We Love Cousins

We had such a fun weekend with most of the Manwaring cousins. We were only missing Katie's girls, who were truly missed. On Friday we met at the park for a picnic and ended up staying for hours because the kids were having such a great time. That night they all got to go to a Chukars game with Grandpa, Brandon, Kevin, and Jarom (Justin was at Scout Camp), and yes, those four guys took all of those kids, all 11 kids. They did survive, despite losing Ogden for quite a while, and we girls were able to enjoy Hairspray one more time.

On Saturday, the kids got to spend another day together and had a blast. It was so nice to spend time with our family for a short while and can't wait to see more of them again.

Ogden, Anna, Payson, Keagen, Halle, Ellie, and Alyssa

Alyssa and Payson stole their moms' cameras and started sneaking photos of everyone. It was so cute. I tried to sneak in a few while they were posing.

I love this picture of Keagen, Ellie, and Halle. Don't they just look like they're up to something?

He's Only 2!!!

Yes, he finally did it. Ogden can now ride a bike without training wheels. He's been wanting to do it all summer since I was too lazy to put the training wheels back on it after Anna took them off, so we just started working on it. The other night we went outside to practice (which we hadn't done in a long time since it's been so hot) and he took off on his first try. I couldn't believe it. I was running trying to catch up to him in case he fell, but he did so well. We do still need to work on his steering and stopping, but at least we have a start.

Justin helping Ogden go with a little "help" from Scotty.
Ogden taking off!!

(Yes, that is a girl's bike, but does it really matter? Ha ha)

Rainy Days

Last week we had a few cloudy days and a little rain. One rainy day the girls asked if they could have a popsicle, but our rule is, popsicles have to be eaten outside. That didn't stop them, so they grabbed their umbrellas and headed out to eat their popsicles. The neighbor girl, McKinley, thought it looked fun, too, so she joined them. They had so much fun. I always love it when it rains in the summer, it's such a nice change from the hot weather.

Anna, McKinley, Ogden and Ellie playing in the rain.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Happy Birthday to my dad today (Friday). We hope you have one great weekend of a birthday. We're sure looking forward to the German chocolate cake. Boy, do you have good taste. You are such a fun dad and we're so glad that we get to spend so much time with you. Let's just hope you don't get any visits from the old kidney stones today. It is a holiday, you know. We wish you the best.

Happy Birthday!

Dad and Clay at the airport
Dad putting Ogden to sleep

Losers, Once Again!!

Yes, it's that time of year again. Time for the annual Melaleuca family picnic. Like always, we headed out on what always seems like the hottest day of the year to get our fill of fresh roasted whole pigs, nasty potato salad, and runny baked beans. Ooh, doesn't it make your mouth water? If that wasn't bad enough, we came home with nothing. Zero. Zilch. Can you believe it? This is our 9th year attending the party, and we've still only won once (a dremel that I think we even used once).

I guess I shouldn't say we all came home empty handed. The kids had a great time. They are finally old enough to enjoy all of the toys and games on their own (without me having to go on all of them with them). The best part of the party were the balloon animals, etc. We had to wait in line for about an hour, but it was worth it. The guy who made them was amazing. He made anywhere from monkeys in a tree to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Yes, Clay, that's right, TMNT. Leonardo was his specialty. He made Ellie a cute princess crown, Anna an adorable Daisy Duck, and Ogden a cute elephant.

Anna, Ellie, and Ogden on a ride; Ogden, Anna and Ellie with balloons; kids on a ride;

Ellie and Ogden with balloons; Ogden's elephant; Ellie's princess crown;

kids playing miniature golf; Anna's Daisy Duck; all of the fun toys, rides, and games.

When we got to the party, each of the kids were given a cowboy hat. I thought there was no way they would wear them, but they loved them. They've been playing cowboys constantly. When we got into the car to go home, Ogden put on his hat and said, "I'm a cowboy riding my horse. Yee haw!"

Ogden and Ellie riding their "horses" with their new hats.
In all, it was a fun day. I think the kids will probably want us to go back next year, win or not.

Happy Birthday Mom and Melissa

Today my mom and my sister-in-law, Melissa get to share a birthday! I won't give out any ages, just that they're 29 years apart. You can do the math.

I hope you have a wonderful birthday, mom. You've taught me so much. Let's just hope it pays off when I make your cake today. We're so happy we can spend part of your day with you.

Happy Birthday!!!

I thought that it was funny that the only pictures I have of Melissa are with a big group of kids. She has the gift of making kids love her. We hope you have a great day, Melissa.

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday Alex and Gabby

Wednesday was my niece, Gabbrielle's birthday. I missed the chance to wish her a happy #2, so I hoped she wouldn't mind sharing it with Alex. I'm sure if she were to pick someone it would probably be Alex. You are such an adorable little girl, Gabby, pacifier and all.

I wanted to wish Alex a super fun #12. I can't believe you are growing up so fast. You are such a cute, talented girl, and the best little babysitter. We hope you have a great day. I'm sure your mom has many things cooked up for you today. Happy Birthday, Alex.

We wish the two of you the best birthdays ever!!