The Matthews Gang

Drayben's Choir Concert

2010-05-16T15:48:00.001-07:00

Can't tell in this picture, but Drayben in on the

top row, second from the left. I can't believe he

sang all the songs! I've never really herd him sing

before. He did awesome!!!

Busy night! Drayben's concert was 45 minutes

after Carter's recital got over. It was neat getting

to watch both of them do something they had

never done before.

Carter's 1st Piano Recital

2010-05-16T15:33:00.001-07:00

Carter did GREAT!

He played "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"

Variation A.

It was cute, he got nervous before the recital,

but when it got to his turn he announced his

name and what song he was playing, played

his song perfect, and took a bow. He seemed

like a pro!

Carter and Sam right after the recital.

Safety Day

2010-05-16T15:29:00.000-07:00

Carter's School had Safety Day after school.

They got to check out safety vehicles and talk

to police and firefighters.

Easter Sunday

2010-04-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

We did a Easter Egg Hunt for the kids in

the backyard that was a lot of fun. Carter,

Sam and Drayben had a good time with all

6 of their cousins.

Barbecued hamburgers and hotdogs for

Easter lunch was perfect!

It was nice having both sides of the family

over for the afternoon.

Art Festival Weekend

2010-04-12T10:09:00.000-07:00

They didn't want to look at art!

They just wanted to play in the water

and go buy fresh popped kettle corn. Yum!

Great weather for the Art Festival!

Easter Egg Hunt in the Park

2010-04-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

You have to learn to be fast at these city park

hunts or you don't get much. The boys had fun.

As you can tell Sammy was doing a little better

then Carter. Faster big brother faster!

The boys were excited that their cousins

Madi, Kenna and Jackson were down visiting

for the weekend and came with them.

The most funny and craziest thing took place

after the kids got done with their hunt. The city

did a adult one, I just watched and laughed,

I wouldn't doubt if somebody got hurt. Talk

about dog piles. Funny idea, but dangerous!

Baseball Time!!!

2010-04-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

Just got done winning their first game

of the season. Drayben was so excited!

He is on a traveling team that plays tournaments

here in our home town and in other cities.

This tournament they won 2 out of 4 games

and if they had won just 1 more they would

have got to go to Mesquite and play for the

championship that night. Next time!

Drayben did awesome!

Ouch!

2010-04-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

Carter was outside bouncing a piece of plastic

pipe off the ground and it came back up and

smacked him luckily under his eye. It was the

biggest bump I had ever seen when he walked

in, then for days after had the worst black eye.

The kids at school thought it was cool!

This doesn't do it justice, i didn't get a

picture the day is eye was the darkest.

It changed every color imaginable!

Ice Cream Date

2010-04-12T09:08:00.001-07:00

They were in a weird mood and

wanted to make silly faces.

They loved Spoon Me!

Healthy, yummy and they

don't know its not ice cream.

Changing Baby Room to Play Room!

2010-04-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

Sam thinks this painting stuff is pretty cool

and especially the getting messy part.

Carter was a big help, he couldn't wait

to get that room finished.

Yeah!

All done!

That was more work then we thought it

would be, but worth it. The kids love it!

Christmas Morning

2010-04-12T08:27:00.001-07:00

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

2009-12-12T14:00:00.000-08:00

The boys woke up this morning and were

so excited it snowed. They couldn't wait

to get warm clothes on and run outside.

Snow in Ivins is so beautiful! I still have

not been able to see the red mountain through

all the clouds yet today, but I'm sure when I do

it will be pretty.

As soon as the kids came in and stripped off all

their cold wet clothes, they were ready for some

hot chocolate to warm them back up. Yum!

Carter & Drayben's Birthday

2009-12-12T12:31:00.000-08:00

Birthday breakfast for Carter!

The kids love doing this the morning of their birthdays.

We did chocolate chip pancakes just this morning for

Drayben's Birthday, but didn't get a picture.

PIRATE ISLAND PIZZA

This is where Carter wanted to celebrate his

6th birthday with his friends and brothers.

Grandma didn't leave Sam out of

getting new pajamas too, even though

it wasn't his birthday. Carter and Sam

share the same love for p.j.'s.

