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When we found out that Emily, Brandon, and Chase (Brandon's brother) were heading our way to go swimming we couldn't help but join them. It was beautiful weather and we were able to have even more fun with company. What a great way to spend your afternoon!


Kevin and Owen; Chase; Chase, Emily, Becky; Emily and Brandon; Wesley; Chase, Owen, and Brandon; Emily and Owen; Kevin, Owen, and Emily; Owen

Reason to celebrate!

Today was Kevin's last day of his clinical at Portneuf Regional Medical Center, and he only had to work a half day. So, we decided to celebrate his first "real" day of summer by going swimming. Going to the aquatic center with a toddler and a baby isn't quite aas exciting as with just a toddler...but, we still managed to stay cool and have some fun in the sun at the same time. Wes and I preferred the Lazy River, while Owen and Kev quite enjoyed the kid pool.


Wesley's first swimming adventure.


Owen and Kevin playing in the water.


I am not sure who was having more fun...Owen or Kevin.


Owen sure enjoyed the water more this year.

Visions of sugarplums

This afternoon I put Wesley on Owen's little bed while I getting Owen ready to go swimming. Next thing I knew Wesley was fast asleep having a fantastic dream (he had the biggest grin on his face). Doesn't he look so comfortable? What a cutie.

Happy Independence Day!

Owen and Wesley

Well, another holiday has come and gone. But, we did get a lot of fun in celebrating the last few days. Tuesday night a few of us (my parents, Ben & Kaylin, and my little family) decided to go camping at Wolverine (about an hour drive from Poky). Justin, Amber, and their family came and enjoyed the camp fire then drove back home to sleep.

After we had been there about 10 minutes Owen was completely covered in dirt and decided he wanted to cool off and play in the spring that ran through the campsite. It didn't take long for Owen and his cousins to become little mud buddies. What a mess! But, they had a good time...and that's what matters. Right!?



Everyone was pleased to discover that I had actually spent the entire night in the tent. I was a little surprised myself. I took comfort in knowing Ben's dog was close by and that my dad's snoring would keep any animals away that night.

In the morning Ben made us a great breakfast (pancakes, bacon, hash browns, and eggs) and then we loaded up and headed home to clean up.

We spent the rest of the day in Idaho Falls at my parents house. Kevin was able to catch a matinee with Ben (he must have a REALLY nice wife) while Owen, Wes, and I stayed at my mom's. Owen had a great time playing in her little kiddie pool ALL DAY LONG. Later that evening my mom put together a great BBQ and the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration (firework show) was even bigger and better than years past. I love fireworks and patriotic music! But, I couldn't help getting a little jealous knowing that my brother Ben, his wife Kaylin, my sister Natalie, and her friend Jamie where in the little plane we could all see circling the sky during the entire firework show thanks to my cousin Jeremy (who had recently got his pilot license and purchased a plane). Luckies!



Look at this happy baby! He is growing up too fast.


Owen with his hat and ball ready to have some fun with his dad.

Let the festivities begin!

Last night we had our annual fireworks show put on by my brother Ben and brother-in-law Brandon. They do such a great job with these "perfectly legal fireworks" from Wyoming. We always look forward to it! Luckily, my folks live 1/4 of a mile from the fire station...just in case.

Owen spent most of the evening with a piece of watermelon in his hand. Who knew he loved watermelon so much? I love the picture of his watching Brandon prepare for the show.



Everyone ran when we put a sparkler in his hand (and for good reason). He was waving it all over the place and having a great time.



Little Wesley. He was actually pretty good during the show.

Wesley's Blessing Day

Today was Wesley's blessing day. These kinds of occasions are so much fun! It's so nice to be surrounded by family and friends. All of my siblings were able to make it except for Melissa (she was hosting a Murdoch family reunion this weekend...and she was missed), and my parents, and both of my grandmothers.



I was so nervous about Wesley crying during the blessing, but I really wasn't prepared when both Owen and Wes started crying. Luckily, I only missed the first part of the blessing and then my sister, Katie, took Owen out in the hall so I could hear the latter part. Through it all Kevin was able to stay calm and collected and gave Wesley a beautiful blessing. It wasn't until after the blessing that I realized two of my brothers weren't able to make it in time. What a bummer!

After sacrament meeting we all went to a local park and had some sandwiches, salads, and LOTS of desserts. The weather was perfect and we had an enjoyable time chatting and eating (two of our favorite things).


Emily and Brandon; Carter and Owen; Amber and Justin; Kaylin and Ben; Mom and Dad; Katie and Chris; Jarom trying to look taller than Ben; my grandmothers; Kaylin and Nat


Anna; Jarom-Elena says he can fall asleep anywhere...now we know where Carter gets it from; Gabby; Carter and Owen; Sam, Megan and Alyssa; Ogden; Dad-we all know he can fall asleep anywhere; Alex; Owen

Adventures in Utah

Thursday night the boys and I drove to Logan, Utah to spend the weekend with my sister, Katie, and her family. We left Kevin at home so that he could work on his final project for school (a draft was due today). It was so fun to be able to get out of Pocatello and spend time with family.

