Risky Business

This past weekend, Seti, his brother Eddie and a business partner, Karl Lundeberg put their resources and art to the test at the Utah Samoan Cultural Celebration here in Utah.

They recently created a clothing line called Donofeno, an acronym for "Doubt Not, Fear Not". Sales were difficult and they really weren't sure how their tee-shirts would be received, but they decided it was worth the risk.

Despite the lukewarm sales, they are quite confident that they will succeed. They will continue to work on branding their business and already have a website. You can visit them at www.donofeno.com

Happy Birthday Grandma Karen

We celebrated Grandma Karen's birthday this weekend at Payson Lake in Utah County. Pearl & Kara, Kevin & Erin, Hugh & Tara, Clint & Alisha, Jose & Kassie and their families were all there to help celebrate.

Once again we enjoyed the beauty of God's creation's as we fished, swam and hiked our way around our awesome campground. Matt even joined us for an evening of fun around the campfire.

About the only setback we experienced during the incredible weekend was the blown tire on I-15 as we made our way home. No worries though. Uncle Clint came to our rescue! Looking forward to the next family outing!

Congratulations Kevin & Erin

We were privileged to witness the sealing of Kevin, Erin and their three young sons in the Timpanogos Temple this past weekend. Nothing is more inspiring than entering that holy place where family can be together forever.

Congratulations on reaching this everlasting and important milestone. Visit often and pray always! We love you!

Independence Day

Thank you so much to the Holindrake family for their generosity over the Fourth of July weekend. We drove down that afternoon with the Filiaga's and Seti's boss (Sid Pauga) to join the Holindrake's at their home.

Clint cooked hot dogs and hamburgers to go with the delicious salads, fruits, chips and desserts. Afterward whetting our pyrotechnic appetites with a few fireworks in front of their home, we drove through Lehi and parked just east of the freeway to enjoy the fireworks display at Thanksgiving Point.

Being with family and friends is always a wonderful way to celebrate and remember the sacrifices of those who fought for our country's liberties and for the foresight of our founding fathers who were inspired by God to establish this great nation!

Scouts in Moab

Just 24 hours after returning from Samoa, Seti accompanied Chase, Kingston and the Granger West 9th Ward Scouts to Arches National Park near Moab, UT for their annual Scout camp. Chase passed off all of the requirements for his Tenderfoot and Second Class ranks. Kingston is currently a First Class Scout and is close to completing all of the requirements for the Life rank.

The guys hiked in and around the areas near Delicate, Landscape, Double-O and Wall arches as well as Dead Horse Point. They also ran the Colorado River and completed a difficult 14-mile hike under a scorching sun before the long ride home. Seti and the boys were ready for a nice long, hot shower and a restful night in their own beds. At the very least, this scout trip has taught the boys humility and gratitude.

Talofa Samoa

Thanks to his employment with an international company (Life Transition Services), Seti was blessed with the opportunity to return to the land of his ancestors for a brief visit. Aganoa Beach (inset) is perhaps one of the most beautiful spots in the world and is owned by the Utai's, Seti's mother's family. Seti spent nearly every minute of his trip at this incredible locale.

So much has changed in the ten years since his last visit, but the land is still beautiful and provides inspiration and relaxation for the growing tourist industry in the country.

While in Samoa, Seti was bestowed the chiefly title of Aganoa by his mother's family. It is a great honor to serve his mother's family, village and country. We look forward to one day visiting Samoa as a family to teach the boys about their Polynesian heritage.

Nauvoo Trip

Now that June is over we can breathe a sigh of relief. Our busy month started with our incredible trip to Nauvoo with the Granger West 9th Ward youth. Jen did a wonderful job of organizing the entire trip over a two year period. Over 50 youths and leaders traveled from Kansas City to Nauvoo to St. Louis over five days.

We did temple work in the Nauvoo (awesome) and St. Louis temples. We visited Liberty and Carthage jails too. What a very emotional and spiritual experience for all involved. We even had a non-member traveling with the group who committed to baptism immediately after visiting Carthage. Our individual testimonies of the gospel were strengthened. We highly recommend a visit to this historic and awe inspiring region of the nation.