Tyler-12!!

 Tyler turned 12! 

Kyle was willing to offer 2 fingers to make it an even 12!

He had a rather fun birthday as a lot of family came out.  In fact, the entire Salanoa family was here by Sunday.  He asked for a Lemon Meringue Pie.  That's been his favorite for a while. I believe that's what he asked for when he was 5 too! 
For the record he was NOT taller than me on his 12th birthday, but he is pretty close now. I'd say less than an inch and we'll be tied.  He is an all around good kid.  He is eating like none other, but besides that he's pretty easy to take care of.  He loves playing his french horn, doing origami, and working on projects.  He is an amazing oldest brother. 
One of my favorite things about him turning 12 is that now I get to take him to mutual with me on Wednesday nights.  He is enjoying being in the YM program.  Which brings me to the next picture.  On March 17th he got the Aaronic Priesthood--which is kinda a big deal!:)  We are so proud of him.

Dad, Grandpa Tini, TYLER, Uncle James, Lu, Uncle TJ

The boys with Emjae and Julie

Dora, Mom, Aunt Helene, Aunt Cindy, Sega, Nana

A fun memorable day!!  So proud of you Tyler!!

Our Poor Little Man!

Poor Makai has had a rash for the past 3 weeks.  Actually, today starts the 4th week.  It started on his behind and now is all over his body.  I took him to the doctor after a week and a half and she thought it could be Pityriasis Rosea, a virus, but after more research I think he has Fifths Disease. 

It is worst at night.  this is while I was getting him ready for bed.  He also looks awful just after a bath. 

His sad little face.  He is being a trooper. (oh, and for the record, I did clean his face before putting him to bed.)

Just a good picture of what he's having to put up with. 

I think it's fifth disease because he's also complaining about joint pain.  His knees and ankles seem to be bothering him.  However, two days ago he was riding his bike again and loving it, so he's on the mend.  I can't wait to see him healthy again. 
Doing research on this rash has been humbling and we are so thankful for the health our children have been blessed with.  Each day we have healthy kids is a blessing because any day that could be taken away.  This life is a gift.  I'm really coming to appreciate that reality. 
Love you bud!! 

Empathy

When the younger boys got home today from school Kyle looked a little upset.  I asked him what happened and he burst into tears saying he was upset with himself for pushing Kory into the mud on the way home from school.  Kory was over it.  In his tears I told him I was glad he felt bad because it wasn't a nice thing to do, but that Kory had forgiven him and now he needed to forgive himself.

Later I found Kory making Kyle a bird puppet to cheer him up.  I also found Trey making some sort of a fort.  I know he was making it for himself, but he was enjoying saying it was for Kyle--to make him feel better.   Then Trey said, " mom, you know why I am making this for Kyle?  I am trying to show him empathy!"  I burst out laughing.  How great! I asked him where he learned about empathy.  He said they are learning about it at school.  Pretty awesome.

  I sure love these boys.