Matthews Reunion...part 1

I wish we were still there.  The reunion was so much fun....and so easy and relaxing.  I present to you:

Matthews Family Reunion

July 16-23, 2011

Payette Lake in McCall, Idaho

Beautiful cabin!  7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms.  Every family had their own room and adjoining bathroom.  It was heaven!

Just a minute walk down the hill and you're at the lake.  This is the picnic table area that connects right to the boat dock.

Our family had the top floor all to ourselves.  This was the view from our room.

Day 1, Saturday July 16

We left early that morning and met up with Steph and Michael's families on the road about Tremonton.  From there we caravanned a few hours to Mountain Home, Idaho where we stopped for lunch and potty breaks.  After a few more hours (will we EVER get there?) and some really beautiful scenery up the mountain, we finally arrived in McCall.  What a cute town!  It only took us another couple minutes to get to our cabin.  It was gorgeous and everyone was so excited to be there and be together!  The kids basically jumped out of the car and wanted to go swimming.  So we did just that.

Ellie's face says it all.  The water was freezing...but so much fun.

Day 2, Sunday July 17th

We got up early and attended the McCall LDS ward.  Their usual congregation doesn't even fill up the chapel, but they see lots of visitors during the summer and we filled up the chapel and gym. It was a great ward and very friendly too.  I even met someone who had a friend from Morgan...small world! 

The rest of the day was spent playing games and spending time together.  I think this is the day we had FHE and we each got to say what we loved about our family.  Some were funny and others were sweet and touching.  We ALL love our family!!!!

Day 3, Monday July 18th

Lake day!  We woke up, ate breakfast, then headed down to the lake.  It was a great day.  Nice and warm...hot in the sunshine but perfect in the shade.  The families rented a wave runner for the day too. Steph's family brought a water trampoline that we tied up to the dock.  We spent hours on that thing!  The kids were literally in the water all day long.  We played on the dock too.  Jumping off and climbing back up to do it again.

 

4th of July...Bear Lake style

Bear Lake (Paris, Idaho to be exact) knows how to celebrate America's Birthday!  We start our day off with a beautiful tribute to America and its' heroes at the Patriotic Program.  It consists of musical numbers, choir numbers, stories, and my favorite: the salute to all branches of the military.  Each branches song is played and sung by the choir while each flag is brought down the aisle.  Members of the congregation that have served in their specific branches stand up during their song.  It is so touching and my heart swells with pride and gratitude for their sacrifices and service that they've given (and are giving) for our country.  My mother-in-law directs the choir and she does an amazing job. My sister-in-law Stephanie also had a solo and she did a great job too.  After the program, we all head to the street for the parade.  The kids love all the candy that is thrown their way.  Once the parade has walked by us (not once but twice----up the street---then back down :)) we go back home and enjoy a delicious bbq with family.  This year we packed the house and yard with many Arnell family members.  It was fun to catch-up with cousins and relatives that we don't see often.

Holden, his baby sister Avery, and Meagan

Tanner...a bit enthusiastic for the parade?

Lindsay...one year older (bday the day before) and so grown up!

Ellie.....not sure what she's looking at

Oh Tanner....you make the strangest faces :)

Peek-a-boo right back at you little man!

I'm guessing Abbey and Lindsay were dancing....its what they do these days.

Ellie and Cydnee

Taylor, Holden, and Meagan

Ellie, Brooklyn, Cydnee, Tanner, and Kayden

Go Ellie Go!

Cute cousins!

Happy Birthday America!

Lindsay's 9th Bday

July 3, 2011

Lindsay is 9 today!!!!

Opening up a letter from Meagan....it was a really sweet card and message.

I think she was happy with her stash!  She got some really cute and fun things.

Because Lindsay's birthday is so close to the 4th of July, we are usually on the go.  This year, we headed up to Bear Lake and she got to enjoy cake with the Matthews!

Giving Grandma hugs.

And we can't forget Grandpa too!

Happy Birthday Lindsay!  You are such a beautiful girl with a heart of gold.  You love to dance, sing, and be with your friends.  You bring so much sunshine to our family!  We love you!