Manwaring Family Snowmobile Trip 2009

On March 3rd-6th we headed to Island Park with Justin's family for our annual snowmobile trip. I love this trip almost as much as Justin and the kids and I always look forward to it because that's when winter can officially end for me. So, now I'm ready for the nice weather.

The day we left, Ogden and Truman started throwing up and did almost the whole time we were there. Ellie and I ended up getting it, too, along with Justin's sister, Natalie and his mom. Just as Justin's brother was getting ready to leave Thursday night, his son threw up all over, too.

I didn't take a lot of pictures, we were a little busy cleaning up, but these are just a few I did snag.

We always like to take little family trips to Big Springs so the kids can feed the fish and ducks. It's a nice little ride and perfect for the kids.

Above: Anna, Elena, Natalie, Gregg, and Justin
Jarom, Ellie, Halle, Ogden, and Anna

Our group at Big Springs

Jarom, Carter, Ellie, Ogden, Kate, Elena, Natalie, Gregg, Anna, Justin and some stranger

Loading back up to head back to the cabin

Ogden, Halle, Kate, and Anna

And of course, there's no better way to warm up after a freeeeeezing cold ride. The hot tub kept the kids entertained for hours every day.


In all, it was a great trip. We had great food and a ton of fun. Can't wait for next year.

Avocados and Friends

Just in case Ogden hasn't informed you, avocados are Truman's favorite food.

The other day Ogden and McKinley were out playing in what was left of the snow and decided to come in for some hot chocolate. They were having the cutest conversation and so much fun. What good little friends!

Happy Birthday!

Yesterday was Anna's 7th birthday. I can't believe how old this girl is getting. She's such a little sweetheart who loves to help others.

Birthday breakfast: pancakes with a candle.
She had so much fun opening her presents with Sally's girls. Grandma Manwaring gave her an adorable umbrella that even matches her lunch bag. As soon a she woke up this morning, she asked me if it was raining. I said, "I think so," feeling bad about the girls having to walk in the rain, but she was so excited to get to use her new umbrella.

We got her a new bike since she'd been doing the whole knee to chin thing by the end of last summer, but she was so excited about everything else, she just looked at the bike and left.

Don't laugh at the cheesy cake. We're running out of ideas for decorating the doll cake, so I thought I'd try doing plaid this year. It looked real good when I drew it out on paper, but when it was all done, it looked more like a spider web so we tried to cover it up a bit by drawing flowers. Hopefully I'll have better luck next year.

Anna loved the cake, though, so I guess I shouldn't complain. She told me I didn't do it how she wanted it, but it looked even better! She can be so sweet.

Truman says "Happy Birthday, Anna, and thanks for the cake!"

Oh, and Anna informed me that she doesn't like frosting, so she just didn't eat any birthday cake. I guess she decided she can have her cake, but doesn't have to eat it, too.

Little Sweethearts

New shirts, new socks, new bows- Ready for the school festivites!

Dress up and Little Posers

The other night I was listening to Anna do her reading when out appeared Ellie and Ogden. They thought it would be so funny to put on each other's clothes. Little do they know, they're going to really regret that little game when they get older. But for now, here's the proof for everyone to see!

Also, the other day I went to take pictures of the boys because Ogden had climbed into the crib and was reading to Truman. It was so cute, but of course, they caught on that I was taking pictures and decided to pose instead.

Swim Lessons

Ogden just finished swim lessons yesterday and is already begging for another session. He was quite entertaining and the bravest kid in his class. He was the only one who would go off the diving board and the big slide. Way to go, bud!!

One...

..two....

..three.

Ellie's Baptism

On January 3rd, Ellie got baptized. I was too busy to remember to take any pictures, but luckily Gregg captured a couple for us. She's such a good girl and I can't believe she's so old. It turned out so nice and it was nice to be there with so many family members.

Ellie and Justin before the baptism
Justin, Amber, and Ellie afterward

Congratulations, Ellie! We're so happy for you!