Memorial Weekend- Camping at Two Rivers

Our First time camping last year, here in Nebraska, was NOT a pleasent one! And still our kids wanted to go camping again this year. Even with us reminding them of all the "FUN" we had with the deer ticks. Seeing that we could not change their minds, we picked a place far away from the camping spot we went to last year. We scheduled a 3 night camping trip at Two Rivers, here in Nebraska. The First day and night went well, on the Second night things didn't not so go as good. A thunderstom came in and we pretty much got rained out. Then our van would not start on the third day. Towards the evening of the third day we finally got our van to work, packed up and headed to the Mathison Campground. There we finished our special foil dinner, roasted smores for dessert and finished our third night camping on a clean, dry floor. =) Isn't camping fun!? The things we do for our kids?!


Here are the famous dogs that my kids grew to LOVE while we were camping for the weekend. The gray one was Liahona's favorite, her name was Ananna. And the Brown one was named Savannah, the other kids like this dog the best.




Playing at the playground was an ongoing free play for the kids. They loved having a campsite near the playground, so they could run back and forth, since "Mom" could still see them. Plus we brought our wakkie takkies to stay in contact with eachother, this made it a little more FUN!





We bought worms to give Lake fishing a try. Eric is more of a river fisherman, and tends to think that Lake fishing is too boring, but he was still willing to teach the kids how to fish. Our worms all died by the next day, so the kids were a little disappointed that we couldn't fish anymore. Tamara was the most interested with fishing, out of all the kids. I however was thankful that we didn't catch anything because I didn't want to clean it, cook it, or eat it! YUCK!






Here we are playing in one of the many lakes around the campground. They all were very brown and pretty yucky looking, but it was really warm outside for us Northwest people. So, we decided to take our chances just like everyone else and cool off in the lake. The kids had a blast playing in the sand and splashing in the water. Montey has really taken to the water lately, and has become a true water baby. I think this was one of the many highlights of the camping, that the kids liked the BEST!

Miss Tammie turns fivie

Another Spring Birthday was celebrated in the Mathison Home. Tamara was counting down for many months, when her birthday would finally come. She has a huge fascination with knowing how many days before or til a certain event, the good thing is that it sure helps with her counting. After her birthday she asked "How many more days til my birthday again?!" Sheesh... it never stops. We had a fun family afternoon birthday party. And thankfully by-passed the hair catching on fire, unlike when she turned three. The kids always seem to bring it up again and again, laughing about how funny that was. It's a good thing that nothing serious happened from it. I somehow managed to tape the whole thing not realizing that her hair was on fire, even with Eric reaching over me trying to put it out. I thought he was just getting in my way of the camera..... great memories! This birthday, however, was a success and above all, calm! The way I like it. =)
(Thankyou Grandma and Grandpa Mathison)

(Thankyou Grandma and Grandpa Mathison)

(Thankyou Grandma and Grandpa Brooks)



Then in the evening she wanted to go to this Fast Food Restaurant with a play structure called Runza. It is one of the Nebraskans favorite fast food places to eat at, everyone who lives here raves about it.I for one am NOT a big fan, ( it's actually
pretty gross.) But they do have a fun play structure so that's where the party was at this year. Plus it kept my house clean, and
gave the kids more running room, which equals = lots of FUN! Happy Birthday Miss Tammie Lambie.

California Trip

Two weeks ago my Sweetest Grandma Brooks passed away, being 98 years old. She was MORE than willing and ready to go. I have so many fond memories with her as I child. I am glad that I was able to spend 11 years with her before my Dad got a job transfer to Redmond Washington. She made the BEST chocolate birthday cakes, and she always knew how to make one feel special on their birthday. I remember looking forward to such fun sleepovers at her house, on my birthday weekends. My grandma would take me to Toysrus, where I got to choose any 1 toy that I wanted, (obviously within reason.) She has an amazing green thumb, and could make ANYTHING grow. Her love for ALL birds has grown on me, and now my daughter, Liahona. I remember my grandma humming all the time, and I loved hearing her, it always made me feel safe. I would like to say that I am very much like my grandma, when it comes to humming. She would hum as she walked around the house doing things, as I do too. She will greatly be missed, but at times like this I am thankful that I can lean on the gospel. As I focus on the eternal perspective of things, and how we believe that Families are Forever. =)

After a super intense, emotional, family gathering in honor of my Grandma Brooks, my siblings and I tried to have a little fun at Six Flags Magic Mountain. I haven't been there since I was 11, before my family move to Washington. It was really weird going down memory-lane. I and 3 of my siblings went on so many rides. I am so proud of myself that I didn't wimp out, but did go on almost ALL the roller coaster rides. Plus extra Fun water ones. It was a nice, yet weird time being without kids. I kept feeling like I was naked and wasn't sure at times what to do with myself. Yet, over all I had a great time in California.


Got a Need for Speed?

( 'Goliath has your answer.Towering over 255 feet above earth, this massive steel superstructure hit speeds of 85 mph, making it one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters around.' Here we are enjoying a 3 minute, high speed adventure over 4,500 feet of steel track, together as siblings.)

Our Cinco de Mayo Party

So in honor of our very special sister, Carmen, that passed away about three years ago, we decided to have a special party....
We had all of the Missionaries that was from our ward, which was FOUR, over for a Fiesta dinner. Mainly because Carmen LOVED the Elders, and of course we had to have a pinata, right? I think the Missionaries were more into hitting it than my kids. It was super funny to see the Elders run after that candy... he he he

Elder 1 (sorry i forgot all their names.)

Elder 2

Elders 3

Elder 4

Caleb swinging

Liahona hitting

Tamara missing

Ready GO......and off everyone went for the crazy hunt, searching for the candy.

Montey getting out a lolipop from the broken pinata.

And the one with ALL the muscles broken the pinata, If you said Eric you were right! He was so quick that we didn't even get a picture of him hitting away. It was a fun day to remember a special person! Luv you Carmen.

The BIG 1 year old Boy!

So here are the pictures from the great family PARTY, in celebration of a little baby turing into a BIG 1 year old. Happy Birthday Montey! Don't grown up too fast. We love you!!!

Blowing out the candles was a Family Team Effort.


First taste of cake and ice cream, still not good enough when it comes to needing a nap.


Present Time, present time, open the present see what's inside..........

First Birthday Haircut

Here is Montey sitting in his highchair, getting ready for his very first haircut. Look at the mop of hair on his head!


Squirmy, wormy kids? Nothing works better than a nice lollipop to keep them still.

Here is our little guy after his haircut! What a cute little man huh?

Spring Soccer

Caleb had his first soccer game last Saturday, and it was super COLD! He had to wear his black warm up sweatshirt the whole game. After, we had to get warm... so went to Chuckie Cheese for an early birthday party for Montey, with friends. Caleb just LOVES this sport to play, yet football is his favorite to watch.

Chuckie Cheese Party

Here is Montey with his best friend. These too cutie boys have their birthdays so close to eachother, that our two families decided to have a party inbetween their special days. Notice his shirt!? Yeah Washington!