School's Out for Summer

I was so thrilled that school got out BEFORE Memorial Day this year. That is, until I started summer school and suddenly half way into my class the kids are home whining to me about how BORED they are! Aack! Well, we've survived and even had some fun. I have four days left before I get a weekend off and then start the four crazy weeks all over again. Because of the crazy school schedule this summer, we are doing four mini family vacations. We each chose one weekend of fun and our first stop was Hogle Zoo... post coming soon. Next up is Lagoon. Assuming we don't cancel it due to outrageous prices.
We also plan to go camping at Bear Lake and spend a day at Cherry Hill. It should be fun! Here are the pictures of Kaylee and Charles on their last day of school, which was not the same day. Charles got out a whole week early. It was very trying for both of us. Both kids were also recognized in an awards ceremony at school for being Most Successful. Sadly, we didn't know Kaylee was being awarded that night, so we missed it, and I didn't get a picture of her with her award. I was really proud of them, and thought it was kinda cool they got the same award.

Memorable Memorial Day

As we drove home after Grandma Gray's funeral, Louis and I discussed the idea of really observing Memorial Day. Going to graves and talking about our deceased loved ones. I thought it was a great idea, but I was also sad to lose our tradition of breakfast and the 5k down in Woods Cross. I was afraid the kids would be really whiny and uncooperative. I needn't have worried. It was one of the most delightful days I've had in a long time. Just me and my family. Even the rainy, windy weather didn't deter us. We started our trip at Walmart where each of us got to choose one flower/arrangement for one of our stops. The kids were very excited about this part and I was pleased with their choices.

First stop: Franklin Cemetary

Great-Grandma Ruby P. Hobbs

I had a good time telling the kids what I remembered about my great grandma Ruby. When she (and Grandma Vera) would come and stay, they would often sleep in my bed. I would always find a nice little note pinned to my pillow thanking me for such a nice bed to sleep in and often, a bill would accompany the note. She made us slippers, always out of polyester. I also remember her playing cards with my brother, Josh when he was just little and he kept winning, so she'd call him a cheat! She loved to do puzzles, but hated it if we tried to "help." She'd meticulously sort the pieces and I guess that's where I learned it. I would stand to the side and watch and pick out a piece and find where it would go by sight, then I'd beg her to let me try one piece, or wait until she left or looked the other way and then I'd slip it in. I was always scared to death that she'd catch me and I'd be in trouble.

Second stop: Preston Cemetary

Great-Grandma Vera Fern Anderson Smith

I loved visiting Grandma Smith at her home in Preston. She always would fix us up a little something to eat. She made the best food! Especially her raspberry jam. Mmm! I loved to look at her little trinkets and her magnets on the freezer in the back of the house. I loved her yard. She had a huge garden most of her life. I loved when we would drive through Logan and Preston to pick up Grandma and take her with us to Idaho Falls. As we drove she would tell us stories of when she was a little girl. Grandma tatted and I have several beautiful doilies and pieces for putting on towels and pillowcases.
We took a pit stop in Idaho Falls for lunch at Perkins. I sure do like that place. It was a very nice lunch and break for the kids.

Third stop: Annis Little-Butte Cemetary

Grandma Juanita Naomi Jensen Gray

Grandpa Dee Lawrence Gray

Uncle Micheal Orin Koberstein

This was a tough stop. It still seems a little surreal to think that Grandma is gone. The kids shared with us memories of Grandma and Louis told us what he remembered about her. One thing was that she always had treats and soda for him when he'd visit, and that never changed. I was touched by Charles interest in his Uncle Mike. We told him about the first time they met when he was a baby. He wanted to make sure we had flowers to leave there.

Final stop: Fielding Memorial Cemetary

Grandpa Holley Arthur Manwaring

I think this was maybe my second time back since Grandpa died. I had a really hard time at his funeral. It was good to go back and tell the kids about my Grandpa. I loved going to visit them and have cousin's week. They were very impressed that he served in the military. While we were there, we bumped into my dad's cousin and his family. It was nice to chat for a minute. After that we headed over to visit Grandma Eva. Caleb was so happy, finally! She was tickled to see him in a good mood, since he's usually crying when we're there. We had a nice visit, although short and then took the kids to the greenbelt for a bit. The river was so high! It was so cool to see.

After a quick dinner where Caleb gorged himself on salmon (that's my boy!) we stopped at my Uncle Craig's to see Grandma and Grandpa Hobbs and my cousins and aunt and uncle. It was a very nice day and I was so proud of the kids for being such good sports.

Oh, and Charles was our photographer for most of the pictures. He didn't want to be in the pictures, but was happy to take them for us. And Caleb was sleeping for most of the stops

Louis' Birthday

June is such a busy birthday month for us! It's a little overwhelming, but a lot of fun, too. This year we kept Louis' bday much more low-key than last, thank heavens. Being the non-cake lover that he is, we did brownie sundaes this year. They were quite yummy. I even made my very own butterscotch and hot fudge topping. I know, going all domestic on you, huh? It was divine.

Charles picked IRONMAN and is very excited to grow up so he can watch it with dad. Yes, I did help choose it, No it's not just because RDJ is in it. Caleb and I gave him socks and a new swimsuit. Kaylee is so cute. She likes to do handmade gifts. She made him a paper laptop. It's kinda the new thing with her friends at school to make phones and computers and such. Pretty cute, I think.

Caleb's First

I am so behind in blogging, and we have actually been doing some fun stuff! My folder is overflowing with pictures of our adventures, but school is keeping me a little too busy right now. I've decided to just start from the most recent and work backward. Hopefully.

This past week Caleb turned one. I cannot believe it! In some ways last year seems so far away, but I still cannot believe my baby is growing so quickly. He's been doing so good. He's eating well, drinking well, and sleeping pretty well. He's got LOTS of teeth, including two of his top molars. He is still not very interested in talking or walking, but getting there.

We had a small celebration on his actual birthday with Donna and Steve. They spoiled him, as always. He has loved his new walking/music toy. He was totally rocking out. He also got a heap of new adorable clothes from Donna. I love them! He looks so grown up.

One of the super cute outfits from Donna. Isn't he so big???

Charles took my camera, but it's a pretty cute shot, huh?

Friday was the party. My family came up and we had hot dogs and cake and ice cream. Caleb was completely spoiled with toys and books and clothes. Thanks everyone for your thoughtfulness. It is always so fun to watch him play with Lily and Ben and Eric. I love that he has cousins close by and close in age. Kaylee and Charles have been kinda lonely in that department on the Manwaring side. I questioned my judgment in letting Caleb dig into his cake, but it's tradition and all. He LOVED it. He ate and ate until he cried. His poor tummy was so full I thought he might explode. Poor guy. I've since limited him to a bite or two of cake each night. He seems to have come away from it with little permanent damage and we're hoping at his next appointment that he has gained some wieght. He was a little under last time. It's kinda a big joke in my family since I have such big babies and he's WAY bigger than Lily who is still just super petite. Prepare now for major picture overload.