Monday, March 21, 2011

Manwaring Cabin Trip 2011

Last weekend we had our annual snowmobiling/cabin trip with Jarom's family. We stayed at the cabin they used to stay in when they were kids. It was fun to be able to all be under the same roof again, with plenty of room to spread out. My camera died after about 3 pictures so THANKS to everyone for sharing their pictures with me.

All I could do was giggle when Kaylin emailed me this picture off her camera. Halle is such a crack up. I am ALWAYS finding self portraits of her on my camera, apparently she includes them on other's cameras too.

We had great time at the cabin. The cousins LOVED playing outside together!

This big crack in the snow was created by a spraying hose. (Apparently left running so it wouldn't freeze.) The kids thought it was a great place to play. I have to admit, had I been a kid I could have thought up all sorts of games to play in this crevice.

It was nice to have a room with a tv to hook up a wii for the kids that didn't want to play outside. They had a grand time playing Mario Kart and other wii games.

It's always so fun for me to see the new generations of cousins become close friends. Little Izzie and Madalyn are sure to become dear friends.

As are Collin and Spencer. These two cutie patooties had PLENTY of little mommies ready and willing to please their every whim.

The best part about this cabin is the huge meadow out behind it. It was fabulous to let the older kids loose on the sleds while we all sat inside snug as bugs and watched them play around. They all did so great and were so careful driving the snowmobiles. I can't believe we're old enough to have DRIVERS!

The adults had a RIOT playing Minute to Win It, while the older kids entertained the little kids.

Justin was the Ding-Dong stacking master.

Natalie was the only one to get 3 golf balls stacked on each other.

Amber and little Amelia in the tummy -who is due next month, trying to roll an egg around a pizza pan and get stickers to stick to the egg.

I'm telling you this game was so much fun. We laughed until we cried when "junk in the trunk" came up. I'll spare the dignity of our family players and won't post pictures or videos, but they gave a much better show than Kevin Jonas did.

The next morning we awoke to rumors of a huge earth quake and tsunami warnings around the world. We didn't have access to tv stations, but we kept as up to date through our limited internet access as we could. My brother-in-law, Blake, has a brother living in Tokyo, so we would also get updates from Blake's mom. I was not able to fully appreciate the scope of the devastation until I came home and watched the reports on the news. My heart breaks for those suffering.

It's an odd feeling to know that a horrible disaster has occurred and yet be so removed from it that it seems it didn't happen at all. I guess life doesn't stop no matter the event. I still feel guilty in a way, that we were able to continue on with our vacation and have a glorious fun filled time. But with prayers in our hearts, we did take the opportunity to continue our fun.

The girls took a ride up a hill that overlooked Henry's Lake. It was a gorgeous view, but certainly one of the most difficult rides I've been on. Coming down the hill was a wee bit steep and we could only pump our brakes -Becky dubbed it "No Gas Hill". We got stuck in some pretty deep snow a few times, but we all made it home safe and sound and had a lot of fun.

There was plenty of time for kickin' back and relaxing.

Ben and Spencer catching a cat nap.

The thug brothers. Don't they just look like trouble?

Missy and Natalie. I SO wished I looked as cute as Natalie in a stocking cap!

The ladies all took a turn tying a quilt for little Mia. We can't wait to meet her!

A cute picture of Collin and Emily. There was lots of time to play outside on tubes, snowmachines, and sleds.

Natalie ZOOMING down the hill. I love this picture. Nothing like flying down a hill in a sled to bring back the kid in you.

Our family just keeps growing and growing. We're missing Anna in the picture, but the girl cousins had a great time this weekend.

And these boy cousins are a riot to watch play together. Looks like we're missing Wes in this picture.

It's all fun and games until someone gets an eye poked out. Okay, not really, but Carter did get his eyebrow split open by a flying Darth Vadar toy. Dr. Brandon bandaged him up and Carter is healing nicely. He keeps asking if he's going to have a "life scar" from it. LOL! If this (and a few fat lips) is the most serious injury received from a weekend on snowmobiles, I'll take it!

We had a wonderful weekend filled with good food, plenty of laughs, and fond memories. My heart is still breaking for Japan and I hope that we can each do our part to do what we can for those people who have lost everything.

5 comments:

Our Family said...

That looks like so much fun! What a cool idea to all tie a quilt together, I love that. And Carter would totally fit into our family, wondering if we get scars from our injuries! How fun!

Lee Ann said...

Looks like so much fun! I'm jealouse of your snow and big family! :)

Keys to the Magic Travel said...

I can't believe all the snow. I truly can't relate as we are in the 80s here. Even when we went on our ski trip last month, they had to make the snow - and most of the ground was grassy. It was even in the 60s the first day there :-)

Mama Williams said...

Minor injuries go with the territory don't they. Looks like another successful family reunion. Glad you posted- it's been too long since I heard from ya. What are you doing for Easter?

LouandAngela said...

Hey Elena! I dropped off the planet for a bit. I'll never catch up, but it's fun to check out your blog again for a minute. Your family sets such a wonderful example of great recreational activities!! You all know how to have FUN!! I hope my family can learn that too! :)