Sunday, September 24

Till The Morning Angels Watch Over You...

Were the last words you said to me via Gmail chat. I still remember our 30 minute conversation, the giggles and laughter, the words of encouragement, the strength and courage that shone through from you was overwhelming and yet still I felt a sadness knowing there was nothing I could do but hope and pray and root for you all the way.

As I sit and type this, which has been very hard to do, I remember how we first met which was at our wedding in 2001, your radiant smile, your strong bubbly personality welcoming me to the family; the fun times we had in Samoa, cooking schnitzel at our humble home in Vaivase-Uta for the first time and you laughing at me because I didn't have a clue at what I was doing; watching tv using a projector, screened on our living room wall; socialising with your friends on that French boat, I'm sure you girls were eyeing up all the sailors or was it they were eyeing up you, all dressed up in your beautiful tatau grey and white halter neck puletasi; reading your article in the new Pacific magazine (forgot title) describing your experiences and the nitelife in Samoa (which I remember you telling me you hoped your Dad wouldn't read) ~ I should of bought a copy for keeps; our brunch at Kaufe Hauz on your last trip to Samoa was time well spent with you; seeing you again at Sachi and Mark's wedding and boogieing hard out on the dance floor at the afterparty; some of the memories I will treasure always.

I dedicate a song to you called "Time To Say Goodbye" by Andre Bocelli and Sarah Brightman as you are laid to rest. We will always remember you the "Divine Miss M", and how much you have touched our hearts. You will never be forgotten. Until we meet again, All Our Love Rachel, Matt and Maddy :)

Thursday, September 7

September Already?

I can't believe it's September already. Before Rachel and Maddy got here time was moving so slowly and now that they're here it seems like time is just flying by.

We've been keeping busy, which is good but unfortunately when we've got lots of stuff to write about, we never have the time to sit down and write about it. Rachel and Madison are adjusting well to the new timezone and place and according to Madison, he never wants to go back to Samoa, he likes it better here. I don't know if it's because of the new digs or what but I think it's just because he likes it when both of his parents are with him at the same time.


That's a photo of me and Maddy standing at the bus stop across the street from our house. We were on our way to see the doctor for his monthly checkup and rheumatic fever injection. I didn't realise that we both had our left hands in our pockets til I saw this photo. Like father like son :)

Our friendly neighbor Cathy from downstairs gave us a nice stroller for Madison. Maddy likes going for walks but lacks the stamina to walk very far, or so he says. I think he just gets lazy (I wonder who he gets that from?) and prefers to be carried or pushed around in his stroller. Thanks Cathy!

Madison has become very adept with the computer. He is very observant and picks up quite a lot from just watching us use the laptop. He can turn it on and off, use the Favorites menu, the Back button and knows how to start games and tab through the different open windows. He is a master with the mouse, I didn't even need to teach him how to use it. I think he's teaching himself intuitively, a process I find to be amazing at his age.

That's the view from our verandah. There isn't any grassy open spaces or playgrounds in our complex but Madison loves riding his bike in the underground parking garage. We're fortunate to live in a safe neighborhood with nice, quiet neighbors.

Labor Day Weekend

Last weekend was Labor Day and we decided to go into DC and see some of the sights.

That's Rachel and Maddy at the Air and Space Museum standing in front of some big rockets.

Daddy and Maddy in the Mall with the Washington Monument in the background.

Maddy loved the Air and Space Museum.

On the Metro on our way into DC. Maddy must have the window seat!

The highlight of Madison's day was riding the dragon on one of DC's oldest merry-go-rounds.