Happy (Busy) Days

It's been a fun few weeks. A few highlights: Lydia found a birds nest while helping Grandma M. irrigate, Eve's words are getting (slightly) more intelligible, Julie had a root canal and can now eat icecream with ease (no cold sensitivity), Alex survived doing a root canal on his wife, Carter & Brad love to ring the doorbell and run and hide when their carpool drops them off after school, the downstairs bookshelves are re-organized, Brad started piano lessons with a new teacher (Heather Cox), Carter did a bang-up job at his basketball game, and we all had a wonderful time last night at the Varo twin's 1st b-day party (complete with water slide & Kali's fabulous roasted pork). The boys are enjoying school and learning lots. A recent composition of Brad's that came home reads: "I spent my summer vacation doing alot of things. My most favorite place I went was Bass Pro Shops. I liked it because I loved to see all the animals that were shot, stuffed, and put in the place. -- Bradley Matheson #15" This comes from my self-proclaimed meat-hater and is accompanied with a drawing of a smiling boy under four mounted trophies. Today (Sunday) he wanted his picture taken and spent the afternoon putting together invitations for his baptism. He also helped Alex do his hometeaching.

Last weekend we had the wonderful opportunity to gather with Grandma Sue, Grandpa Paul, Karina, Devon, Alan, the Welker's, the Duane & Shirley's & Athena in St. David. (We missed the Burgess's & Jeff). Grandpa Paul was being released as Stake President. It was a treat to be together with family and sweet to share that special time with them. Lots of service brings lots of love and that brings a happiness that is heavenly. We also enjoyed visiting with Elder Clayton & Elder Richardson who came to the conference.

Our family had an extra little adventure as we blew out a tire on the way down (just past Picacho Peak). We ended up stopping in Marana to get new tires as we were due for new tires all around. After a 5-6 hour journey we were happy to finally arrive in SD. We also bid farewell to Bradley's glasses that were lost sometime between when this picture was taken and when Brad went to school the next morning back in Queen Creek. We (and our pocketbook) mourn their loss. Sunday was Grandpa Joe Blanchard's birthday so we took this pic to wish him well. Happy Birthday Grandpa Joe! We love you!

 

Eve is getting into the relaxin' at the pool groove these days. We probably shouldn't reveal this detail but not everyone can pull off a bare-bottomed swimming experience with this much confidence and ease.

Carter asked me to take a picture of him underwater. "I'll swim down with my head up smiling, Mom."

Lydia & Brad

Eve has older brothers -- as evidenced by her ability at a mere 13 months to fly Carter's newly acquired Y-Wing (compliments of Uncle Alan) around the house while buzzing her lips for sound effects.

Back: Grant, Devon, Marla, Bryce, G-pa Paul, G-ma Sue, Alex, Karina, Alan, Eve, Duane, Ben, Shirley; Front: Brad, Audra, Julie, Carter, Preston, Kurtis; Napping or Playing: Lydia, Breanne