A Sparkling 4th!

Wednesday night Matthew surprised us by saying that they would like to come for the weekend. We were very excited! We enjoy the visits from our children immensely. Matthew, Katie, and the boys arrived late Thursday night. We had so much fun playing with Carter and Keegan and getting re-acquainted. They are adorable boys!

Friday we went to the zoo with Matthew and Katie and Jason and Lacey and families. It was great....unfortunately we got there late in the day and were only there for two hours before everything started to close down. But it was a fun time!

Fourth of July

We enjoyed celebrating the Fourth of July with Jason, Lacey, and family, Matthew, Katie and the boys, Eric, Joy and Olivia. It was a super fun time. We wish that Stephanie, Brett and their boys could have been here, too. That would have been great to have everyone together. Fireworks were a nice extra...provided by Jason...for a great show! We are so glad we got to spend the holiday with family.

Thanks everyone for making this a great 4th of July!

June fun!

June was filled with good times! I went out to Utah/Idaho the first part of June to attend a high school art society reunion (see previous blog) and to visit with Stephanie and Brett. Then Rick came out to Utah and we went with my brothers and sisters to Oregon. I haven't had time to post anything yet! So I thought I would start with a few pics from Stephanie's. Also, a few from when I saw Matthew and Katie in Pocatello for lunch. They were headed from Boise to Las Vegas and I was headed up to Idaho Falls from Salt Lake so we met for lunch. It was a short visit but fun. I will post the Oregon pics and Olivia's birthday after the July 4th weekend pics. (See if I can get caught up here posting!!!...I've been cleaning out closets and cupboards...trying to reduce stuff!!!)

The following are Brett, Stephanie and the boys while I was visiting them. We went to Hoogle Zoo one day, took the boys to a movie, went to a playground, played in their backyard with their swimming pool, and had lots of fun. Noah and Cooper are at a fun age where they are able to do alot of things. I just love these little grandkids of mine...all of them! It is so fun to be a grandmother and watch them grow and learn. Noah even got Grandma with water when we where playing in the backyard. I had a wonderful time. I especially enjoyed being able to spend more than a few days with Stephanie.

Happy Birthday, Matthew

My Boy
When I learned that you were coming I was sure that you would be,
the most wonderful and precious child that I would ever see.
I was fearful, but excited, I was anxious, but prepared,
to hold you in my arms and show you just how much I cared.
And when the day finally came, my heart was filled with joy,
to see that you were made for me, my perfect little boy.
Now as the years are passing, you surprise me everyday,
by showing me that I can love you in so many different ways.
~Amanda Rodriguez

I remember the day when Matthew was born. It seems like just yesterday! I looked upon that little baby with so much dark black hair. I was a bit overwhelmed with two babies 13 months apart. I wondered if I would be able to give him the love he needed and to start him on the right path. He was an easy little guy to love but the path has been his...and he has done a great job in taking each step. I admire Matthew's great qualities: his sense of humor, his warmth and trust, his loving calls to his parents, his ability to overcome life's setbacks, his ability to see what should be done and making it right, and his concern and care for others. Matthew is a great husband and father. I watch with amazement his patience as he plays with his boys or gets them ready for bed. He is such a loving dad!

Matthew, we are so blessed to have you as our son!

Hope you have a Happy Birthday today!

Love Ya!