We took a quick trip to Utah/Idaho this time around so that our families could meet Raul, and for a mini family reunion with our immediate family. Aubrey and Raul have already been married for a year, and few members of our extended families had met him. We planned this trip with Aubrey and Raul during Aubrey’s Spring Break (I actually flew to Utah earlier to spend a week with Finn & fam and a week with Mom & my sisters) so that as many family members as possible, on both sides, would have the opportunity to meet Raul. Easter weekend we planned a two-day family get-together in Island Park (not realizing it would still be frozen over!). Before Island Park we stayed a couple days in Buhl and a couple days in Rexburg (where we had professional pictures taken of our family). It was a whirlwind trip but everyone survived (even Raul), and we even had some fun along the way (I hope😉).
Lehi, Utah
I had to do some series bonding with my grandson Finley, since it had been several months since I had see him in person! Aubrey and Breck also got to meet Finn for the first time (in his new house)!
Vineyard, Utah
I also spent time with Mom, Sasha, and Melanie during my time there, and re-connected with my old BFF Diana, from High School, who came running up to Mom after Mom’s Chauntenettes’ performance, hardly recognizing me at first…it was such a sweet reunion! Mom also made amazing meals for me (and for Brittney & Sean during their move), sat with me for three hours at the Urgent Care for an ear infection, and hosted Brad & kids when they flew into Utah (Aubrey & Raul fulfilled their dream by attending the Saturday morning session of General Conference).
Saratoga Springs, Utah
Sasha and Chris hosted the Heelis Easter party this year and everyone was nice enough to move it up a week so that we could be there, and everyone could meet Raul as well. It was so nice to see and catch up with everyone again! We had a soup and salad potluck for our meal, but the best part was just visiting with everyone!The weather actually cooperated (it was pretty cold and wet/snowy almost my entire stay) so that the younger cousins could still have their Easter Egg hunt!
North Ogden, Utah
On our way to Buhl, Idaho to visit Brad’s dad, we stopped at Brad’s Uncle’s house. We had a wonderful visit and lunch with his Uncle Glendon, Aunt LeNay, and cousin’s Michelle and Antoinette. The pictures above are of the white-out conditions during our drive to Ogden and the deep snow in North Ogden. The collapsed garage (from all the snow) is Glendon’s backyard neighbor.
Saint Anthony, Idaho
Instead of trying to find a place to stay in Rexburg during busy graduation week, we rented an Air B&B in St. Anthony per Brad’s sister Becky’s recommendation (and it did not disappoint!). After graduation, Brad invited his siblings and their kids who were in town, to come mingle, meet Raul, and grab a shake at the Arctic Circle in St. Anthony. It was so nice to see and catch up with everyoneagain!
Rexburg, Idaho
While in Rexburg we had dinner with the kids at Cupbop per Merinda’s recommendation (it did not disappoint), and met up with our good friend Jennifer Barber from KY, visited with another KY friend, Lindsey Barrus (who’s house has been used as a storage unit for all of our college kid’s stuff through the years) and had lunch with the Slesk family from our WA days. Aubrey showed Raul around campus and then spent a sisters-day-out with Merinda while Raul worked. And even though Brad’s sister Kim and family had not arrived yet for Arctic Circle, they met us on campus for a quick visit before our family pictures. And speaking of family pictures…I originally wanted “Spring” pictures with the sun setting and blooming flowers, but all Rexburg had to offer was cloudy skies and snow. I told our photographer we all might freeze to death outside (since we were in our Spring attire)so she recommended taking our pictures in the BYU-I greenhouses, which we did! I’ll post the pics once I get them and you all can see how the greenhouse setting worked out. While waiting for each couple/family to get their pictures taken, I took some of our family trying to keep Finley entertained (since he was long past due for a diaper change and nap).
Island Park, Idaho
After getting our pictures taken we drove to Island Park to begin our little family reunion. We rented a very nice cabin in the mountains but were not prepared for the icy roads in our two-wheel-drive rental cars. It took our car four tries before making it to the cabin, and the car Breck, Iris and Merinda were in only made it after a very nice neighbor pulled them up with a rope tied to his 4-wheel drive truck. So needless to say, once we were there, we were there to stay, which was fine since we were really only going to be there for 1 1/2 days and 2 nights. The pictures above are of the outside and inside of the cabin. Each couple had their own room and bathroom and we turned the loft area into a room for Merinda. The cabin also had a large hot tub, laundry room, and kitchenette with foosball table upstairs. It really fit our family perfectly (Finn slept in a nice spacious closet in his parent’s room). Brittney and Sean were in charge of the food and did an amazing job planning and making the most delicious meals ever!In addition to eating amazing food, we had a wonderful time playing games (Bob Ross & Jackbox), soaking in the hot tub, and just visiting while getting to know each other (especially the in-laws) better. We also went on a nice “spring” walk around the “neighborhood” and saw how remote mountain roads get plowed. And of course, we all enjoyed another source of entertainment…Finley!I hope the kids had a good time, and are looking forward to another Manwaring family reunion in a couple of years (I know Brad and I can’t wait!).
Bear River City, Utah
Our final stop, on the way to the airport, was the Bear River City cemetery to pay our respects to Grandma Uvene. It’s been a long time since I have been there, and I was grateful for the opportunity to visit on such a beautiful day, and to see her brother’s gravesite (he passed away two years ago) right next to her’s.
