Upward Basketball

Today was Ethan's first basketball game of the season.  He did great playing in his first game.  He made two baskets and got several rebounds.  I noticed that as the game progressed that he became a little more aggressive playing defense.  The coaches of Upward do a great job explaining the rules of the game.  Ethan played last year and I can tell he is going to be a much better player his year.  It was a very exciting game.  I just love to see those little boys get into the game!  Way to go Volunteers!!!  By the way the Matthews family loves the orange, white and purple uniforms!!

Something Amazing

We spent the last day of our Disney trip in Epcot.  As we were walking through the park we noticed something strange in the sky.  It just so happened that a plane was writing something in the sky.  It read, "U + God =  ( a smiley face)".  I only caught the first part of it on camera because my family had me racing to get to another ride.

I thought it was pretty amazing how God chooses to speak to people.  Everyone was gathered around reading it as the plane spelled out the words.  Just think how many people could have been touched that day.  I know that in the hustle and bustle of our busy trip, I took time to give thanks for the happiness that I have found only through the love of my Almighty Father.  When all else seems to fail us, God is steadfast and we find true happiness only through his grace. 

Just looking at that in the big blue sky made me think about all the people that are looking for happiness in all the wrong places.  We should all take time to give thanks for what we do have instead of worrying about what we don't have. 

Romans 8:28  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.



 

Disney Magic

We just got back from Disney!  I guess it's time to get back to the real world!  We had a wonderful time as usual.  My sister, Peyton and Paxton also went with us!  We can't believe how well the kids did traveling.  I guess we must have watched The Smurfs at least 10 times while we were on the road.  It seemed like that many times anyway. 

Pure Sweetness!

The Safari Ride at Animal Kingdom

Waiting for the parade at Hollywood Studios

Ethan with his new shirt!

McKinley and Ethan were able to ride all the rides several times. Ethan even rode the Tower of Terror without tears this year!  Way to go E!  They rode Splash Mountain for the first time ever!  Every year when we go during this time of year it is always closed, but this year it was open.  They loved it!  Peyton was tall enough to ride Soarin' , Dinosaur and Test Track so she was excited about that!  She thinks she's a big girl now!

I even faced one of my fears on this trip!  I had never rode the Rollin' Roll Roller Coaster.  It was great!  I rode it twice.  I have tried to ride everything because I don't want the kids to be scared to try all the rides.  I guess it's just the fear of the unknown.

Of course Peyton and Paxton got to see a lot of the characters!  McKinley was a big girl and helped out a lot with little Pax!  He is so darn cute!  We have just loved up on him all weekend!  They grow up so fast!  The magic of Disney is in the eyes of children!  Even though the adults are absolutely exhausted!

We were able to spend a day in each park:  Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot! 

Magic Kingdom

Epcot

Animal Kingdom

Hollywood Studios

Now it's back to the real world tomorrow! 
Happy Monday!

Our Family Photos

As a Christmas present one of the parents in my class took my family's photos.  She did a great job.  She got some really good shots of the kids and we enjoyed this time together.  This was a great gift and we will cherish these photographs forever.  Lisa has a great gift and I wish her the best as she continues to pursue her photography business!
Here are a few of the best ones!