Where did time go?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATT!!!!!!!1

It's incredible that 22 years can feel so fast! Today my little boy is turning 22 and in 2 days he is getting married! I can't believe it. This little boy who filled my life with love and joy is now a man and is starting a family of his own.
Having Matt as a son has blessed my life in so many ways. Here are 22 of them:

1. Matt's testimony has been a strength to me ever since he was little.
2. Matt has overcome trials and become a stronger person and that has been inspiring to watch.
3. Matt has not compromised his standards.
4. Matt's sense of humor has been a joy!
5. Matt has always let me be a part of his life and has been willing to share with me.
6. Matt has been wise beyond his years many times and taught me valuable life lessons.
7. Matt has been an incredible example to his sisters of keeping the commandments.
8. Matt has always been obedient.
9. Matt has made life fun!
10.  Matt has helped me around the house and been a great support to me over the years.
11.  Matt's mission inspired and blessed our family in more ways than we can measure.
12.  Matt has a mind that is sharp and is able to remember anything!
13.  Matt's passions have become our passions (ei wild animals)
14. Matt has a true and sincere love of the Lord and it shows.
15. Matt is committed to trying to improve Himself.
16. Matt has great leadership skills.
17. Matt loves to laugh
18. Matt loves to dance.
19. Matt is a disciple of Christ.
20. Matt loves his family.
21. Matt brings light to our family.
22. Matt works hard.

I am so thankful for this little boy who changed my life 22 years ago today. Becoming a Mom for the first time really changed my world forever. It is one of the greatest blessings I have. I am blessed with obedient, good children and I am forever grateful for that. I love Matt so much! I am so excited for his upcoming wedding to Casey. She is a wonderful woman and I know they will have a happy and successful life together! :)

For Matt's birthday today, we had his wedding "BATH". The equivalent of a bridal shower for men. It was hilarious. Everyone brought him a new or used tool. He got quite a few! :) We had cake and ice cream and his sisters made him a cute banner. I am bummed I didn't get any pictures. My camera is broken! :(

MILLSITE 2013

Millsite was a blast again this year! It was so sad how quickly it went by... WE LOVED IT! It is so fun to get out and release some stress! We had the 4th of July 5K, boating, tubing, jet skiing, wake boarding, boogie boarding, kayaking, a big water trampoline,  a raffle, a skit night, a video presentation, LOTS of wind, LOTS of food, some rain, LOTS of sun, crafts, and of course the DP!! :) Loved it all! Love all the awesome people in this family! It is seriously a great time being all together! :) It's super cute to see all these cousins together!! 

Cosi took this awesome photo of all the cousins jumping off the dock! I love it! This is a fantastic group of kids! Love them all!

Lindsey, Austin and Kendy crossing the finish line... super cute

Kate the great finishing the race! So proud of all 4 of my kiddos for being in great shape and great runners! One day I hope to join them!!! argh...

Matt and Casey :) So cute together.

Love these 2 sisters! :)

Lindsey, Maddie and Cosi... they have so much fun together!

Johnny boy :)

Dorothy, Becky, Mitch, Trent, Carol and Chad after the race

Heidi and "Nat-o" We miss these guys!!

Amber, Doug and Caitlin enjoying a twix moment. We're SOOO excited to have Doug and Amber back in the west!

Shy Sammy... what a cutie! :)

Richard

Aubrey ready to roll!

Cute Ella bean! :) In her 4th of July duds!

Katie and Josh trying to look disgruntled...

Maddie and Katie besties :)

double chins... as if!

Brynne and Jackson

Sierra puttin on sunscreen :)

All 12 kids in order :)

The photographers :) Kendy, Becky, Julie, Amber and Lindsey

All 12 kids and their Mama :)

DeeAnn

Richard made me take this... "an unsuspecting little one with a wedgie"

Leah, Allie, Paige and Sierra... CUTIES!

Paige, Lindsey, Caroline and Liza :)

Cosette....ReNee... what can I say?

Lindsey-O and Maffy... SO great to have Matt back and in attendance at the reunion this year! :)

Alyse... last reunion for 1.5 yrs!! What an awesome girl! We're gonna miss her!

Katie, Ellie, Kristi headin out to jet ski! :)

Debra... look at those guns...

Jackson and Ella! SO DARN CUTE!

Roberto

Mikey

Two beautiful sisters :) I love these gals!

Jack Jack

Jackson and his idol- Josh!

Caitlin and Jackson

DANCE PARTAY!!!!! In the rain

Alyse, Jackson, Max and Maddie?I think?

Max, Linds, Katie, Casey, Maddie, Brynne (ewok), Kendy and Austin

Thomas and Heidi and Dorothy

DeeAnn, Andrew, Elizabeth... and some blurry stuff :)

such blurry photos.. I need a REAL camera... hint hint... Dave and Rob

Nate, Cosi, Maddie

These cute girls had their own dance party in the back of then van to avoid the rain. The decorated it with a ll the glow sticks... SO CUTE!!! Caroline, Liza, Leah and Paige. They were all having so much fun together! Love the new generation of cousins! SO DARLING!

Matt and Casey
"Don't they know I will never stop dancing?" Haha!

Uncle Dr. Doogie

DeeAnn and James

Bry,  Mark and Jackson

That's my boy!!!!!!!! Dancin it up!

And just like that it was over... WAY too fast. I am always sad when the last night hits. I love all these people so much. They have been so awesome to me over the years. Can't even begin to say how grateful I am for this family.