Teach them in their youth!

Our good friends, Fili and Pania Sagapolutele, are truly amazing people with 2 beautiful children, as well as all of these other kids in the UPI Dance Group! Is it fair for so much talent to come from one little family?

For the past several years, they have been teaching Polynesian dance to the youth, and a few adults here in the Utah County area. They have shared the culture, and traditions of the Islands, and helped many to fall in love with it.

I was fortunate that they asked me to take photos at their most recent recital, and it was awesome! These kids were very well prepared and very disciplined. Everything was perfect and it really was a joy to watch. I think one of the biggest benefits for me when I get to photograph these types of events, is that I get the best seat in the house!

Well, I'm not sure if it's been decided or not, but this may have been the last recital for the UPI dance group. Congratulations to Fili for recently graduating BYU Law School. He has so many great things ahead, and they were unsure if they would be able to keep up the school. I know many are hoping and praying that they do.

Thank you Fili and Pania for sharing your talent, culture and love with all of us and for teaching the youth! You're great role models for all of us on how to be great people. You're also great examples of hard work, higher education, and reaching for your goals! Good luck in everything that life has in store for you!

Back in the day...

OK, so about 13 years ago, before I moved to Utah, I worked here. It's the Polynesian Resort at Disney World. Even before I ever worked there, I kinda grew up there. My dad has been a musician there ever since I was really young, so my little sister and I would go to the show all the time. A lot has changed since I've been gone. All new dancers, but some of the same dances. It's always fun to go see the show.

Anyways, I worked there for about a year and half, but not as a dancer or musician. I was actually a photographer at the luau show. Crazy, I know, but I was just never the dancer type, and you have to be super good to be a musician there. They actually have the same musicians there from 20+ years ago. Those guys have it made. They get paid great, and all they have to do is play music and sing. That's why they've been there so long. Who would give that up? I'd love a job like that!

Anyways, we always visit when we take a trip home. I took a chance to take some photos at the show. It's nice to take photos with good stage lighting, and good looking people. Not much work involved on my part. Just snap away!

Well, now you know a little more about my past, and a little bit of my photography background! Still learning and growing everyday, and that's why I love it!

Two Gentlemen, and a Lady!

Introducing, 3 of the cutest little cousins you will ever see! It's so fun to see them at this age. They were all so cute, and had very distinct personalities. I had so much fun taking their photos and it was a great part of my trip to Florida!

On our way home...

Well, today is our last day in Orlando. We'll be boarding a plane (very sadly), in a few hours. I have so much work to catch up on when we get back. Mickey, Shamu and all their friends called nearly everyday asking if Malachi could come out and play, so that took up so much of our time!

Please come back soon for some updated photos!

This is how Day 1 of our Florida trip started. This is the "before" photo of breakfast. It was so good, but sadly for Mickey, there is no "after" photo. We had a great breakfast with Mickey and all his friends!