Memorial Day

I don't know what it is about Memorial Day, but I feel like I look forward to the holiday more than most people. Maybe it's just the tradition that gets me so excited. We spend the holiday in Malad, ID every year. We go there because that is where most of my Grandma Freidenberger's family is buried (my Grandma also happens to live in Malad). I love seeing the cemeteries all decorated and colorful, and I enjoy the program that the Malad Cemetery puts on with musical numbers and the Veterans doing their gun salutes (and then watching all the little boys run to pick up the shells). But, its also a special day because my mom's side of the family gets together at a park nearby for food and an informal reunion. It's great to see all these relatives...but, it's even more fun to spend time with my siblings (that choose to attend...I won't point fingers)! We usually find ourselves in a game of kickball or softball after lunch. I have attached a few pictures of our outing this year and next year I will try a little harder to pull my camera out before most of the day is over (I hate when that happens!). Thanks for a great day family!

Dad in action; Amber, Ben, Megan, Ellie, Gabby, and Owen; Justin pitching with all the kids on the mound to support him; Ben with his pants rolled up; Owen guarding 2nd; Justin did an awesome face plant trying to catch the ball; Kevin in action; Kaylin and her adorable pregnant self; Katie in her skirt with sneakers on.

Growing like a weed

I can't believe how quickly our little Wes is growing up. Our pediatrician commented at our last appointment at how he "was impressed" with his weight gain! You would think this kid would be a chunk when you hear his weight...but he carries it well. (; Anyway, I wanted to share some of my favorite pictures of Wes from the last couple weeks.

I love this picture because he looks so relaxed. A lot like his Dad when he is napping.

What an angel!

After his baths Wes always looks like he just got in a fight. But, I think he is learning to appreciate bath time a little more.


I love his little mohawk.

My Boys

One of the most commonly asked questions to new mothers is "Who do you think your baby looks like?". So, here is a pictures of Owen (top) at 4 weeks and a picture of Wes (bottom) at 3 weeks. Aren't they handsome little devils? And I can't believe how similar they are. And to answer the question...they both look alot like Kevin looked when he was a baby (Wes has little bit more of me in him then Owen did).

And here are my three boys! Owen is finally showing some interest in holding Wes. It's so fun. So when he asked to hold him yesterday I jumped on the photo opportunity. I love my boys!

Happy 25th Brandon!

Happy Birthday to Brandon! The BIG 25! We are so happy to have you in our family. Emily certainly made a good choice. We hope to see you today on your big day. I'm guessing Emily woke up really early to decorate and make you a pancake breakfast! Hope your day is fantastic!


Love,
Becky, Kevin, Owen, and Wes




Emily and Brandon Christmas morning 2006

Brandon holding Owen and Gabby

"That Wonderful Mother Of Ours"

With today being Mother's Day I thought it would be appropriate to pay tribute to our moms. Where would we be without them? Today we are grateful for their patience, love, sacrifice, prayers (in our behalf), and most of all...their example.

We love you! Happy Mother's Day!

Wesley Gregg Ward

Wesley Gregg Ward born 5/5/07

8 lbs

21 1/2 inches

Saturday, May 5th marks the arrival of Wesley Gregg Ward. We arrived at MountainView Hopsital in Idaho Falls, ID at 12pm and he was here by 3:48pm. Everything went so smoothly with labor and we are so grateful for that! Wes has lots of black hair and long eye lashes. We named him after Kevin and my Dad...his first name is actually Kevin's middle name, and then we used my Dad's name as his middle name. All the nurses were in love with him and called him "Lashes". They were sad to see him leave on Sunday.



Mom and Wes.



Owen meeting his new little brother.



Our handsome little Wes.

Visit from Grandma & Grandpa Ward

The last part of April we were lucky enough to get a visit from Kevin's parents. They had driven from Illionis for the graduation of their oldest daughter, Rosanne (BYU Provo). Fred and Carolyn stayed two nights and we loved every minute we had with them. It was fun watching Owen make memories with his grandparents. We hope to see them again soon!


Owen with Grandma & Grandpa. There is nothing Owen likes more than to watch himself on camera.
Grandpa and Owen looking at videos of Owen on his camera.
Owen attempting to eat lunch with some of his new toys Grandma brought.
Owen taking a rest on Mom's big belly.
Owen and his "quarters". He has a fascination with money lately and will request "quarters" all day long.
Grandpa giving Owen an airplane ride.
Grandma and Owen.
Grandma giving Owen loves.
Grandpa and Owen.

Happy Birthday Lisa Ward

Happy Birthday Lisa! You are now a quarter of a century! We hope that Sam had a great day planned for you. We are sad that we couldn't see you and your family this weekend during Rosanne's Graduation. We should get together soon!

Enjoy your big day!

Love,
Becky, Kevin, and Owen



Sam, Lisa, and Brian Christmas 2005

Justin hits the big 30!

Happy Birthday Justin! I can't believe you are in your thirties. What an oldie!
We hope you have a fantastic birthday celebration today. I am sure Amber got you something for that fish tank of yours. Can't wait to find out!

Love,

Becky, Kevin, and Owen

We love Nursury!

This is the entertainment we get each Sunday after church. We put Owen in his highchair to feed him some lunch and he falls asleep eating. He plays so hard in Nursury every week he can't even stay awake long enough to finish lunch, but he sure puts forth a good effort. It is so entertaining! At the end of this video he is calling for his blanket...so cute.

Happy Birthday Payson!

