Dear Utah,

Thanks for becoming a state all those many years ago, so that Reo could have an extra day off work to spend with us enjoying all that you have to offer.

Like hometown carnivals, complete with Holden's very first (somewhat ghetto) carnival ride.

And the scone Reo talks about all year long.

Super fun family swim days,

And enjoying S'mores using the world's most giant marshmallows.

Thanks again, can't wait until next year!

Love, The Mannings

Holden's Life Just Got a Little Better

He's discovered the joys of a bubble bath.

Life is good.

So Long, Farewell

It is an unwritten rule that I like my friends to stay close to home so I can see them whenever I please. For the most part people comply with these rules. But for some reason THESE three

decided that moving across the country to go to medical school was more important than me being able to see them willy nilly. Naturally, we needed to have a going away bash, but since our go to hostess with the mostess was the guest of honor, the rest of us scrambled to step up to the plate. Good news! The party turned out anyways, even with me as one of the organizers.

We did a lot of this...

and then posed for some formal shots, since who knows what kind of grown ups we will all look like when they get back.

Lastly, we had the children (minus baby Ember, who had the good sense to go to bed before the madness started) provide the evening's entertainment by trying to get them to pose for a photo. This is the best I got.

I know what you are thinking, THAT was the best you got? Sad but true, primarily because SOMEONE's child (the one on the left with the apparent glass eye) was not being very cooperative. The other children were not pleased.

But hey, I wouldn't be either. The little show off thought we were there to take pictures of him dancing. Seriously, some people's children...

Dear Derek, Lara and Jack. We will miss you lots, so come visit lots. Thanks.

Our 4th (and 3rd, and 5th, and 2nd...) Of July!

Having the 4th of July on a Sunday really makes for an endless weekend of endless fun!

Pictured: The Centerville Parade
Highlights: Perfecting Paula Abdul clap (Holden); eating taffy through the wrapper (Holden); watching the parade on Dad's shoulders (Holden); and freaking awesome hair day (me).

Not Pictured: Pretty much everything else...Guess I was too busy having fun to take good pictures.
Highlights: Three, count 'em, THREE(!) barbeques; s'mores; swimming(x2); breakfast picnics; and leaving church early after being puked on repeatedly by a toddler (not mine).