Kids Conversations

One of the great things about summer is listening to my kids conversations at lunch.  I was cracking up inside listening to them discuss politics today.  Brayden said:

"If its Mitt Romney vs. Obama, then Id vote for Mitt Romney, but if its Mitt Romney vs dad then I would vote for dad."

They then all enthusiastically agreed with Brayden and went on wishing they could vote for their dad.

Our Family has grown by EIGHT FEET... and two tails!

 I held off as long as I could but finally my excuses ran out and we acquired pet geckos.  Brayden has been saving his money and they are his responsibility entirely.  We were going to get them at the pet store but found a better deal on craigslist so now we have "second hand" lizards and if they dont work out they can always go back on craigslist.  The kids adore them so far.  While they share them all together Makenna has taken a liking to and is responsible for the naming of Peaches and Brayden's gecko is Jimmer.  Both are females.  Here's some pictures of them enjoying their lizards.

Happy Birthday Melissa

I had an absolutely wonderful 31st birthday.  I was spoiled in many ways.  My sweet sweet husband surprised me with my favorite village inn crepes for breakfast that he had to wake up at 5:30 to go and pick up.  I got a beautiful bouquet of flowers and Kevin decorated the house with balloons and birthday banners.  After a great workout at the gym, I got a babysitter and went downtown to meet Kevin for lunch and a pedicure.  Then in the evening we had some friends over to enjoy a yummy birthday cake.  Then the next night (Friday) night we went on a triple date with the Thomas' and Owens to a couple of my favorite places- Ingredients and Red Mango.  Yum and Lucky me.  And of course I would be remiss not to mention my camera gift I received early which I am still learning about and very much enjoying!

Swim Lessons

 

Brielle and Makenna have been taking swim lessons for the past week.  Brielle is a starfish and Makenna is doing level four.  They have really enjoyed them and its been a great way to beat the heat at this hot hot time of year.

UTAH!

Part 1

 

Daniel's Birthday

 

 

 

UTAH PART 2- KEVIN'S BIRTHDAY

 On the 4th of July we celebrated Kevins birthday and of course Independence Day.  The kids and I suprised him by decorating the condo before he woke up.  The days festivities included the Huntsville parade, a trip to the park and of course some late night fireworks... oh and cake too!

Here he is opening his present.

I gave him new "Sanuk" flip flops since he recently confessed he coveted mine :)

The kids in their festive outfits (and Emmitt in his PJ's)

I broke a tradition this year and ordered Kevins cake from a grocery store.  I didn't have the time or resources to make the traditional birthday cake, which was sad but still delicious).

The Party.

UTAH PART 3- A few more pictures

Other highlights of our Matkin reunion included a trip to Lagoon, lots of swimming in the pool, and lots of game playing at the Lodges' game room.  Lowlights include Emmitt, Noah and Sadie getting sick and the lack of sleep that always accompanies such a circumstance.  Here's a few more snapshots from the trip.

Poor sick Noah

Grandma and Noah

This was our carload on many of our drives during reunion time.  They were a very entertaining bunch.

Jonah Cutie Patootie

After our Reunion was over the fun for us did not stop.  We frist went over to visit my cousin Amy and her crew.  The kids had a great time there and did not want to leave.  Then we went and stayed with Kevins Aunt Diana where we got to see that whole family including Darcy's new puppy Jagger who my kids just fell in love with.

 

Then when it was time to make the trek back to Omaha, we had even more fun meeting up with the Thomas' along the way.  We stayed at the same Hotel in Cheyenne and had pizza and swimming and then the next day of driving we stopped together for lunch at Wendys and texted back and forth as we caravaned our way home.  It made it a lot more fun!

Kids at Wendys