Happy Birthday Payson! The ripe ole' age of 7! We hope your Pirate Party is a lot of fun today. It was fun to see you last weekend for Easter. You better practice on your new rollerblades so the next time we come visit Kevin and I can roll around your neighborhood with you. Have a great day Payson!

Love,
Becky, Kevin, and Owen


He looks guilty of something! Payson at the Gregg Manwaring Family Reunion last summer.


Megan and Payson at the Gregg Manwaring Family Reunion last summer.

Easter

We had a fun and eventful Easter Weekend in Idaho Falls. We went down on Saturday afternoon for a barbeque and Easter Egg Hunt at Jarom and Elena's home. We almost had all the grandkids together...we were just missing Katie's four girls. After the hunt we all went to help Emily and Brandon move from Rexburg, ID to Shelley, ID. They have a great new apartment. They also have a park nearby so after moving them we headed over to the park so the kids could play (and the men could have a swing-jumping contest...boys will be boys).

We spent the rest of the evening in Idaho Falls with everyone hanging out at Mom and Dad's house, helping Mom clear her booth at the Mini Bazaar. At about 9pm the boys (including Dad) decided to go "fake paintballing" and came home with welts all over their bodies...especially Dad's. But, they couldn't have been happier and would have gone the next day if it wasn't Sunday.

We stayed the night there and joined Mom and Dad, Natalie, Emily & Brandon, Melissa, Blake, and their boys for church in my old homeward. I always enjoy going back there and seeing familiar faces. Then...we had a spectacular dinner with everyone that evening. Complete with potatoes, ham, and PIES! What a great weekend! It was so fun to spend time with everyone and eat good food.

Here are some pictures from our festitivies. I am trying to get better at remembering to do this!


Jamis; all the rowdy boy cousins; Owen hunting for eggs; Alyssa and Payson comparing goodies; all the egg hunters; Owen; Carter and Owen showing us their Ring Pops; Owen; Owen eating his favorite goodie...the Ring Pop!


Owen Easter morning checking out his basket. We got him some Hot Wheels and a Hot Wheels race track.


Payson Easter morning.


Jamis Easter morning.

Happy Birthday Sarah Ward!

Happy Birthday Sarah! It was great to be able to see you and your boys this past weekend in Logan, UT. We hope to be able to visit you in Colorado sometime soon. I'm not sure what your plans are for your BIG day, but we hope you do something extra special for yourself. Aaron will have to make up for being gone on your birthday when he get's home!

Love
Kevin, Becky, and Owen



Sarah and Aaron in Moline, IL for Christmas 2005.

Jamis is 4!

Another one of those handsome Murdoch boys is celebrating a birthday! Happy Birthday Jamis! I hear you are having a dinosaur party today. I hope you have a lot of fun! I had to include TWO pictures of you because I love this one of you and Grandma by the pumpkins and the camping picture. You are a handsome boy! Hope this is your best birthday so far.

Love.

Becky, Kevin, and Owen


Jamis and Grandma at Gardiner's Village in UT (taken last October)


Camper Jamis at the Gregg Manwaring Family Reunion (taken last August)

Happy Birthday Staci and Rosanne!

Happy Birthday Staci (March 31st) and Rosanne (April 1st)!

I can't believe that your birthdays are only a day apart! I hope you don't mind sharing a spot on my blog this weekend. We hope you both had a terrific birthday! We wish we could have spent it with at least one of you since you live so close (Staci in Rexburg and Rosanne in Provo), but I am sure you had a fun-packed celebration without us. We love being able to see more of you while you are at school. I apologize that my pictures are a little bit old (I guess I need to be better about using my camera). BUT...we love you and wish you both a happy birthday.

Owen and Staci (picture taken in September)



Rosanne and her mission companion while serving in Portugal (I don't know when this was taken...but you look beautiful)

Happy Birthday Emily!

Melissa, Emily, and Elena after their pedicures (taken in January).

Happy Birthday Emily! I now how much you love birthdays and I am sure you have Brandon trained well enough to pull off the best birthday ever today! We are excited to join you at Mom and Dad's tonight for some celebrating. Have a wonderful day!

Love,
Becky, Kevin, and Owen

Happy Birthday Laura!

Happy Birthday Laura! We just wanted to post a little tribute to you on your 22nd birthday. I like this picture because it brings out your big, bright smile and shows how great you are to your nephews (sorry we faded you out Staci)! We really hope that you have an enjoyable day...and know that we are thinking about you.

Love,
Kevin, Becky, and Owen


Staci, Laura, and Owen taken in November

Fun in Island Park cont.

Here are some more pictures taken from our stay in Island Park. What a great trip!


Brandon and Justin; Jamis just chillin' in the meadows; Justin and Ogden; Kevin and Owen; Jamis, Becky, Owen, Payson, Melissa, and Keagan in the hot tub; Natalie; Dad; Katie and Melissa messing around; Kevin and Owen


Each cabin was in charge of providing entertainment on a particular night so Kevin and I bought a bag of 100 plastic balls to keep the "kids" entertained. But, the adults seemed to take to them much more. We had a few "wars" down in the basement where it wasn't uncommon to find grown men and women screaming for mercy while in the fetal position. You wouldn't think these little balls could do much damage, but trust me...they hurt! It made for a LOT of fun.


I love this picture of some of the grand kids (and Emily) preparing for a wild ride.


Even though Kevin and I didn't take the annual ride to Mesa Falls I thought I would include this picture (of the first group) to show you how gorgeous it is this time of year. Chris, Katie, Dad, Jarom, Elena, Justin, Amber, Ben, and Kaylin.