A Visit to Arizona

Bryce and Keisha spent the summer in Phoenix Arizona! Karli, Ben and I went on a road trip to see them. It was hot, hot, hot, but fun to see both of them. Bryce was busy selling security systems for APX in the hot weather. He learned to play a new card game, went swimming every morning and night, went shopping, and learned to play WII. After we visited Bryce and Keisha we went to see the London Brigde which was a little out of the way, but it was neat to see! It was a great time and we are glad they are back in Rexburg that is a lot closer!

A little Update!

Hello everyone! Yes, I am actually taking time to update my blog! It has been four months since my last update so, I will give you the family high lights. During the summer we did do a little bit of boating with the family. It is always a good time. Lots of laughs, plenty of sunshine, family dips, snack food and drinks! Here are a few photos of some of our boating trips.

Fun at Lagoon

Last Monday we went with mom, dad, and Steve's family to Lagoon. We camped at the Lagoon Campground and had a great time. Monday and Tuesday seemed like perfect days to go to Lagoon because the lines weren't very long if you could stand the heat! :) Monday we went on rides and with everybody! Carson you are a great Lagoon buddy! HE loved all of the rides and is so brave! I rode on Odyssey with him and he had a fun time seeing that grandma got wet! :) The ironic part was my brother, Steve. For those of you who don't know him he is a rancher and was at one time a great saddle bronc rider. He trains horses and helps his kids in rodeo now, but he was afraid of the rides!!! He was a good sport and we drug him on Wicked, Blast off, Re-Entry, etc. We sure gave him a hard time about being afraid and we all loved to ride the rides with him to watch and listen to his reactions! :) Tuesday we went and got our picture taken in Pioneer Village and then went to Lagoona Beach during the hottest part of the day! We had a great time playing in the water! We then ate dinner and spent the rest of the night riding rides! Mom, Karli and I went on Skycoaster which is a ride that lifts you very high in the sky and then sends you soaring through the air!
I want my family to know how much I love them and enjoyed spending time with them. We missed all of you who couldn't be there and hope you can be at our next gathering! Thanks mom and dad for a fun time and all of your effort to make it happen! I feel very lucky to have you all in my life!



Karli and Jess keeping Steve safe on Wicked!

Karli and Carson enjoying an icee!


Mom, Karli and me ready for Skycoaster!




We are being lifted up for take off! We were laughing and beinging a little afraid the whole time! 3,2,1.... Karli pulled the cord and away we flew! But, as you can see we came back smiling!



Some of the crew taking a rest!

Manning Reunion

On Friday we went to the Manning Family Reunion with dad and his brother and sisters. We went to a beautiful camp ground seven hours away near McCall, Idaho. It was a long drive, but we read and watched a couple of movies on the way! On Sat. we did some archery and it was surprisingly fun! I was a little reluctant to try, but Ben insisted that I give it a try and I actually hit the target 5 for 5! All the kids had a fun time learning and Kalli actually won the tournament on Sunday morning! Go Kalli!:) Next, we went on a treasure hunt! Aunt Diane made a great looking pirate and read us a story before we went on the hunt! The treasure was being guarded by an alligator, but was safely retrieved! Inside the chest was chocolate coins and sparkling jewels! The camp ground had a natural hot pool that was a little warm for the middle of the day, but felt great at 9:00 at night! We all slept cozy in the trailer and are very happy that dad and mom invested in a trailer because we all have enjoyed using it! Thanks to Aunt Diane and her family who were in charge this year they did a great job and we had a lot of fun! Here are some pics of the weekend!