Family came over to celebrate Carter and

Drayben's birthdays. They got lots of great

gifts and we got to eat some yummy cake!

BOWLING!!!

Drayben wanted to go to dinner and and bowling

for his 13th birthday with a friend, dad and mom.

Dicken's Festival

2009-12-04T19:01:00.001-08:00

Grandma was so cool to get their faces painted!

The kids told Santa what they wanted,

then got a candy cane. It was the

highlight of their day. Except for

Drayben, I had to beg him to get

in the picture.

Christmas Tree Hunt

2009-12-04T07:22:00.000-08:00

These pictures are a little out of order. The

top 3 pics was at the end of the trip.

It snowed the whole time we were there, but it

really came down the last 2 hours.

The boys got the tree loaded, while the moms

and kids were in another car already heading

down the mountain on snow packed roads.

The boys really got a workout pulling 3 different

very large trees up a mountain while freezing

their bums off!

Family pictures in the snow are so fun!

Silly time!

Luckily Chris didn't slip, because everybody

was falling. There was a inch of ice under that snow.

Best fall of the day would go to Tara!

What cute little snow angels!

Carter had such a blast playing with his

cousins, Madi and Kenna.

After a day of playing in the snow and hiking

for a while, just got in the car to head home.

30 minutes later!

Grandma & Grandpa's visit from Texas

2009-12-04T06:54:00.000-08:00

Jackson was loving his banana pancakes

at Sunday morning breakfast.

This is the night before Steve and Shelley

left to head back to Texas.

A evening cuddle with all the grandkids out

on the porch swing.

Family bowling time! It was so fun, we

had to go two different times.

Looks like yummy tater tots!

Trick or Treat!!!

2009-11-01T11:36:00.001-08:00

Just getting ready to head out for the night.

Everyone at grandma Vicki's house to wish her a

Happy Birthday. Uncle Eric and Aunt Laura holding

the twin cousins (Van and Townes), then in the

bumble bee costume is cousin Isabelle.

Trick or Treating with friends!

Above is with Lily and Addie,

below is with Andrew and Isaac.

Our friends neighborhood is just a huge

party, fun stuff to do and eat everywhere!

Pumpkin Carving!

2009-11-01T11:29:00.001-08:00

Carter and Sam had so much fun carving pumpkins

with mom. They especially like it when they get to

make big messes and then play in it.

School Halloween Parties

2009-11-01T11:12:00.000-08:00

Carter had a blast at his school party. They had

food, made a craft, played some games and did

a Halloween parade through the school to

show off their costumes.

Sam's school did all the same things as Carter's.

Sam had so much fun, wishes he could do that all

the time. I helped his class for the 1st hour then

had to go pick Carter up from school. So Carter

got to come back with me and play in Sam's class

for the last 30 minutes, Sam thought that was cool!

FOOTBALL PLAYOFF'S

2009-11-01T11:03:00.000-08:00

I didn't get a picture of Drayben playing football,

but i did get a picture of Sam and Carter freezing

in the very windy 40 degree weather. You would

think 3 blankets, jackets, warm hats and gloves

would have keep them warm, but no. They still had

to get in the car for the last quarter. Drayben's team

did win the game and is playing in the championship

game this coming Wednesday. I will post some pics

and the results of the game next week!

Cheerleading for the St. George Marathon

2009-10-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

My sister Jessi at the Snow Canyon turn off,

about 16 miles into the run.

The kids cheering Jessi and lots of our other

family and friends on.

Jessi again, 10 miles later and doing

awesome. She finished with her best time yet.

3:1o

Good job Jessi, you are Super Woman!

Kids Night at the Ivins Fire House

2009-10-11T11:33:00.000-07:00

The Ivins Fire Dept. put on a fun night for kids

with lots of games, safety drills, fire engine rides,

treats and they met Smokey the Bear. The kids loved

it, Sam got to spray the fire hose at a target to dunk

a Ivins police man. It was awesome! I didn't get my

camera out in time to get a picture of Carter doing it.

