I must admit the lead up days before the reunion was very stressful, with some very last minutes spanners thrown in the works, but thankfully it all worked out.
Our first stop was Aunty Lagi's house to all meet together and sort some last minute admin stuff out. I saw her and cried. I think it was just the relief of seeing her again. I lived in their home for almost a year and It was so good to see her again. I told the kids that if anyone had questions about their Gramps growing up, she was the best one to ask. I know the reunion meant a lot to her and as the matriarch of the family, it was good just to hug her again.
We arrived at Motu Moana Camp and paid up the final bill. I have been emailing with the camp for the past 18 months, so when the bill was paid, I did a double pump fist and hugged Tony. Relieved as! It was great accommodation for the family and they recommended some really great activities.
One of the best things was that it was catered and we didn't have to worry about the food. Loaves & Fishes were our caterers and they were awesome! No polynesian food, but there was plenty of it and the menu was delicious. The owner Helen was a delight to deal with and they were very helpful. No one was ever hungry, which is bonus points for any island family!
We did many activities - one of the highlights being the abseling Saturday morning. Not everyone was brave enough to give it a go, but those that did were amazing! My Bourne cousins were so funny. None of the boys were going to have a go, but as soon as their sisters went up - the boys were up that wall so fast.
The flying fox got a good work out as well. We had a carnival for the kids, talent night and on Sunday most of us went to church. Although not everyone goes to church regularly, most of us went to sacrament that day. Blockhouse Bay Ward got a bit of a shock I think, and the overflow had to be opened. It was great to be at church together, even though some of us were struggling to keep our eyes open! Chelynne tapped me during closing prayer because she thought I was going to snore. Rude!!
Family Home Evening was a night to be remembered. My Dad has nine siblings - 6 brothers and 3 sisters. In attendance were his two sisters Aunty Lagi & Aunty Amelia and one of his baby brother's Uncle Faatau. He is in the heavens with his parents and two baby brothers Uncle Auro & Uncle Finesi. Uncle Amani was unable travel. Our Aunties, my Mum and Uncle told us stories about when they grew up and how they met each other. It was so funny and a bit of an eye opener. I think some of us were a bit traumatised (esp the night clubbers dahaha), but it was great to hear their stories. I cried a fair bit that night hearing stories about my grandparents, Dad and his siblings. They were tears of joy because I know how blessed I am to be part of this family. 
It was good to be there to represent our Dad with my sisters and my mum.
Monday was our time to say goodbyes and we had a bit of a paparazzi day. The first two are all of the cousins. Plenty of laughs. These are the cousins I grew up with and we visited each other often when we were growing up. We'll always keep in contact with each other, I'm sure.
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| Cousins |
This is a photo of the next generation - all our children.
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| Next Generation |
Saying goodbye sucked. My boy cousins openly cried and the kids didn't want it to end. It was so good being together again. It was disappointing that not everyone could make it, but I'm sure everyone will be there at the next one.
Grateful there were only very few dramas, but nothing that didn't get smoothed over. So sorry to the Police Ten 7 producers - nothing to see here!
Totally love my family and all the hard work truly paid off.
Team Tapusoa Forever!
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