Basic Dance Camp

The Hi-Steppers went to Basic Dance Camp in Ogden last week. The girls earned several awards, technique award in jazz and military, a hip hop award are a few they received. Karli is selling tickets for mini drill camp in August if anyone wants to go let her know! :)

Congrats Blake

Blake graduated on Friday! I can't believe he is old enough to graduate. I have loved being your mom and watching you grow up and participating from the side lines in all of your activities. You have a great sense of humor and are fun to be around. I know you will be successful in all that you do in the future. Here are some pics from the big day! I asked the family what are there favorite memories of Blake here they are: Ben loved watching him play sports. He loved his great passes and throws. Karli loves hanging out with her bro, Mom: loves so many things, but loved your touch down in the State Championship game, your homerun, and seeing you earn your Eagle! (Yes, family the ceremony will be in Aug. when Bryce and Keisha are back. We will let you all know.)We love you Blake!

Go Dragons!

Grandpa loved coming to watch you play Carson! He told us what a great player you are! Sorry I missed your game, but I will plan to be there this week and I am excited to see you play.

Seminary Graduation

Blake graduated from Seminary on Wednesday! We are proud of you Blake! They have already invited all of the new graduates in the ward to attend the single adult activities! :) We told him to wait until after his mission!

Sleep Over with Paytton

Sheldon and Tami had a crazy work schedule a couple of week ends ago and asked if we could watch Paytton! Of course we loved having her around. She is growing up so fast. We had a missionary farewell in Idaho and so Paytton came with us. She was such a good baby. Everyone loved her especially Kalli and Lexie! When we got back we had a bath and read a story before bed! We loved spending time with her!

State Baseball

The Bear River Bears took 3rd at state! It was a fun two days! The bears won four straight games in two days before they were defeated by Juan Diego. I can't believe that this chapter in our lives is done. We have had many great times watching Blake play baseball.

When he first started at age 10 they were the RAGE and over the years have developed into great athletes. We have been to many tournaments and to Oregon to baseball camp and last year we went to New York and Conneticut to watch the team play baseball!

Blake played center field and did a great job. He has had some amazing catches! The fans always knew that if a ball was hit to the outfield and it was catchable Blake would catch it! His team number has always been 3! Blake was a two year starter for the varisty team and this year was selected First Team All Region!

I have loved being involved in baseball and have really learned to love and understand the game.

Thanks for these fun memories. It is amazing all the opportunities our kids give us! Here are a few pics of baseball!

Paytton's Blessing

Paytton's blessing was a wonderful day! Her dad gave her a beautiful blessing and after the blessing he held her up so everyone could see her gorgeous dress! Here are a few photos from the special day!

More Pictures of the Wedding Celebrations

The receptions were a lot of fun. We loved meeting some of Bryce's missionary companions who came. They must really love you Bryce...They came all the way to Oakley just to see you. We loved Elder Rivers songs he sang at both receptions! He also had the coolest shoes; Randy Jackson would be jealous! It was a wonderful two days of celebrating!

The Wedding

Bryce and Keisha were married on April 11, 2008 in the Idaho Falls temple. It was a wonderful day and thanks to every one who made it to the temple! We missed those of you who couldn't be there. We love you Bryce and Keisha.

Trip to Rexburg

Ben, Karli and I went to visit Bryce and Keisha. It was pretty a great weekend. Bryce and Keisha took us on a tour. We saw where Bryce works and some possible apartment choices for this fall and we went bowling. We also went and saw the Rexburg temple, it is beautiful. Thanks for a fun time guys!

Happy Easter!

I can't believe Easter has already come and gone! Some of the family came over for dinner Sunday afternoon. Most of the family came color coordinated and the rest of us did not get the green memo. Hannah and Paytton are getting so big! Blake's friend Joni stopped by for a visit. We love getting together and missed the rest of you who couldn't be there!

Disneyland

The Bear River Hi-Steppers went to Nationals in Anaheim, California. The team did a great job. While we were there we went to Disneyland. We loved the rides especially Space Mountain and Indiana Jones. We also had fun getting a few kodak moments with our favorite Disney Charcaters. We celebrated Karli's 16th birthday at Disneyland. She got a free Sunday at The Rainforest in Down Town Disney.

Keisha's Bridal Shower

It was great to meet all of Keisha's family. They were all very nice and we had a great time. We are getting excited for the big day.