Matt's Birthday & Tribute to His Dad

We celebrated Matt's birthday by first, grabbing his FREE starbucks, a venti of course, and then headed down to his mom's house in Tucson for some fun festivities & family.

We were ready for swimming as soon as we got there!

Madison 'forgot' how to swim since she hasn't been in a pool for about 5 months, and she was scared there were sharks. She cried....but after a while she was ok and happy again.

Happy Birthday kiss...I love how Maddy is watching in the background.

We all got a little sun burn, but it was fun to be outside in 85 degree weather and just relax.

Matt's 2 sisters and his Aunt & Uncle flew down from Seattle to be with us, not only for Matt's birthday but for a special tribute to his dad the next day. It was perfect and meant to be.

She was SO tired she put herself to bed...

Mia wanted to see some pictures of her dad when he was little...

So Pam pulled out Matt's old photo album and they looked at some old (really old!) photos of when Matt was a little boy. Mia sure got a kick out of it. It's fun to look back on all those memories...it was fun to watch everyone smile and laugh at old haircuts etc.

Matt BBQ'ing in the dark...we talked for so long and reminiced before we knew it, it was dark out!

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A family photo for Matt's birthday... (thank you to the neighbors who stopped by!)

Happy birthday dad!!

Opening gifts...I hope you had a special day honey!

The next day we went for a really long walk with Uncle Richard & Kirsten. Boy they walk fast...whew Matt & I were dying. I think I'm better at jogging then walking!! The hills are so...hilly.

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Walking backwards...

Of course I had to get some photos...with a nice background.

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Matt & Uncle Richard

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Kirsten & I

It was a good time, and easier coming down the hills than going up!

THE TRIBUTE TO DENNIS - Saddle Brook Baseball

Matt's dad helped build this baseball field and raise money to put it together. They team really misses Dennis and wanted to pay a tribute to him. Before a baseball game they honored his memory with a very nice plaque and tribute to Dennis.

Auntie Shannon telling the girls something...in their hats...how cute.

Here we all are together waiting in the dug out before our little ceremony. Then we were escorted out onto the field.

Presenting Pam with the plaque.

Matt said a few words of thanks...especially to honor his dad in this way. Dennis would have been very proud of his family representing him.

We miss you Dennis! You are always thought of...we know without a doubt you are sitting with Jesus in heaven, and those that believe in Him will see you again someday!

I am thankful beyond words that his sisters & Dennis' brother & wife took the time to fly down and be here for this very memorable time. One thing you can never get back is time, and this was a great way to spend it.