Sili Family I Gilbert, Arizona
I had the pleasure of spending time with the Sili family, and the love between the older and younger generations was evident. They were very welcoming to me, and the kids are beyond cute (loved their hugs)!
The Sili family are a wonderful mix of Samoan, Tongan, Hawaiian, and Najavo heritage. Kana, Sean, and Lengi are siblings and are half Samoan and half Tongan.
Kana and his wife Byanca (who is half Navajo), have been married for five years and are parents to Susana and JoSean. Sean and Destiny have been together for seven years and are parents to Josephine, Seiji, and Lil' Sean. Lengi is a proud mom to Ikhlacio (Julio), Mikaele (Mika), and Falaniko (Niko).
In the Samoan and Tongan cultures, family is all important, respect of elders is strictly adhered to, and being of service to your family is your duty. A typical family unit may consist of adopted children, cousins and other distant relatives, alongside siblings and grandparents.
The Sili family experienced two great losses the past few years - the passing of their beloved sister (Josephine) and mother (Pilisita), both to cancer in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Josephine was the mother of Mika and Niko, both of whom were adopted by Lengi upon her sister's passing. Although Niko was just an infant when his mom passed away, he knows her through the loving memories that are shown by the family every day. This family gives me the feels. :)
Enjoy some of the photos from this wonderful family's session - don't you just love their names?
Have a great day everyone! :)
Mika and Niko holding a photo of their mom.
Top: Julio and Lengi / Bottom: Mika and Niko
JoSean, Byanca, Susana (pretty in pink), and Kana
Josephine, Destiny, Sean, Lil' Sean, and Seije
I've never met a group of sweeter kids than this one. :)
Jose wearing her baptism outfit. This young lady is such a sweetheart! :)
