Matthews Family Reunion

Our 4th of July weekend was spent in Paris, Idaho for the Matthews Reunion. It's always so fun to get together with everyone, play games, let the cousins play, eat YUMMY food, and just have a great time. We missed Brad's younger brother, Adam, and his family; he's in podiatry school and wasn't able to come home, but they called everyday and gave us some great news...they're expecting their 2nd baby next March. Congrats Krista and Adam!

I apologize in advance for the amount of pictures in this blog...but how do you decide, they're all so cute.

Our family picture at the parade. Don't you love the tie-dyed shirts....we made them! Don't ask about mine....shirt too small, looked a little "iffy"..../clearing throat, better to not subject the public to something like that.....yikes.

Matthew, Michael, Brad, and little Ellie

Mom and Dad Matthews in the background...

...the whole reason the kids go to the parade...CANDY!

I love this picture! My little Meagan just chillin with Grandma Arnell.

What a sweetie!

The whole gang....at least for the cousins. Notice Ellie's face...tears and all.

I know, its kinda hard to see, but Brad's siblings and their spouses (yes, me included) performed at the 4th of July Patriotic Program. It's held every year inside the Tabernacle. Brad's Mom directs the choir...she does an amazing job. They sounded great!

One of the reunion activities was to make jewelry. It was so much fun, and all the bracelets and necklaces turned out so cute.

Just a cute picture of Austin...I wish I had one of all my nephews.

More jewelry photos.

Ellie is actually smiling while someone (other than me) is holding her. She was such a stink that weekend.....MAMA'S GIRL!

The crew that went through Minnetonka Cave. Very, very cool!

Enjoying the outside movie...Pink Panther 2.....the kids were laughing uncontrollably!

How can you have a family reunion and not (at some point) roast some mallows! Delish! Matthew, Kyle, me, and Tanner

Did I say Delish?!

....YUM!

Tanner and Cydnee playing trucks.....over and over and over!

Ellie and Maddie

Isn't she adorable...Brooklyn.

Abbey and Linds

Cydnee...what a cutie!

Look at that smile from Kayden!

Okay, you knew I couldn't resist just one picture of my Ellie Belle!

yeah, Tanner totally loved the wave runner! Look at my man and his "Farmer Tan...on my neck and arms, Farmer tan the secret of my charm. Every girl wants a man with a Farmer's tan!" (VoiceMale...I think) Mmmm, I love me some Brad!

Brad's Dad and Tanner...one funny story: Dad was getting in the canoe for a solo ride and asked Meagan to push the canoe out of the sand just a bit...she pushed a little too hard and dumped Dad right into the lake...oops. They had a good laugh!

Ah, The End!

Lindsay's 7th Birthday

Happy Birthday Sweetie! Lindsay got to celebrate her 7th birthday during the Matthews Family Reunion. I think she thought it was great to have so many cousins there on her big day. I can't believe that next year she'll be getting baptized! Wow, time is moving so quickly! Lindsay is such a sweet, tender-hearted girl. We love her and the happiness and silliness she brings to our family.

Excited about getting "Littlest Pet Shop" animals

Notice the candles....not candles, but matches......oops. Packing for the reunion was a little hectic, but really, how could I have forgotten candles for the bday girl?!

She is a High School Musical fanatic! What a great addition to get....another Gabriella doll. But as you can see from her smile, she loved it!

Yeah! More earrings to have fun with!

The family got to go through Minnetonka Cave in Bear Lake. It was really cool and everyone loved it. In one of the rooms in the cave, we all sang Happy Birthday to Linds...even our Guide!

Lazy Days of Summer....hah!

There has been no such thing as "lazy" summer days at our house. We've been busy with lots of fun family things and we've taken lots of pictures...and now I'm super behind on blogging. You've been forewarned...lots of pictures to come, but take it or leave it, whatever!

First off, I need to wish my hubbie, "Happy Anniversary!" We've been married for 11 years today. Thanks so much hon for making me laugh and smile all these years. I love you more today than I did 11 years ago, I didn't think that was possible, but I do. Thanks for being who you are, I love you!

June 26th we had Lagoon Day with the Lindley's. My brother-in-law, Rick, works for ATK Thiokol and got us a great deal on tickets. It was a perfect day; mostly cloudy all day and cool temps. Brad had to work, so I took Meag, Linds, and Tanner with me, and my sister, Aimee, watched Ellie for me (thanks a million Aim!). I wish I'd had my camera on the Rattlesnake Rapids ride. It was HILARIOUS! Steph, me, and all the kids (Meagan, Taylor, Lindsay, Abbey, Tanner, and Kayden) went together and by the end, half of us were laughing, and the other half were crying. We (Steph and I) didn't want to get too wet, but we got SOAKED. Tanner kept laughing and saying, "We get wet, we get wet!", Kayden was crying, Lindsay and Abbey were none too happy, and Meagan and Taylor were grinning from ear to ear! I think it was my favorite ride of the day. Thanks Steph and Rick....we're counting down the days until next year!

Right before we left, the kids played at the water fountains.....uh, yeah, they got a little wet.

Smiley Meagers!

This was Linds' favorite ride....I think she went on it about 5 times.

Nice peaceful looking ride, right? Hardly! It was a little creepy, no seat belts, and Tanner (sitting with me and not in this picture) kept pulling himself up too close (at least for my comfort) so his feet could dangle. Sorry Mom about that mental image. This ride stopped (and when it stops, it bounces up and down and swings side to side) at least 4 times while we were on it, and yes, we were at the highest part too!

I love this picture, everyone is so happy to be at Lagoon and loving the train ride (Tanner's fave).

Lindsay and Abbey

Taylor and Meagan

Blogger is being annoying right now (or maybe its my ineptitude) but I can't move my pictures around where I want them and so I didn't get a picture of my cute nephew, Kayden. Sorry buddy, I still love ya!