Back to reality...

I've been MIA for the past week or so due to a quick trip to Tonga. I uploaded all the pictures I took to Facebook. That took forever and I didn't want to upload them on here 'cause that would probably take another day or so. I took over 400 pictures. If you want to view them, check out the following three links:

ONE
TWO
THREE

We left Salt Lake on June 8th, flew to Los Angeles and then waited to catch the 11 pm flight from Los Angeles to Tonga via Apia, Samoa. Of course, all of this on stand-by status.

In LA, we ran into Wendi Bloomfield. She is married to my cousin Konai. She was there to send her oldest to Tonga. He was travelling by himself and was happy to know that we were going to Tonga. I told her we would keep an eye on him.

We arrived in Tonga Thursday morning, June 10th. My first cousin Aiona and her dad, Uncle Ta'u picked us up from the airport. We spent most of the day Thursday trying to get the box my parents shipped out of storage.

On Friday, we finally got the box out. Sorted the items inside and delivered the items to family.

Saturday we woke up early to marinate the chicken for our barbecue. We went to town to do some more shopping. To make a long story short, we spent the day at swimming and ended it with a barbecue. It was a great turn out. Almost all the family members came out, with the exception of 2 people.

Sunday was church. Folllowed by more swimming. Soni and Nohe'a swam every day we were there.

Monday morning, we packed up and headed for New Zealand.

We arrived in New Zealand and was greeted by Maryanne. We went back to their place where they had prepared a light meal for us. Later that evening, we went over to Mary and Rob Pome'e's place for a barbecue put together by Sione and his brothers along with Maryanne and Poaki. We had a family home evening and just ate. It was a good time to catch up with them. We had a good time with them.

We came home around 10 or so. Aunty Sinai and Uncle Loe were home. I tried to stay awake to chat with them, but I fell asleep. We woke up the next morning around 5 am to catch our flight to Sydney.

We made the flight and arrived in Sydney, Australia around 9 am. The Delta flight was scheduled to leave at 12:35. Unfortunately, there was one seat left and I took it. Haloti and the two boys stayed back. I felt so bad. But at the same time, I needed to get back to work. I made Business Class and that was a treat. I don't I fully enjoyed it just knowing that they were stranded at the airport.

When I arrived in LA, I received a phonecall from Haloti. His aunt picked him up. I felt a lot better. I checked on the flights for Delta and it didn't look good. Qantas had flights, but they didn't have tickets. That was a long story in itself.

So currently, he is stuck in Australia with the two boys. I am home and trying to catch up on everything. One week and I've got a lot to catch up on.

I learned a couple things on this trip - but I will save that for my next post. For now, enjoy the pics! Although I didn't want to go when I found out the flight status going back, I can say I am grateful that I did go. My Misinale Family is awesome!!! I had a good time with them and they literally spoil us every time we are there. The same goes for our family in New Zealand. Aunty Sinai and her girls are always going the extra mile. It was great to spend time with Aunty Tina and her family. Indeed grateful for the wonderful hospitality they showed. Love and miss them all!