Drayben's 2nd Football Game

2009-09-24T09:18:00.000-07:00

This is the 1st picture ever taken with all of

Drayben's brothers and sisters together. He

is one lucky kid, they all love him so much!

His team won again!

Snow Canyon 20 - Desert Hills 0

The Rodeo

2009-09-24T09:14:00.001-07:00

Cousin Isabelle and Carter having fun

at the rodeo, despite the sprinkles of

rain and wind blowing dirt in our eyes.

They were glad we went, even if it was

just for a short time.

Springdale

2009-09-24T08:31:00.001-07:00

Carter relaxing and munching on a bag of chips.

Carter, Sam, Triston and Callie

Mom with her boys!

Spingdale is a cute little town right before you head

into Zions park, for those of you who don't know where it

is. We went with our friends Mel and Rich and their kids.

The kids had a blast playing in the river, even though the

water was pretty cold. I forget how beautiful it is around

that area. We live so close, we should go there more often.

After playing we headed to Oscar's for dinner,

it was a great day!!!

Football Season is here!

2009-09-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

1st game, Drayben's team won!!!

Snow Canyon 14 - Hurricane 0

He love playing and he did great!

The proud family!

Carter, Isabelle and Sam watching the game.

Carter trying on Drayben's practice gear.

It's a little big!

Sammy's 1st Day of Pre-School

2009-08-28T16:12:00.001-07:00

Holy cow, our baby is off to pre-school!

Today was kinda sad, because they took

him by the hand outside and walked him

into class, but as they started walking away

he got nervous and began to cry. I just

had to get in my car and drive off. It broke

my heart, because Sam and I both thought

we were going into his class together to make

sure he was comfortable enough for me to

leave. When I picked him up his teacher came

out and said he cheered up after a few minutes

and only asked when mom was coming back 10

different times. He has been so excited to go to

school, but I think he thought Carter was going

to be able to go with him. I'm sure after a few

more times he will love it.

Carter's 1st Day of Kindergarden

2009-08-25T08:34:00.001-07:00

Carter is finally heading off to kindergarden!!!

Wow, I can not believe he is that big already.

They have dress code, which is not way exciting.

He is still handsome anyway. He had a great first

day. When I asked what they did, first he said "I

don't know", then he said "we played and drew a

picture". I'm glad he was fine with me leaving him

there, some kids were shedding a few tears.

He can't wait to go back today!

Drayben's 1st Deer

2009-08-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

Chris took Drayben up to Enterprise, UT and this

is what came of it. Drayben was so excited, he is

like his dad and loves to hunt. He was even more

excited that it fell right where he hit it, so

they didn't have to go chase it down.

Watching the daring rescue from our house

2009-08-25T07:52:00.000-07:00

The helicopter taking off after 3 1/2 hours of

trying to get the injured hiker out of the canyon

he fell into. They flew at least 12 or more

search and rescue up there to help. It was cool

watching that helicopter land on that small

spot every time. The hiker was reported missing

on Sunday (8-16-09) and was finally spotted by a

helicopter on Tuesday morning (8-18-09). The man

was from SLC, he got lost and ran out of water. He

was lucky, just broke a few things and was very dehydrated.

If you want to see the pictures a little better, you need to

click on them.

Beaver Mountian with Josh and Tara (few weeks before hunt)

2009-08-25T07:25:00.001-07:00

Smores are so delicious!

Sorry the post are out of order a little. These

last 2 post should have been before the 1st

weekend of the hunt post.

Angie and Tara took the boys for a ride. It must

have been real relaxing, because Sam fell asleep.

Having a blast on the 4-wheeler!

It was so beautiful on the mountain and

the weather was a nice change from the

St. George heat.

2009-08-25T07:25:00.000-07:00

Angie's Birthday

2009-08-25T07:21:00.000-07:00

Chris took this for me, how cute are they?

Getting old! 31 candles is a lot to blow out, good

thing I had the kids help.

7-20-09

1st Weekend of the Hunt on Beaver Mountain

2009-08-25T06:45:00.000-07:00

Angie (1st time ever hunting), Chris and Garth just

getting ready to go out for the evening hunt.

