FANTASTIC 5!   Heidi timed this picture just right.  This is at the "blow-holes" where the water comes in and crashes against the coral reef.  From right to left - Braden, Makayla, Logan, Maddison, and Ella.   This is one of my favorite pictures.  It looks like all the kids are controlling the water with their "super powers".  :)  The are really enjoying the wonders of Tonga.  

Today was Saturday and we spent the first half of the day going to the market to get groceries and supplies.   The kids were a little bored, but we brought them along to give them a little bit of a cultural experience.  The markets were really neat to see and shop at.  In Tonga, they have a lot of little shops, so you have to go to about 6 stores to get what you need.  The open market where they sold all the fresh fruits and vegetables was really neat.  They had a market above the lower market that had a lot of arts, clothing, carvings, souvenirs, and things that the kids liked looking at.

Here is a really neat wood carving that was in the market.

A lot of fresh produce to choose from.

A very nice Tongan woman gave Ella a little fan as a souvenir.   We're just finishing up our shopping and the kids are just about ready for lunch.  Maddison was in heaven looking at all the crafts that the Tongan people are able to do.  Very talented people.

This is where some of the "flying foxes - Bats" live.  They are sleeping up in this tree.  In the kingdom of Tonga, flying foxes are considered sacred.  The bats are official property of the king, and no one but royalty can hunt these.  These bats didn't seem to be disturbed by us being there.  They really look unique.  Their heads look like a fox head and a they of course have a body of a bat.  These flying foxes are one of the wonders of the island.  You see them flying all over the kingdom.

In the afternoon, we went snorkeling on a favorite beach called HA'ATAFU BEACH.  It is filled with a lot of coral and all sorts of colorful fish.  You don't have to swim very far to see some amazing fish (big and small).  It was a perfect spot to snorkel for the kids because a lot of the areas were shallow.  You could stand up if you needed to, but you could still see so many different fish that were amazing. We spent a few hours on the beach, then came home, had dinner, and got the kids ready for church tomorrow.  It was a good catch up day and good day to spend some time together.

We love you guys!  We appreciate the comments and the love you send!  Have a great Sunday!