So it's been a couple years...

This blog was put on hold when the wedding plan began, and was then replaced by a website I designed for the wedding. Then marriage came (a year ago!), and it continued to stay on hold. Now that I've made some time to design again, it's in the works to revamp our website and once again keep our blog going...I know everyone's been on pins and needles wondering what we ate for breakfast yesterday and what we're doing next weekend :)

WE'RE ENGAGED!!!

More to come soon...THIS should hold you over.

Thanks!

matt & niki

Heyo all!

Summer is pretty much here (hence, the 90 degree weather), and with summer comes...school? Ah, yes. Matt and I are back in school-sweet!. May has brought about fun times, and we'd like to give the gist of it all ...

First off - Landon McIntire had his first -and very own- birthday party! Matt was able to go down to Florida and suprise his brother (as everyone was able to keep his visit a secret) with showing up the Friday before the birthday party. Landon had a rockin' birthday with plenty of cool and fun presents. Landon also was equipped with two birthday cakes: one very sweet and edible record player cake and one edible and chocolatey baby-sized cake perfect for the all-around first birthday experience. Matt will have tons of the pics up here soon!

While Matt was enjoying the tropical fun-ness of Florida, I was stuck in Illinois graduating. That's right - after a 3 semesters at Moraine, I officially graduated with my Associate of Arts, and now I am ready to begin the next leg of my bachelor's at Trinity Christian College!

Our first weekend back together involved a day-trip to Starved Rock State Park (Utica, IL.) with me, Matt, my dad, sis, bro, Debbie, Colin, and Patrick. Fortunately, Starved Rock had avoided the Cicada outbreak during our visit.

Pictures that will be up in the (relatively) near future...Landon's First Birthday, Matt's Face?, and Niki's Arizona trip

Easter 2007

Easter weekend began with some traditional egg coloring at the McIntire's on Friday night. There were many winners -as far as amazing egg artwork goes- but in all humility and humbleness, I would like to say that my egg was the #1 winner (egg name "Mr. Macintyre") of the Friday night color session.

The following day also included a round of coloring, and it took place at the Beres residence in which John and Debbie were forced into the contest with me, Matt, and brother John. Some uniquely decorated (and some ugly) eggs turned out; these nearly 2 dozen hard-boiled works of art sat in the fridge waiting on only Matt to eat them.

Check out the egg coloring HERE.

Easter Sunday marked the day of our Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! How wonderful it was for us to start the day at Parkview with my brother in celebration of Him! It was great to see many people during the afternoon at Ralph and Jan's for Easter, as well!

Until next time.....

We're Alive!

The holiday season has ended (months ago), and we're still alive to share it with you. We're sorry it's been such a long time since we've posted. As most of you know, I injured myself early this year, and lost a few toes. I'm doing great now. Physical therapy is over, and I'm ready to begin school this month. We both thank you all very much for your prayers. With all the free time I have, we figured we're long overdue to post a new blog.

First off; Ryan, Jenni, & Landon were able to spend the whole week of christmas with us. It was great to have them here, and Niki was able to be here for a majority of the time. It was a blast to see Landon growing up, and spend his first christmas with him.
We've combined a bunch of those pictures throughout the week HERE.

Two days before christmas, the Mcintire side of the family came over for an early christmas before Laurie and Stony left for florida. It had been years since we had all been together, so it was very nice to be able to spend with them...Although being nice was far from what took place. It was a night of competition with foosball, ping pong, and catch phrase. Pictures from that can can be seen HERE.

Christmas Eve Niki and I headed back to Tinley Park. We attended service with Alaina, then the whole family headed to Niki's Aunt Ronnie for dinner. It was Ronnie and Dave's first opportunity to show off their new kitchen, and it looked great! After dinner and some presents we headed back to the Beres house for all the kids presents. Those pictures are MIA right now, but as soon as their found, we'll post them.

Christmas Day was back at the Mcintire's with the Bodnar family. We all enjoyed presents, food, and of course the night ended with the grab bag. I think everyone did well and I'm sure everyone has enjoyed a few special months with their grab bag gifts by now. Christmas day pictures can be seen HERE.

And of course, a full week with Niki and Ryan can't happen without lots of time set aside to play music. The basement was stocked with instrumets, and we all spent time on every instrument. If you want to see us looking like rockstars, go HERE

So the Season Begins!

As we had hoped for this year, Thanksgiving was held in Tinley Park with John, Debbie, Alaina, John, Pat, and Colin - plus us. It was so wonderful, and we are blessed to have been able to share the day in fun, food, and being thankful. The night before, Matt and I "helped" prepare the turkey with Pam (prepare meaning "de-gut"). At one point, