip of Cape Cod. Lighthouses etc...

The next day, it rained the whole day. So we decided to do some inside touring. We went to the Cape Cod potato chip factory. They don't let cameras inside so this is the only shot we have. It was neat to see how they did things. We also went to Plymouth to check out Plymouth Rock. It's just a rock...but I suppose that's where this all started...

We went to a mall afterwards and Fanua got her shopping fix for those couple of hours. Naki liked to ride the merry-go-round.

The next day, it rained the whole day and there were record breaking floods all around. We went to Providence Rhode Island and visited a children's museum so Naki can release...The museum had tons of fun kid stuff for him to do including a water room where they could play with water.

Naki playing in one of the play rooms.

Interesting piece of art. We went to lunch and then came back to the museum for a little more play before checking out the rest of the city.

At the end of our visit to Providence, we went to another museum for Fanua. This is the culinary arts museum put on by Johnson and Wales college (culinary arts nirvana).

The rain finally stopped as was projected, and the place started warming up like it was supposed to the next day. This day we went up to Boston and took a trolley ride around town. We could get off and back on all day so that's what we did.

We stopped at the Boston Commons (sort of like New York's Central Park) and let Naki run around.
We stopped by the place where the Celtics play (as well as that bridge in the background) so we could get some tickets...

It was not baseball season (the opener against the Yankees was the day after we left) but here is some place that some dude plays baseball...

We checked out a local aquarium that Naki got to see some sea lions swimming.

We checked out a place call Faneuil Hall where some important decisions were made back in the day (which is like 1600's).

We ended the day at a lobster restaurant where we got lobster and let Naki play with the head...It was better than all the lobster rolls were were getting everywhere thinking they were going to be good.

The next day was a nice sunny day so we went to the island called Matha's Vineyard. We took a ferry and Naki liked being on a boat.

We wanted to check out the island so we got bus tickets and got ready to go on the bus.

Turns out our bus driver knew us....
We walked around, had lunch, ate sugar based food, had dinner (Fanua's favorite of the trip) and took the bus back to the ferry.

Upon learning of our pending departure....

Naki hit the ocean with a rock...

Here we are at the end of this day. Naki is tired of pictures but posed for a picture in front of the ferry station...

The next day was also sunny and warmer. We went back up to Boston for our tour of Fanua's favorite T.V. show "America's Test Kitchen".

Here is the front of the kitchen within the offices. There are a lot of offices where editing of the magazine takes place.

On our tour, we got to see their library of recipe books as well as an auxiliary room where prep and test cooking takes place. Here we are in front of the wall of ovens..

Here we are in the main kitchen where a ton of test cooking was being done.

Here is a view that you would see on T.V. where they shoot the show.

Oddly enough, this is the store front. It is nothing but an apartment building where you have to go up some compact stairs to the 'studio'. No sign, just an address.

Of course we had to have lunch at the Cheers bar.

We stopped by the store where Julia Child shopped for her show.

Naki then voiced his opinion about visiting the Boston Commons again.

He sat on a duck sculpture.

On the way back to the 'commons', we drove by Harvard and MIT to see if Naki could get in. He can't yet, his SAT's are too low.

Then we jumped on the train to go to a Celtics game.

It was Celtics vs. Rockets. It went into overtime and the home town team lost.

This is a very long post and we have pictures of April fun but will wait until this all sinks in.

Here are some videos of the trip:

Go Canada Go!

2010-02-28T14:54:00.011-07:00

We recently just went to the Vancouver Olympics and here are some pictures that will hold up in court.

Although this is not his first plane ride, this is his first plane ride where he Naki cared what was happening.

Saying goodbye to Boise is always hard, even when it's winter and you are only leaving for a short weekend trip...

We flew to Seattle, rented a car, and drove around for a little bit, visiting Pikes Market on the way. Here we are at Pikes just hanging out for a while, eating all the food that we could.

We didn't buy anything that we couldn't eat and Naki was liking the view from the top. Watched some fish throwing and sat on a pig.

Then we drove to our resort. We own a time-share and booked a resort in the sleepy beach town called Birch Bay. It was about 5 minutes from the border of Canada and it was a lot like Monterey Bay in Nor Cal. This is where we stayed for the Olympics. We just crossed the border everyday to get to Vancouver.

Here we are in Vancouver the next day. This is in the downtown section where you can buy tickets to events and slide on a zip line and ice skate.

Below is the market in Vancouver called Granville Island. We took a train to get here and it had a large farmers market as well as other shops and restaurants...

Once again, we didn't really buy anything that we couldn't eat and what we ate was mostly sugar based.

Here we are just hanging out at the park on Granville Island. Naki liked chasing ducks and staring at people.

Here he is dead asleep after a day at the Vancouver Olympics.

The next day we drove back up to Vancouver. There isn't any parking around town so we parked on the outskirts of town and took the train into downtown. The train doesn't have drivers so you are able to sit at the front and watch yourself go down the tunnel. This is Naki, unimpressed.

Here is the Olympic flame. This is on the shore in Vancouver.

The whole town of Vancouver was packed with millions of people from around the world all trying to see what they could. We walked around the town where there were all kinds of things to do, including eat. Naki played soccer in the street with some kids from Italy and enjoyed jumping up and down on the curbs...

Finally, we thought maybe it would be a good idea to go to an event. So we picked the cheapest and only available event that had tickets for that day. It was a playoff womens hockey game between Russia and the Swiss. The game started off slow but picked up with lots of checking and got pretty heated. It ended in a shootout and the Swiss won.

Naki entertained everyone around us. We bought him Canadian socks and Fanua bought a Canadian shirt so we could fit in. Canadian gear was being worn by everyone.

This became a very late night for unexpected reasons. You can ask one of us to explain but I won't write it here. Ultimately, we ended up pushing our flight back the next day and extending our rental car.

Because of this, we did have an extra half-day to mess around. So we went back to the border and bought our souvenirs and Olympic garb at the duty free shops. Then, tried to leave Naki on the Canadian side of the border but there were border police watching. So much for our attempts to make room for a Haitian kid...

Here is a video of Naki's duck bravery. We cut the video off right before his bravery started crumbling....

Who Dat?

2010-02-17T10:20:00.003-07:00

Some more Naki goodness:

Goal #2 for 2009 finally reached. We eliminated the $10 thousand hole we created by our move to Boise.

We had a pretty busy week this week. This is right before we went to the Idaho Steelheads hockey game which is right before their beat down of the Utah nobodies hockey team..

The next night was the USU beat down of Boise State in basketball. Very well attended by nobody.

And the very next night was a combined wrestling and gymnastic meet at Boise State. Our wrestler won in overtime (Matt Casperson). Boise just happens to be very good and has a handful of nationally ranked wrestlers.

This is Naki. Tired from all the events he attended.

This is Naki. Two days away from getting Goal #1 for 2010 started with a trip to the Olympics.

This is Naki. In all his pre-Olympic glory.

Still 09

2010-01-17T19:40:00.003-07:00

Witty captions to follow.

Naki at a BSU game. Anyone doubt the Broncos?

This is a video of Naki almost getting stepped on by a BSU player...

This is a video of Naki scoring a touchdown on the blue turf. Anyone watch Southpark?

Christmas was at St. George this year (2009). We opened presents at the cabin!

Naki got a wheelchair.

Naki also got some money.

He decided to put it in his pocket.

And began to.

Then said, 'it's just money' and threw it away.

Here he is enjoying a present.

We went to an Idaho Steelheads game. Attended by more locals than the B-Ball games.

PGA Paradise

2009-12-18T21:24:00.005-07:00

Some more beans for your stalk.

Boise Christmas tree lighting.

Thanksgiving 2009

Naki's last thanksgiving before intervention.

Somewhat of a tradition for thanksgiving is volunteer work at the local VA hospital. They don't really let us take pictures inside so this was the best we could do. Troops = good. War = bad

My kid.

Just a small video of us at a jam packed local semi-pro b-ball game.

Health Care

2009-11-22T20:58:00.005-07:00

Some randomness.

Grandma Anne with two of Anna's kids.

Cowboy Uncle Wayne

Great Gwandma

Valet

Thirsty

"World" Series

2009-10-30T22:27:00.003-06:00

These pictures are a combination of a trip to Red Bluff, CA and a trip to SLC, UT and a non-trip to Boise, ID.

"All your ducks in a row" joke....CA

Give a man (small boy) a fish...joke....CA

DUI....CA

Remember this? CA

Naki and Grandpa. There is a video of this that will show up soon.

Geek out. CA

Boys.

Dish washer? Clothes washer? Deep sink?

This is where Naki was cleaned.

#1 Grandson

Here we are at the farmers market in Boise after the 5K the Fanua just did.

Fanua, Naki, and Grandma Pikula did a 5K.

Very happy....note where they are relative to the finish...

Naki making sure Grandma finishes.

Predator vs. Alien

Boise has a lot of 5K's. This happens to be one to celebrate woman's fitness. Naki doesn't have to run/walk it since he is not a woman.

This is after the 5K.

A side effect to being in SLC while working is visiting other folks. This is at a 'get together' at a large house in Kaysville. These two kids had a lot of fun. The people involved: Malmstroms, Fergusons, Matagi's.

More side effects of the trip to SLC. This is Naki playing and flirting some more. The people involved: Tori, Naki, some folks playing rugby in the background with one of them being Joe.

We went to Red Bluff as a side effect of working in Redding CA. This is the Sacramento River in Redding near the Sundial Bridge. Naki was really liking water.

This is Turtle Bay and some natives in their natural habitat...

Post Summer

2009-09-17T05:20:00.017-06:00

Here is more update for your seeing eye and wondering mind.

Naki's Grandma came to town to watch Naki while Naki's parents left Naki to play in Sin City. Sinning occurred.

This is not Lance Burton, but it is Nathan Burton. Magician....check.

Captain Jack Sparrow on the strip....check.

We were able to visit some locals that sue other locals. This is Zach P. Takos Attorney at Law and his family.

Belagio flowers....check.

Re-living the good ole days of 'drop your kids off at Circus Circus to go gamble....check.

The Venitian flowers....check.

Blue Man Group show.....check.

Little man on our return.
I'm not saying 'priceless'. Master Card will sue me. Other things on the list included three comedians, two buffets (Wynn, Harras), outlet shopping, and risk taking.

This is camping on Labor day weekend. We went to Lost Valley Reservoir in Idaho. Nice scenic place.

Naki is down with it.

He could be laughing....he could be crying....

The folks Naki went camping with. Karter Casperson, Spencer Pannell.

My Two Moms

I am currently trying to get the pictures of us cliff jumping into the river that leaves this reservoir. For your imagination, here is a concept:

The next week was the 'Art in the Park' where the local art museum (BAM) sponsors a festival. Jennette Purdy could work there....

Game Day

2009-09-03T23:15:00.006-06:00

Time to think of some witty picture titles...

Fanua and Naki went to the Zoo and bought season passes. I left work to visit them there (it's Boise, everything is close). Naki thinking the animals will jump out of the camera.

Naki sizing up the penguins.

We don't have cable so here are the mere-cats we can watch.

We could have played with the wheel at home...

Naki thinks Daddy is a zoo animal...

Mommy and Naki

Grandpa would call this an 'animal movie'.

Always wondering if he is going to get in trouble for touching stuff...

Yes. If you touch that you will get in trouble.

Fine, I'll stop...

Cash for Clunkers

2009-08-14T22:38:00.009-06:00

Not a lot of time as you can see....

Naki likes swings.

And Daddy

Don't drink and drive.

On the trail.

Camping July 2009.

Water and marshmallows.

Birds and bees.

Soul food.

Y NOT?

Fanua did the YNOT triathlon here in Boise.

Anyone else getting bored?

Summer Proper.

2009-07-03T22:01:00.007-06:00

I got nothin.

Nana and Jay at the Pikula family reunion.

A couple of people in this picture got married on this day.

Grandma Speters finally gets to see Naki.

Naki got a dollar for his first birthday from Grandpa.

And some cake.

Before bite.

During bite.

After bite.

He's growing up.

And up.

He got a music CD from Grandma and Grandpa and likes to dance to it.

And lazy dance without having to stand up.

The phone book torture technique.

This is not a shameless WinCo plug.

More to follow.....

And here's more...

Still Spring

2009-05-15T22:36:00.009-06:00

If it's going to be once a month, then it's going to be once a month....

This is Naki doing what he does. Climb up, fall down, climb up, fall down...

Here is Naki all geared up to go do something with absolutely nothing to do.

Naki's first time on a swing. He looks a little un-trusting.

Here he is, full trust, letting the swing make him want to sleep (he didn't).

We kept a new years goal of paying off our car. One 2009 goal down, a few more to go.

Naki is 11 months old.

Gerrit Koer (google him). We went to big juds here in town (they got a 1lb hamburgur that we just had to kill). We got our picture taken and put on the wall, we think. Thanks for coming to visit!

Pre-Summer 2009

2009-04-12T18:11:00.006-06:00

Some more stuff for the greedy.

Fanua swim results for her team triathlon.

Fanua and her team took first place in their category.

Triathlons are tiring.

One lunch break at the park.

See video above

A pear for the pear body.

10 months

Our garden that feeds the squirrels.

Spring 2009

2009-03-20T08:29:00.009-06:00

Someone turned 55 years old on March 18th.

Blogspot Stimulus Package

2009-03-03T20:48:00.000-07:00

Here is some more stuff for your eye hole.

This is at an Idaho Stampede (NBA D-League) vs. the Utah Flash. The camera just focusus on whatever it wants so instead of getting a great action shot of some dudes playing b-ball, we get this kid sticking his tongue out.

BSU vs USU. The outcome wasn't what was expected.

Naki by the fire.

More pics of Naki = more comments.

The World Special Olympics were this year in Idaho and we went to some stuff. Here we are with the Czech floor hockey team being hosted by Halee Hunter. Fanua tried to tell them that she was part Czech, but they just laughed politely and probably joked about it on the way home.

For the Special Olympics, one can only guess what the Idaho mascot was.

We (I) received a complaint that some gifts given to Naki received preferential treatment on this blog frequented by patrons all over the world. In order to further diplomatic relations with the complainant, these pictures feature Naki and some Christmas presents he received in March from the complainant.

Nakina

Naki says 'Thank You'

Note that this gift takes precedence over food and reading.

Let's try broccoli. This step was skipped when Naki's mom was this age, thus resulting in the great broccoli tantrum of 1980-2000.

Broccoli is going to come out funny looking.

'I think I like it'. Must be Dad's son.

More Naki.

And More Naki.

Sefa again?

2009-02-03T20:34:00.000-07:00

Anyone else getting sick of this run on sentence you call 'Sefa'?

Naki got valentines day gifts from his cousins Brooks and Tori and Dylan.

Candy.

This is Naki saying 'thank you'.

Naki is Eight months (too) old now.

Naki can crawl now.

Sefa's corner:

.....so I went to Miami by myself (pause...*waits for the phone to ring*) a couple of weeks ago and here are some pics...

First on the list to visit was Key West. Here is a shot of the south side of the key.

Same key, different location.

Must have key lime pie in key west right? Note the coy pond.

I went down there and stayed in a Hostle (no I haven't seen the movies) on South Beach. It was a twelve (12) bed co-ed room and this was one of my roomates Anais from Toronto (Canada, for the geographic illiterate).

My 'to see' list was pretty short. The first day I wanted to see the Keys and visit Key West and drive on the seven mile bridge (for nerdy reasons). That night, when I came back, I met my roomates (since the first night I just went to sleep). These two are from D.C. by way of Germany and Austria. Girl on the left is Kathrine (Austria) and on the right is Jasmine (Germany). We all decided to go down to the beach that night and just walk around....so that is what these awesome action shots are all about.

My second item on the 'to see' list was a real live alligator. I went to the Everglades National Park to find some and there were a bunch all over the place. Here is a pic (one of many).

There is no zoom on this pic. I was really that far away with zero barricades.

More.

Feel free to play 'find the gator'.

Here is a picture of water.

Turns out if I put the camera on timer and set it on my rental car, I can take pics of myself in the everglades. Here is a spot I stopped because it looked like a great place to take a picture.

...and I then found this dude soaking in some sun. Now it was pretty cold (low 70's F.) so the gators were pretty dormant. They tried not to move as much as they could.

After the Everglades, I came home and just went to sleep so I have no 'hang out' pictures for that night. The next day was 'to see' item number three and that was just to spend time on the beach. I spent all day there and worked on my (should be natural) tan. I went with a couple of my roomates. Sara from Sweden and Mattia from Italy (see pictures later). This is a picture of the end of the day and the beach was South Miami Beach (South Beach). I now know why Fanua was such a hater of all beaches on the west coast. These beaches here were clean, the water was clear, and the sand was white. San Diego comes close, but these were some nice beaches.

I have to say, I was not prepared to see toplessness (besides me) at this beach but it was pretty popular. I don't have an pictures of proof but you can use your imagination.

Mattia (Italy). He slept on the top bunk behind us and I was on the bottom bunk. This was the day I was leaving.

Sara (Sweden)

Here is my buddy Mike (Egypt/Germany), Juan (Panama), and Kathrin (Austria). I was one of two Americans in the room. I met some pretty awesome people from all over the world here. I have linked up with them all on Facebook and there are a couple more pictures with me and some of these folks floating around there. Awesome experience!

Update Ohh Eight

2009-01-08T05:42:00.000-07:00

Here we go...

This is six months....and apparently six o'clock. Yes, that is our house in the background. It may be small, but we make due.

We done went to a hockey game. The Idaho Steelheads (that's a type of salmon for all you vegetarians).

No fights on this night. I think it was against Utah.

It snowed here. This is a good reason not to stay.

So we went here instead.

This is Nor Cal. Fort Bragg specifically. We went to Nor Cal where Naki's grandparents and uncle live and they got to see their grandchild and nephew, some for the very first time. (There is an imbalance on the visitation rights to Naki if you can just imagine that for a minute. It is a very lengthily discussion that I am sure some of you will pipe up about.) You see that storm in the background?

That storm is the reason we decided to go in the car.

Grandpa thinks our baby stinks...

So does Naki.

Grandma and Grandpa just ate him up. Here he is playing foot piano.

This is what Naki would look like with an afro.

Naki's first toys (borrowed) from Grandma and Grandpa.

Grandma knows songs that Naki likes.

Alot

Grandpa knows throwing techniques that Naki likes...alot.

Grandma and Grandpa taking in their first grandchild. This is in Red Bluff (sort of).

This is for those who don't like to read.

For those who want to up their stalking game, this is my family. I am the one with my arms out looking up like MJ.

These dudes are meeting for the first time.

Naki and uncle Soni who has very subtle dreads now.

The details: We went to Red Bluff for a few days, then we went to Fort Bragg for a few days, then we went back to Red Bluff for a few days....This pic is in Fort Bragg.

I miss the ocean.

My birthday happens to be in conjunction with that Christian dudes' pseudo-birthday. 30, wow.

Naki can take a great picture with just him in it, but when it comes to sharing the spotlight...

Back in Red Bluff and tired. This is the night before we went home. It was a very nice visit to Nor Cal.

Back in Boise and attending the famous Humanitarian Bowl between WAC nobody vs. ACC nobody. We had wristbands for that 'tent city' in the background and that place is full of corporate money, food, and booze. It is very exclusive....ACC nobody won.

We have been married for five years.
Dating: 2 1/2 years
Engaged: 3/4 year
Married: 5 years

This post has got two folks tired.

Fanua Facts...

2008-12-09T20:07:00.001-07:00

A fun tag from Natalie.

In case you care about some random things about Fanua-of course you do. You check this blog every day to see if the next blog is from me, and not from Sefa. You love me!

Eight things I did yesterday:

1. Chowded down on a big slice of Albertson's chocolate fudge cake (they had a 'Happy Easter' cake on sale for $2.99. I'm hoping that it was previously frozen, or a practice cake. Either way, it went down good!)

2. Taught ninety-five 9th and 10th graders how to make Candy Cane Twist Cookies from scratch
3. Listened to my daily dose of NPR after work.

4. Obsessed about starting a new business. I love business talk and planning! Wish I had infinite money for all my dreams...someday!

5. Procrastinated

6. Pored over 10 cookbooks for delicious cookie recipes

7. Thought about eating better

8. Thought about my sister, Latanya, who left for Guam this evening for her mission. Go Sister Pikula!

Eight places I like to eat:

1. Chick-fil-a

2. Sugarcanes in Chino Hills, CA

3. Bad Boy Burger in Boise, Idaho

4. Sefa's kitchen in Boise, Idaho

5. My mom's kitchen

6. Any good Thai restaurant (love Pad Thai)
7. ?

8. ? I love food, but can't think of anywhere specific right now--In and Out Burgers are good

Eight shows I like to watch:

1. The Office

2. My Name is Earl

3. MXP-that crazy Japanese obstacle course with the silly commentary-haha!

4. Biggest Loser

5. Ina Garten-Barefoot Contessa (I now want a posh house in the Hamptons and a BMW convertable!)

6. Almost any reality show-I'm a sucker for drama...just not my own!

7. Heroes

8. Good Eats

Eight things I look forward to:

1. A good night's sleep (Naki's sleeping schedule has turned upside down! We're so tired right now, and hoping that he picks a schedule, and SOON!!)

2. Peaceful Sunday mornings when both boys are asleep and the kitchen and house is allllll mine.

3. traveling the world with Sefa and maybe Naki too

4. Selling lemonade in the summer again

5. Hanging out with my mom again. She's coming this weekend-yah!!
6. Seeing Hannah, Taylor, and Shayla again soon...that fateful number of 17 visits in 5 years is slipping away :(

7. Being a stay-at-home momma again...I'll at least have the summers. And, also, the Thursday lunches with my friends in the ward!
8. Days off!

Eight people I tag: (no pressure though)

1. Carlee P

2. Taylor

3. Hannah

4. Sefa-this'll be good!

5. Nan M

6. Tori

7. Mele-reeeeal good!

8. Janae L

Love you all!

Some new stuff.

2008-12-06T10:18:00.000-07:00

So here are some new pics for your............

Fanua's desk at work.

Hey Naki.....

Sup....

ha...

Haha!

I don't look like either of my parents.
Adoption?
Ask Fanua about natural child birth.

For Thanksgiving, we volunteered at the local VA hospital to serve Thanksgiving dinner to the folks there. Naki was a big hit with the veterans and they loved playing with him while they ate.

We got to serve trays of food to the veterans and pretty much walk around and keep them company.

One of the veterans talked us into feeding Naki some mashed potatoes for his first Thanksgiving dinner and he is now taking part in the tradition of overeating and feeling stuffed. After this, we just went home and had Thanksgiving dinner with each other as a family.

We had to see USU play BSU.

I am glad we found a picture of a fat football fan heckling the home team.

Last but not least, I had a request for my Halloween costume picture.

I was a dirty high school wrestling coach. These shorts weren't as short as they felt. Also, this picture doesn't show my great sock stuffing talent.

Bully in training

2008-11-23T16:07:00.000-07:00

Yo-give me a dollar and I won't punch yo' lights out, see?

Luke and Jessica Humphries

2008-11-11T20:20:00.001-07:00

The quatro of us in the Matagi's first apartment.

Cute Luke and Jess

Jessica, Luke, Sefadonkis, and I with some really sharp, shapely eyebrows!!! Not so hot.

Jessica, Luke, and DJ Sefski

I loved hanging out with them in Logan, back in 2004 and before. They're on the East Coast and I haven't seen them since 2004, but shout out to them!!! I hope to see them again, soon!

One memory that sticks out in my mind is the Easter Egg picnic and egg hunt at the park. Sefa and I were having a BBQ on his little hibachi at the park when the Humphries showed up. We ate, chatted, and then everyone wrote their initials on the plastic easter eggs. Everyone did the honor system and closed their eyes to other people's hiding spot-mind you, this was like a mile long park- then we all hunted for them. We had to do "hotter, colder, hotter". So fun!

EEK! There's a pirate in my soup!

2008-11-05T05:41:00.000-07:00

Halloween 2008

I loved Pirates of the Carribean so much that Naki was a pirate for Halloween. He had on a black and white stripped pant with a white onesie and accessories :) Sefa was a suspicious PE teacher and I was a lazy mom in a bathrobe. Enjoy the pictures!

Ooooooooooh!

This is what he and Sefa really thought about getting dressed up.

Lucky he's not a girl or he would've been Beyonce in the Bootylicious video, complete with a gold tooth, feather in the cap, and a sassy body roll, courteous of Auntie Mele. I actually wanted to dress him up as Harry Potter, but will save that for next year, with myself as Hagrid and Sefa as Dobby.

Give it up for the local dollar store!

They had a whole accessories pack that included this fabulous eye patch, a high tech hook sleeve, a fistful of silver coins, and even a gold earing.

Naki didn't like it when the eye patch covered his eye, thus the patch on the side. Have you seen the Family Guy episode where Peter plays peek-a-boo with Stewie? I wonder what Naki thought when the patch covered one eye? I often wonder what he does think, especially when I act really silly just to get a smile; probably "Um, really?" or "Wow, take it down a notch, mama!" or "Is that really necessary?" I wonder....

Such a scary pirate.

I know I'd run the other way if I met him in a dark
alley!

Careful of the hook, love.

Happy Halloween!

5 Months

2008-11-04T05:52:00.000-07:00

This is for those of you who are sick of seeing that Park City crap every time you stalkers look at our blog.

Is it me or are all the posts about our kid now?

That kid is 5 months old. No, I (Sefa) have not changed clothes since the 1 month picture. For the record, this was right after halloween and I still had my molester-stach from my 'chester' costume. We made Naki a pirate and Fanua was someone who just got out of the shower. Pretty eventfull Halloween. We passed out candy until we ran out and passed out hot chocolate packets until we ran out of that too. Then we went to a party where I offended just about everyone there with my costume. (I won third place at my office though).

I recently went to our house in CA. Had some training in Vegas and a test in So Cal and stayed at our rental since it was empty at the time. Thought I would put some pics of the joint. This is a before we moved pic of the front.

Before we moved pic of the kitchen.

This is a before we moved pic of the front room/dining room and family room.

Here is an after I left last week pic of the front.

After I left pic of the kitchen/breakfast spot.

After I left pic of the front room/dining room and family room (past the french doors).

Park City for Vacation?

2008-10-12T07:01:00.000-06:00

Okay, I am leaving for Vegas and L.A. so I thought I would fill ya'll in on what went down on our last vacation together in Park City (you can read that any way you want). I don't think Fanua will have much time to give the rundown with Naki being a boy-diva lately.

We went to Park City for a couple of days and then stayed in SLC for one night.

Why Park City?

The main reason; cheap vacation.

The alternate reason; visit Fatu.

The unforseen consequences; the visitation of additional family.

And now the reason you all even clicked on the link.....

...pictures.

This is not shameless 'brand placement'. That crown could have been from anywhere.

This place is called the 'Pizza Factory' or more commonly known as 'Fat Cats'. The service was great. I have never been to a place where the service was so good. Go there. Leave a large tip if your server is named Tori, Mele, or Latanya. Dude in the pic is Sam (SRM).

One of our servers breaking food service laws.

Fanua's sisters: Tori, Mele, and Latanya taking a break from the madness of waiting on one table that day. (Can you believe they are all standing? I married the short one.)

The visit to Fatu was great. I can't believe what he has survived. He is the ultimate warrior (watch out Hogan). Other folks in the pic, Shelise, Ill Phill, and SRM. On a side note, we were able to check out Ill Phill and Co. and them kids are grown.

This is Josh. Next time we can come down for more time. I ain't seen Josh in a long time.

This is Naki (our kid). Beer ain't the only thing that makes a belly.

When do you give them baby cereal?

2008-09-28T16:55:00.000-06:00

When did you all start giving your bebe's cereal as their first food? Was cereal even their first food? I'd sure love some advice on when to start little Naki on his non-boob milk food diet :)

He's 4 months old (on the 29th) and I've let him suck and eat the insides of one grape, and he seemed fine. It seems like he's tolerating (bland!) foods when I stick it to his lips as it seems like he's starting to reach for my food...

Whaddy'a think?

2008-09-28T08:16:00.000-06:00