The Library

We love the library & are always so excited to sign up for the summer reading programs that the local libraries offer. The amazing prizes they give out are a great incentive to read lots and lots of books. So this summer we spent a lot of time reading thousands of pages of so many, many books. We discovered some new favorite series along the way.





We gained a newfound respect for all those working at library who kept the shelves stocked with so many great books. Thank goodness for those summer volunteers they have! Our favorite volunteer was a kid named Michael...maybe you've met him too?






Michael logged 33.5 hours of volunteer work this summer at the library, going in to work at least twice a week for the 2 1/2 months of the reading program. He capped off the summer by working one of the children's games at the end-of summer party. Needless to say, that was our favorite stop at the party!

When they wern't busy hitting up Michael's game spot, Jake spent most of the evening dancing up a storm with the children's librarian & Luke was busy stealing Jake's drink.

Yay for books and fun libraries!

Summer fun with Cousins

After Hayley's baptism on July 31st, we had family stick around for a few days and we had so much fun playing. We went to the beach (see previous post) but we also spent time swimming.



The kids loved having Uncle Ben & Aunt LeeAnna catapult them into the air before making a huge splash in the pool. I thought Jake was going to fly over my head once, he was so high!

We had a small family birthday party for Hayley when everyone was together & she got the surprise of her life from all her Uncles, Aunts & cousins - an American Girl doll! Hayley has been saving every penny for the last 2 years for one of these dolls. She was estactic.

Hayley loves her "Maddie" and is always fixing her hair or has her close by. Her cousins have told her all about the American Girl doll store in Dallas, and they can't wait to show her it the next time we visit. The girls were all so cute together. They had been hiding their dolls in their bags until Hayley opened her present & then they ran and pulled them out so they could all play together. So fun!

And you might not be aware, but apparently for a limited time only, there is a new, extremely rare doll out now...the "Trevor" American Boy doll! :)

Fun at the Beach

The first of this month we went to Galveston Beach with our cousins.

It was Luke's first time to the beach & he loved it.

Everything from the sand to the surf, Luke had no fear.

It was a perfect, hot summer day to spend splashing around at the beach.

We can't wait to go back again soon!

Hayley's Baptism

Hayley was baptized a member of

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

on July 31, 2010.

It was a great day and so wonderful to share it with so many of our friends and family.



Hayley was able to be baptized by her Dad.

Hayley planned the entire program, from who she wanted to say the prayers, to the music, talks and of course, the refreshments! She even had her brothers and cousins involved in doing special musical numbers.

It was great!

It was great to have both sets of grandparents here,

as well as several Texas aunts & uncles & cousins.

Hayley's brothers surprised her with flowers before her baptism.

After the baptism, we had lots of delicious treats to choose from.

Anna enjoying her cookies!

We are so proud of you Hayley!

Summer Fun - July 2010

July flew by in a whirlwind of activities. We had so much fun, spending lots of time with different cousins and family members and having lots of summer fun.

Michael finished a month long summer course at his new high school, getting a new IPOD Nano for perfect attendence.

We had a blast hanging out at the Mangum family reunion in Texas.

Michael went to Scout Camp.




I went to Dallas with Trevor, Hayley, Jake & Luke for a week of fun babysitting my nieces and nephew. We had a ton of fun, including a fabulous birthday sleepover at Grandpa & Grandmommie's house.



Luke loves his cousin Abby & her magic tricks.



Lots of fun with cousins!!!



Luke got his first haircut, thanks to Aunt Cynthia!



Celebrating Hayley's 8th Birthday!



Hayley in her new birthday outfit.



Fun Summer Movie Nights at the house.

We wrapped up the month with Hayley's baptism
which was so great, it will have to get it's own blog entry!)



We logged a lot of long Texas miles in our car in July, but had a blast doing it!

Mangum Family Reunion 2010

In July we got together with most of Don's family and had another fabulous family reunion. This year's reunion was held in New Braunfels, TX. It was so fun to catch up with each other and get to know all the new little ones that came along since the last reunion in Boston 2 years ago.

We went to Sea World a few times, rode fun rides and saw amazing shows.

Hayley went on the gigantic Steel Eel Roller Coaster with Michael - so brave!

We visited Fort Sam Houston where Don was born, and stopped by the house he lived in as a baby.

We remembered the Alamo and had fun looking at the cannons & huge catus plants.

The Riverwalk is always fun to walk on...although I don't remember snakes being there before :)


But of course, the best is always hanging out with everyone, eating great food and laughing at great stories people tell. All the kids had a blast playing with their cousins at the house.

Searching for frogs with Rachel

We had a fun cheer to go with our theme of "Mangum Up" and Luke still claps everyone time someone says "Mangum Up!" at our house.

We can't wait to get together again!

MANGUM UP!