On Friday we drove to Salt Lake and met up with Melissa and her boys at Hogle Zoo. I must give props to all mothers who take on this adventure with kids and no spouse. It's a lot of work and I only have two kids (and one was strapped onto me the whole time). We did have a good time and we were even able to get seats to see the elephant show. After the show we went to TGI Fridays for lunch.


Owen with Aunt Melissa

Then on Saturday we spent most of the day outside. We were able to sneak a little bit of shopping in and went to a park. We had great plans of dinner and a movie (Alex was going to babysit for us)...until Owen fell off his chair and put his tooth through his lip. Good thing Katie was there! I didn't know what to do and ended up in tears on the way to the ER while Owen (he was asking me "you okay mom?") and Katie were trying to comfort me. But, once we got to the hospital I was able to gain composure and be the "mom" again. After three hours, two phone calls to Kevin, two stitches, and two Popsicles we were back at Katie's and ready for bed.


Owen's wound.


Owen and his band aid.


Two stitches. He was so brave.

Fathers

I know that Father's Day has come and gone...BUT, I never got a chance to blog on how much I love the fathers in my life.

Happy Father's Day! We love and admire each one of you. We are lucky enough to have men in our lives that are such great examples of patience, hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. I am truly thankful every day for the things each of you have taught me and the ways you have blessed my life (and my boys)!

With Love,

Becky, Owen, and Wesley



Dad with baby Owen.


Fred with Owen.


Kevin with Owen and Wes.

Happy Birthday Elise!

Boy, I hope I got this right. I believe that today is your 28th birthday. Can you believe it? That seems so old. I pulled together some pictures that I have of us together. It brought back lots of memories. We have been friends for a long time (since elementary school) and I truly value our friendship. I am so glad that we have been able to keep it alive after all these years. So here's to you, fellow blogger! Happy Birthday! Hope to see you soon..

Love
Becky

Family Reunion

Last weekend was our 6th Annual Gregg Manwaring Family Reunion. It was Ben and Kaylin's turn to host so of course we found ourselves camping out in the middle of nowhere for the weekend. Although, they did have a very beautiful camping spot picked out in Kilgore, ID and Ben was kind enough to build us a latrine out of wood and a tarp.

Being the wimpy camper that I am (every since I camped in Logan Canyon last year and had a run-in with LARGE mysterious animals) I found myself and Wesley sleeping in cars both nights. But, I still had a good time. And little Wesley was the most content camper there. He was constantly being held.

We all arrived (all 34 of us) on Friday afternoon. We set-up camp and just spent time around the campfire eating and talking. On Saturday we went for a hike to Aldous Lake and when we returned Kaylin did crafts with all the little grandkids. Then on Sunday we had breakfast and a nice devotional and packed up (shortly after it started raining) and headed home for lunch.

Ben and Kaylin did a spectacular job! We are already looking forward to the reunion next year.


Our most content camper...Wes.


Wes, Emily, and Becky


Ogden


All the grandkids. Yes, Owen is the only one crying (bottom row, far right)

So pathetic...but still so cute

Since Owen started sleeping in his "big boy" bed I like to check on him during naptime to make sure he actually fell asleep in his bed and not on the floor next to the door. Well, yesterday when I went to check on Owen and I couldn't find him. Then when I closed the door behind me I found him tucked behind the door between the wall and the hamper. He had fallen asleep sitting up with his golf club and blanket. So pathetic...but still so cute!

Owen's Favorite Pasttime

Owen loves to play with his cars. I had to blog these pictures so Grandma and Grandpa Ward could see how much Owen loves the cars they gave to him during their visit this spring. He moves all over the house with these cars and they never grow old (thank goodness). It's so fun to watch him drive and park them all over the furniture (a blossoming imagination)! So, thanks again Grandma and Grandpa!

Biking Time

Last week we went and got Owen his first bike helmet. He looks so darn cute in it I had to take a picture of him before Kev took him for a bike ride. He really wouldn't hear of putting it on until he saw Kevin put his helmet on...then there was no question as to if he would wear it. He loves his dad!

Sam turns 27!

Happy Birthday (yesterday) Sam! I was doing so good on posting family members on their birthdays until I let yesterday slip past without wishing my brother-in-law a happy one! Sorry Sam! Anyway, we hope you had a great day. We also hope to see you and your little family soon.

Love,
Kevin, Becky, Owen, and Wes

Sam the day before his wedding.

Sam, Lisa, and Brian (Christmas 2002)