Happy Fathers Day

God took the strength of a mountain, the majesty of a tree,

The warmth of a summer sun, the calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature, the comforting arm of night,

The wisdom of the ages, the power of the eagle's flight,

The joy of a morning in spring, the faith of a mustard seed,

The patience of eternity, the depth of a family in need,

Then God combined these qualities,

when there was nothing more to add,

He knew his masterpiece was complete,

And so, he called it...DAD

~Author Unknown~

Love your biggest fan and best buddy!!! Riley Beckett

Fiji~Nadi Nabila Rugy Game

Note: This is the last post from our trip, If you would like to read about our adventure from the beginning start at the bottom of the page. The day we left the island we had an entire day to spend in Nadi before our flight so we decided to catch one of the local Rugby Games. It was such an awesome experience to really see the Fijian culture and be a part of a sport they love. After Riley, Jack and Gracie got the idea of how the game was played they started their own little match. Jack was such a good buddy to Riley all week, they became fast friends. Gracie may have got a little tired of Riley wanting her attention (can you blame him) but still a sweetheart all the same! Their wrestling also entertained the locals on the sidelines :)

Tavarua Fiji~Misc Pics

We had the privilege of having Gerry Lopez, Rob Machado, Dave Rastovich and Dean Morrison on our week along with Photographer Tom Servais, a crew of videographer's and a writter for Surfer magazine join us on our trip. They were working on a feature story for Surfer Magazine, and were some of the nicest people I have met. I couldn't believe how down to earth and humble these incredible athletes were Eddie is one of the oldest boat drivers on the island, he's been there since the "beginning" and the most noteworthy fisherman! This was our amazing t-shirt for our group this year (designed and conceived by Eric Phillips). It is the faces of all the people that work on the island in the shape of the island. "Tavarua Trippers" is the nickname for Paul's week (He's been going to the island the same week in June every year since 1986) and it truly is the HAPPIEST ISLAND ON EARTH!

Tavarua Fiji~Lovo Night

Lovo night is every Thursday on the island. We participate in a traditional Kava ceremony where we drink and present Kava to the chief of the island, eat traditional food (Kahlua pig and various root crops) and they entertain us with song and dance. Its my favorite night on the island and I wish I had more pictures but I was SO tired that right after the ceremony and dinner I went straight to bed :( Paul and Riley carrying the Kava to the ceremony.

Tavarua Fiji~Part 4

Besides playing in the water there are lots of other activities for the little ones... Bubbles are always a fun and easy activity (Even Rob Machado got in on the action with the kids), coloring books, water colors, ping pong, playing with the island cat (if you can find him), flying kites (if its windy enough) and basketball are a few others. At night it gets really dark so flash lights are a must! This year I brought glow necklaces and a disco ball that Riley took wherever he went.

Tavarua Fiji~LAKERS

We may have been in Fiji for the 1st 3 games of the NBA finals but we as dedicated fans came prepared with our Jersey's and team spirit! Paul purchased this "Basket Case" in San Luis Obispo specifically to bring on the trip for the finals! Cari and Wooly also came prepared, including the purple and gold Electric shades! (Check out Pau Gasol behind us)!