Camping with the Hansen's

We spent this last weekend of summer camping with Elise, Chis, Thomas, and Gordon in Logan, UT. We set up camp about 5 miles into Logan Canyon. Elise picked out a great spot with lots of shade and our own little marsh behind us. We all had a very enjoyable time eating and chatting the night away.

But the fun really began when we were all awakened at 2:30am by our trashbag falling to the ground and lots of (2) squealing raccoons. Anyone who knows how easily excited I get (especially while camping) knows how this could throw me over the edge. But, not more than an hour later the raccoons were joined by something MUCH larger. I swear that it grunted, growled, smashed pop cans, and even freaked out the raccoons. It roamed around and jumped in and out of the swamp long enough when I finally convinced Kevin to join me in a mad dash to our car (our only weapon being a flashlight). We never discovered what was in our camp that night (I honestly think that after watching me bolt out of our tent and dive into the car it had sufficient entertainment for the evening), but I slept peacefully in the car for the remainder of the night. It certainly "freaked our freak" (as Ellen DeGeneres would say)! Thank goodness for daylight!

Becky and Elise

The brave little campers.
Becky, Kevin, and Owen

Owen after eating something covered in dirt.

Gordon, Thomas and Owen playing in Elise's trunk.

 

Camping with Hansen's cont.

After watching Owen play in the dirt I was more than willing to let him "clean up" as he soaked himself in this cute little stream at the end of our hike. Rocks AND water...nothing makes Owen happier.



What a memorable camping trip! A great way to end camping season...wouldn't you agree Elise? Thanks for the memories. 

Gregg Manwaring Family Reunion

This weekend we headed to American Fork, UT to attend our 5th Annual Gregg Manwaring Family Reunion. Melissa and Blake were in charge of the event this year and invited us all out to their hometown.

We camped in Granite Flats for two nights and played at Silver Lake. We all had a great time...especially the cousins.

Ogden the charmer
Melissa and Keagan
Beautiful Kate
Owen playing at the lake
Ellie, Halle, and Anna
Payson looking innocent
Megan and Payson
Owen loved climbing on the camping chairs
Kate showing us her teeth

Owen really enjoyed playing at the lake. He loved the idea of rocks and water so close together.

We all had so much fun playing on the lake.
Natalie, Halle, Alyssa, and Kevin

I don't know why this picture turned out black and white. But here is a picture of most of the cousins playing with Uncle Brandon's famous glow sticks. It wouldn't be camping without them.
Payson, Sami, Ellie, Alyssa, Halle, Anna, Keagan, Carter, Jamis, and Owen

 

GM Family Reunion cont.

We had a such a good time in American Fork. Thanks Melissa and Blake for making our 5th Annual Gregg Manwaring Family Reunion one to remember.

Mom and Dad


Kevin and Owen


Mom was a little envious when all the girls were braiding their hair...so we improvised.

Kaylin and Jarom preparing dinner.

Holley Manwaring Reunion-Hawaiian Style

This past weekend we had our annual Holley Manwaring Reunion (my grandpa) and did it Hawaiian Style. The Brett Manwaring's did a great job putting on a fun packed weekend. And we all had a great time dressing up. Ahh, reunions! Below is my family (missing Melissa and Ben's families).

Top to Bottom: Jarom, Kate, Elena, Ogden, Amber, Justin, Dad, Mom, Brandon, Emily, Owen, Kevin, Becky, Gabby, Chris, Katie, Anna, Ellie, Megan, Alyssa, Sami, Carter, Alex, and Halle

Some happy faces.
Kevin & Owen
Jarom & Elena
Owen & Becky
Grandma Eva...the one that started it all! Isn't she beautiful.

 

Cousin Fun

Reunions mean lots of fun with cousins. Owen had a blast playing in the water and sand with his cousins.

Gabby

Halle showing off her sandcastle.

 

Our Climber

One of Owen's favorite things to do at Grandma and Papa's is to climb up and down their ottoman. Once he is comfortaable at the top, he jumps right off to try it again. Endless entertainment.

 

Family Pictures

We finally got our first "professional" family picture taken. It's not as fun as it's cracked up to be, but we are glad we did it. When I hung the picture up in our family room today Owen was mesmerized. He kept running up to it and saying "dada" and laughing. Ahh, parenthood.

Becky, Owen, and Kevin

Kevin was so proud of this picture. The photographer handed Owen the football and he knew just how to hold it...so we HAD to get this one!

How handsome is he???

We had to get a picture of Owen with his favorite blanket. Just look at how happy it makes him!

Weekend in Logan, UT

We spent this past weekend in Logan, UT. It was packed with fun. We stayed at my sister Katie's home and enjoyed some good times.

We spent Friday evening visiting the Arnett Family. Kevin grew up with this family in Moline, Illinois and they moved to Utah a few years ago. It was great visiting with them. Owen loved playing in their backyard and chasing their ducks around.



Saturday we met up with some "locals" (my sister Katie & family, and my friend Elise & family) at Logan's outdoor aquatic center to beat the heat. We had so much fun playing in the water.

Owen, Becky, Kevin, Megan, Samantha, Alex, Chris, and Gabby

Thomas, Chris, Elise, Gordon, Becky, Owen, and Kevin

Owen and Gabby

Kevin

Saturday night we hit the rodeo scene with Elise and her gang. The parade was...well, let's just say the kids enjoyed it. But, That Famous Preston Night Rodeo was a lot of fun! Good food, great entertainment, and awesome company.

Owen's favorite part of the parade was playing in the gravel.

Thomas showing off his candy.

Right: Me and Kevin at the rodeo. Bottom: Chris, Thomas, and Elise at the rodeo.