Ward Family Picture

During our family reunion we had Lisa take a family photo of us.

The original 8

All the grandkids minus Kristen:

Simon, Brian, Wes, Maddy, Owen, Tyler, Kimball, Eleanor, and Katie

The entire Fred Ward family

Ward Family Reuion

Fourth of July weekend we had the first ever Ward family reunion. We went to Bear lake and had lots of fun enjoying the lake, hot tub, and the surrounding beauty.

Before we got to Bear Lake we stopped in Logan at Sam and Lisa's so Sarah could finish up the grocery shopping for our trip. (Thanks again for all the work you put into planning this one!) While she and Lisa were gone to the store I got out some pink nail polish and painted Eleanor's nails. I was so pleased she was so willing and excited to have me do this. It was so much fun! She loved it and it was fun to disgust Aaron by showing him her girly nails:)

Friday afternoon we settled into our cabin and then went swimming at the pool.

We spent Saturday morning using wave runners on Bear Lake. The first time I went out Dad drove me and Kimball. It was a hoot riding will Kimball. Then I rode with Kyle and Staci. And finally I got up the courage to drive it myself. So I took Staci out, then we picked up a few passengers...Tyler, and then Brian I think. I also went out for a quick ride with Wesley...though he wasn't anxious to go too fast. Lisa also drove Staci and I out for a long turn.

Kyle pushing Staci and I off and bringing us in.

My sister in law Lisa, Staci, and I with Owen in the background

( so you can tell how far out we were in the lake:)

My nephew Wes and I. Wesley loves to smoosh my face and lips

and then make me talk so he can laugh at me.

After a morning on the wave runners we spent the afternoon swimming and playing at the beach. It was scorching hot outside and freezing cold in the water!

I loved the hot tub! Unfortunately I got so burned on the lake I could only use it the first two nights.

Staci and Maddy

Sweet little Eleanor

Owen

Sunday morning:

"Can you feel the burn Kimball? It hurts, that's why we don't hit Aunt Laura!" Usually I'm fine playing as rough as the kids want to, but when all 6 of the boys are together plus a bad sunburn...it does not equal much fun. I was so fried after using the wave runners on Saturday morning. I also do not apply sunscreen very well, you can still see the fingerprint marks on my leg where I failed to rub in my sunscreen.

On Sunday we had several craft projects going on. This one was headed up by Rosanne and the kids loved picking stickers and making little sun hats and door hangers.

Kimball and Owen were pretty good buddies on the trip. Mom got all the grandkids new shirts...hence the matching.

Tyler, Brian, and Staci

Owen, I love his serious little thinking face.

Brian, Staci, and Wes

Simon

Tyler with Owen making a face

Kimball

Wes

We also worked on decorating fabric squares to make a quilt. I was sleeping off my sunburn during most of this time, I was in a lot of pain.

This was probably the worse burn I have ever had.

But I did get up eventually to join in the festivities.

Me, Rosanne, her husband Rafa and my brother Aaron.

Sunday evening we had a little family fireside where Dad told us a story about how his dad had saved a man's life in the wilderness of Minnesota.

Eleanor and I

(Notice how I had to paint my fingernails since I painted Eleanor's)

Mom holding the newest grandchild Kristen.

After our family meeting we went outside to enjoy a small bonfire.

Kristen, Aaron and Sarah's newest baby

Staci and I

(photo by Kyle Kunde:)

Simon, Madalyn, and Eleanor enjoying some smore's

group shot: Tyler, Kevin, Maddy, Becky, Wes, Owen, me, Rafa, and Kimball

Staci and Mom

Simon

Aaron and Kristen

Bear Lake

Simon

Maddy and Kevin

Maddy and Eleanor.

On our last day before we left we stopped and went through the caves of Minnetonka. There is something like 444 steps one way through the caves. During the first part of the caves I held Tyler's hand, and the second part I half carried, half led Eleanor along. I'm pretty sure I had to carry her up the longest stretch of stairs. It was so fun carrying her though because she would talk to me the entire time.

T-ball in Idaho

haha, I am a little behind on my blog. In June I wasn't working much one week so I decided to take a quick trip up to Idaho so I could watch a couple of Owen and Wesley's T-ball games. Kevin and Becky were great hosts as usual and I had a great, relaxing, fun couple of days. I left after work Monday morning and caught the end of one of Owen's game. On Tuesday Wes had a game then I stayed to watch a full game of Owen's on Wednesday before coming home.

Wesley playing 3rd base. For each hit he would chase after the ball no matter where it was hit, and when someone else got to the ball first

he would plop down disappointed on the ground...it was adorable.

He also kept giving me the thumbs up from the dugout.

Monday evening we went to the Manwarings for family home evening.

Madalyn had fun playing outside and hiding in the lilac bushes.

Owen ready for bat. When he was first in line he was up and ready to go even though the other team wasn't even out on the field yet.

Owen as catcher.