8-16-09

Drayben helping clean up camp. This was his 1st

real hunting experience too. Now that you can hunt

when you are 12 years of age. Nobody ended up

getting anything this trip, next time!

Carter and Sam doing their favorite thing while we are

on the mountain. They would never get off unless we

made them. Sam thinks he is the coolest on it!

Baby Graham

2009-07-17T15:36:00.000-07:00

While I was in SLC, I stopped by to see 1 week old

baby Graham. He is so dang cute and my cousin Stacia

looked so good for only having a baby a wee ago.

What a cute mom!

Long lost friend!

2009-07-17T15:19:00.001-07:00

Amanda and I were best friends and haven't seen

each other for at least 10 years. We finally got to

meet up and go to dinner with our kids. It was so

nice to visit again and hopefully get to again soon.

Carter thought the Mayan was so cool, becuase you

get to eat and watch people dive of big cliffs into a

pool of water. Sammy was kinda nervous because

of the atmosphere and the fake thunder and lightening.

Visiting the cousins in SLC

2009-07-17T14:49:00.000-07:00

Kristie took us to their favorite swimming place, the

Murray Rec Center. Sammy took a little convincing to

go down the big slide, but he loved it and wanted to

keep going. So aunt Kristie took him 3 times.

Just deep enough for Sammy fun!

Carter loved the slide!

He went over and over and over again until

we finally had to leave.

Carter and Sam's 1st time at Hogle Zoo.

They loved it!

Wow! They thought the giraffes were cool.

The elephants must of been hungry, because they

just waited by the doors and didn't come to close.

The 2 minute train ride the kids just couldn't

wait to go on

Grandma's visit & 4th of July

2009-07-17T14:15:00.000-07:00

Sparkler Time!

It was very oily and soapy to make it fast.

Carter Especially had fun. They figured out the less

clothes the faster you could go. So we won't post

pics of Chris in his speedo, yikes!

Cool stuff!

Waiting for the slip 'n slide to get done.

The boys make our very own 60 ft. slip 'n slide.

YUM!

Done making their own cupcakes!

Making a mess!

Tired after a long day of swimming.

Aunt Kristie all the children.

Tara, Shelley, Angie and Kristie having our

last picture moment before Kristie's family

left for home.

More Pics of Eric & Laura's Wedding

2009-06-19T14:45:00.000-07:00

Hooray they did it!!!!!!

Van and Townes are just happy to be there.

This is one of my favorite pictures, I love that

you can see cake just flying through the air.

1st dance

They are so in love!

They are excited to be getting out of there and

off to their romantic getaway.

Carter and Isabelle loved the photo area.

That's one hot couple!

KIDS LOVE ICE CREAM!

2009-06-04T15:31:00.000-07:00

The boys think we always need to be

doing something. I think swimming and

eating ice cream will be their top two

favorites this summer.

Memorial Weekend at Panguich Lake

2009-05-25T10:09:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun with the family, we brought up

the kids little 4-wheeler and Josh and Tara's 4-wheeler.

The kids all took turn riding the 4-wheelers the whole

time we were there other then when we made them

stop to eat.

Hanging out with my sister Jessi

Carter and Isabelle having a blast!

Sammy at barely 3 years old thinks he is a pro on the

4-wheeler.

I was so glad Tara and Josh came up with us to see

my family and play in the mountains.

Josh is keeping Sam very happy! Even the adults

had fun on the little 4-wheeler.

Lunch date with mom

2009-05-22T15:22:00.001-07:00

PIRATE ISLAND PIZZA

They just noticed the waterfall, dead pirate with

a sword stuck in him and a treasure box filled

with gold! Before we left the fake cannons from

the pirate ship started going off with noise and

smoke. It scared the pants of Sam, he started

crying and luckily we were just leaving.

Just happy, waiting patiently for his pizza.

Before this they had a blast using up all

their tokens in the arcade and with the

tickets, getting a few prizes.

What a tough guy!

Nothing like some chocolate and vanilla

frozen yogurt with sprinkles after lunch.

It must be yummy! They finished it

down to the last bite.

BROTHERLY LOVE

What a perfect day!

