Beanie's Special Day!

First weekend of July was a busy one for us. Bean turned 8 years old and was baptized. We threw her a surprise bday party Friday night. Her aunty Les took Beanie out with her cousins for the day and when evening came, Bean thought they were going out to the movies, but before the movies, Les told them she had to stop by and check out a friends family gathering at the rec center. All the family met here earlier to set up decorations, food, the cakes, DJ and the kids were anxious to see the birthday girl arrive. Beanie shared this bday with one of her favorite cousins from Florida...Pita! He turned 8 years old earlier that week and was in for the surprise as well. Grandma Nola made each of them their own bday cake. Here they are (below) next to their cakes as we all sang the bday song! Below is a shot of most of the family there. We have TONS of pictures and you can see them all on my facebook. It was a great night of FUN with everyone eating, dancing and playing games.This is a picture of the candy bar my cousin Monika and her hubby set up for the party! I wish we had a picture of it BEFORE the kids got to it. To the side was a chocolate fountain too! Now you know where the kids were most of the party...even some adults too! LOL! It was totally the HIT of the party!
The next morning, July 4th- Independence Day was the baptism day for our lil' girl. It was certainly an emotional morning for Justin and I. Since this year started, every Sunday Beanie and her dad would talk about baptism and practice the way to stand in the font. She had been so anxious for this day to come. Daddy and Bean did a great job!

We asked Beanie who she wanted to confirm her and without hesitation she told us she wanted Grandpa to do it. Here Bean stands proudly with Grandpa (my pops) on her special day! Beanie's uncles- Big Joe and Homie....all my brothers helped out TONS to make this special for Bean!
These are my sister in laws, Maka and Lome...how I appreciate these two!! They are such hard workers and didn't hesitate one bit to help out w/ all they could for the birthday party and baptism. Maka bought Beanie the beautiful dress she has on....isn't it so pretty?
Here Beanie poses with more of her aunties who I see more as my sisters. They are always there for me and were a huge part in making this weekend a success! We were so happy to see Grandma Numa make it to the baptism. She is Justin's aunty and since all of his family lives in New Zealand, she is our Grandma Kaufana and supports us at every event! My dad's sisters, Sinai and Ana made it along with Line (far right) from Houston. Love these ladies.Beanie with her uncle Tupou aka Bobo and also her favorite buddy to hang out with on a daily basis! These two were in the same class at school this past year which makes them even closer. Bean LOVES her Bobo! Our family was so overwhelmed with gratitude to all the family and friends who came out to support. It was a memorable event for us and we are so thankful to you all and love you tremendously.

-VEEYAH-