July First Family Reunion and Lucy's First Word

Ryan, Lucy, and I had the opportunity to go home to Raymond for a small family reunion over the July First weekend. It's been a LONG time since the Atwood's have all been together. All of my siblings were able to go home except my oldest sister, Michelle. It's crazy to think that Mandy and two out of the three "little boys" are now raging "Returned Missionaries." Bill just got his mission call to Quezon City, Philippines! Hurray!! He will report to the Provo MTC on October 19, 2011, where he'll learn a bit of Tagalog (among other things) before flying out. Bill went through the temple for the first time while we were home. That was really neat to see all the younger siblings together in the temple. No pictures because our camera died the second day we were home and, of course, we forgot the charge cord. Sorry.

While were were home, we were able to see the Raymond Rotary Parade...Mounties, the Scouts Canada float, the RHS Band, etc. It was all there with all our hometown pride. Seems to me the candy was better this year too! Lucy particularly loved the horses.

We also played for a day at Ridge Park, just outside of Raymond. While it wasn't really blustery out, it was chilly. Only Ryan, Billy, and Ronnie were brave (psychotic?!) enough to get into the water. Note Ryan's muscles! Lucy, Ben, and Kaleb loved playing at the park! Overall, it was a great outing. Above: Lucy and Uncle Jonnie pause to pose.

After the hustle and bustle of the First, everyone went home except Lucy and I. Ryan had to return to Arizona for work, but Lucy and I were able to spend an additional week and a half with Mum. Lucy had two favorites while we were visiting Grandma Atwood--being able to play outside every day (something we can't possibly do after 8:30 a.m. when it's 117 degrees F--about 46 degrees C--in Arizona) and Grandma's kitty, Coal. On July 7th, Lucy said her first word (after, of course, saying Mama and Dada). Yep--"kitty." She quickly learned that Grandma Atwood's kitty is a little more friendly than Grandma Miles' kitty; meanwhile, Coal learned to be patient with Lucy! They formed a happy friendship while we were visiting.

Lastly, while we were home, we were able to catch up with a bunch of old friends. Nicole successfully threw a raging 30th birthday party of Susanne! Happy birthday, Susie!