Graduation!!!

2009-05-21T17:06:00.001-07:00

Carter is finished with his 2nd year of preschool

and is very excited to start kindergarten in a few

months.

We are so proud!

The twins are growing fast!

2009-05-21T16:53:00.000-07:00

For those of you that don't know, these boys

are my older brother Josh's and his wife Heather.

They are so dang cute and are getting so big

so fast. They are 10 months already, Townes

still weighs a pound or two more.

Look... he already know how to beat up

on cousin Sam.

Aunt Angie loves them so much!

Van is looking like he had a little

to much to drink. Just Kidding!

Warning, stay away from patio umbrella's in the wind!

2009-05-21T16:38:00.000-07:00

This is a picture we got before we left for

the E.R. We had to cut off the sunglasses

he was wearing, because they were attached

to his face.

This is right after we got home from the E.R.

A 25-30 lb. rod iron base of a umbrella stand

got lifted up by the wind and smacked Chris

right in the eye, he luckily had the sunglasses on,

if not he probably would of lost an eye. We are

also very blessed that no kids got hurt.

This is 2 days later! I'm so glad Chris is ok,

but we have learned a very big lesson from

all of this.

Keeping Moms Promise

2009-05-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

They have been wanting to go to this new

splash pad in Ivins, so I told them on Carter's

day off school we would go. They had fun even

though it was pretty windy.

The wind wasn't keeping Carter from getting wet.

Seeing as it still was as least 90 degrees outside.

Carter wanted to take a picture of Sam and I.

I enjoyed just watching them and getting

some sun!

Swim Time

2009-05-12T15:01:00.001-07:00

They are so excited for summer!

Sammy is loving the floaties this year. He is

going to be quite the swimmer!

Carter is getting better at swimming. His dad

has been practicing with him.

Mother's Day Tea Party at Carter's school

2009-05-12T14:39:00.000-07:00

Carter's school has a really cute party for the moms every year.

The kids sang some of the cutest songs I've ever heard and they

each had their own little speaking part. After the program we all

laid out our blankets for the tea party. Carter went and filled me up

a plate of snacks and served it to me. We didn't have tea, just

water. We had a lot of fun together!

Carter and his friend Stockton showing off

the flowers they made for us.

Eric & Laura's Wedding Day

2009-05-03T17:43:00.000-07:00

What handsome boys!

Just waiting for the bride and groom to come out of the temple.

Giving my new aunt some kisses.

They are so excited to see uncle Eric tie the knot.

Pics with mom, dad, sister and brothers.

Sammy chilling at the reception.

2009-05-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

Cake in the face!!!

Brides Maids and Flower Girls

Ooh-La-La

Carter & Isabelle

These are so cool, the photographers set up a photo wall where

the guest and wedding party can go do silly pictures for the bride

and groom to have. I pulled these off the photographers blog, she

just had a few posted, i can't wait to see the rest.

Carter's Gymnastic Review

2009-04-23T17:10:00.001-07:00

Did it without even falling!

Ta-Da!

He walks on the beam like it's no big deal.

Won a award for having the "Best Backward Roll"

I wish I would have got some more pictures of him, especially

when he was on the bars. I was also video taping it for his dad

because he could not be there for it. So I guess I did an alright

job, considering.

Laura's Bridal Shower

2009-04-22T16:33:00.001-07:00

Vicki, Lyla, Jolene, Stacia, Laura, Jessi, Angie,

Dixie, Valerie and Meagan

This was the first gift she received, it was the

cutest apron I have ever seen. Good job Larkin girls!

Awe...... Jessi made her smile and blush a little!

Grandma Boyer knows just what she needed. Maybe

a few cooking lessons would be great too!

Cousin Stacia got her the best bread pan ever made!

The present I got her was maybe a to little sexy to show,

plus we don't want Eric seeing it early. We had a ton of

fun visiting with the family that we don't see to often,

great food, and Laura got some wonderful gifts. We are

so happy to have her in our family. Eric could not have

found a better soul mate!

Birthday Breakfast April 15th

2009-04-16T10:17:00.001-07:00

Birthday Fun at Jump 'N Jacks

2009-04-16T10:04:00.001-07:00

Sam's Bithday Party

2009-04-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

Sam is so excited about turning three, he shows everyone everywhere we go his three fingers. He loved all of his presents and especially loved blowing out his birthday candles. He got some fun sand toys for the new sand box dad made out back, his very own camra (i think he is going to be a photographer the way he takes photos), wiggle sprinklers, bubbles, p.j.'s, a harmonica and a Dallas Cowboys football and shirt (grandma and grandpa must be becoming Cowboys fans since moving to Texas!).

EASTER

2009-04-16T07:39:00.001-07:00

Lucky, two Easter Egg Hunts!!! The first one was on a very rainy saturday at the Ivins park and the second one was with our cousin Isabelle at her house on a nice and sunny Easter Sunday.

Aunt Tara Loves Her Nieces and Nephews!!!

2009-04-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

Mad Bowlers

2009-04-07T14:37:00.001-07:00

Happy Bowlers

2009-04-07T14:34:00.000-07:00

Carter & Sam Battle on the DS's!

2009-04-07T14:30:00.000-07:00

Sand Dune Saturday!

2009-03-21T21:52:00.000-07:00

SLEDDING TIME

2009-02-24T07:32:00.001-08:00

What cute boys!

2009-02-22T18:26:00.001-08:00

2009-02-22T18:15:00.000-08:00

2009-01-03T19:46:00.000-08:00

This bass pro is looking
for the next hot spot.

Good times....

2009-01-03T19:45:00.000-08:00

Carter reeling in
another keeper.

Fishing with the Boys

2009-01-03T19:42:00.000-08:00

Carter is a little nervous about this
monster bass he landed.

Camping with the Boys

2009-01-02T20:32:00.000-08:00

The boys had a blast on this trip......every young
boy that loves a good adventure would have ranked
this one near the top. Carter and Sam finally put those
camping skills they learned from Diego and Dora to the test.
As you will see, they passed. (the quality is horrible with this
slide show, any pointers would be fabulous)

2009-01-02T17:10:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I look at the snow and hate it, but moments and faces like these make all the cold and ice worth every second!

2009-01-02T17:09:00.000-08:00

Perfect day for snowboarding.

2009-01-02T17:02:00.000-08:00

We couldn't leave Sammy out of all the fun. Here he is snuggling with mom and staying warm and also busting out the smooth moves with dad on the snowboard.

2009-01-02T17:00:00.000-08:00

What can we say? He's a natural, not to mention the cutest mini skier on the mountain that day!

2009-01-02T16:56:00.000-08:00

Carter with his instructor on his first day hitting the slopes.

2009-01-02T16:55:00.000-08:00

Carter having fun in the snow at Rob and Shannon's house.

Kids Shopping Carts

2009-01-01T17:32:00.000-08:00

Whoever sized down shopping carts was brilliant. This made shopping with the kids and dream. Look at these boys. Some say pimping ain't easy. For these boys it comes naturally.

Top of the hill

2009-01-01T17:28:00.000-08:00

Amazing, this is after the sledding day and everyone is still smiling....

Sledding on the first day of 2009

2009-01-01T17:20:00.000-08:00

We all had a blast on the sledding hill. Carter continued to sled after being taken out by another sledder. He ended up with a fat lip and some reservations but stayed the course.

Drayben and Sadie celebrating the New Year!

2009-01-01T17:08:00.000-08:00

Sadie comes from the Stahura family. They are our good friends from the Highland Alpine area. We came up to enjoy the holidays with them. This is at a sledding hill in Murry.

2008-03-16T23:12:00.000-07:00

This guy already wants to go to Beauty School, were thinking the Paul Mitchell Partner School would be awesome!!!!!

Ricky and the Mullet

2008-03-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

This is truly great stuff. Ricky is laughing and grimacing at the same time. He is a little uncomfortable as I act like I am taking a photo of him, but really trying to get a shot of the unbelievable mullet in the background.

True Love

2008-03-16T22:10:00.000-07:00

We Just try to enjoy every minute we have together. As you can see, this is just another day in paradise.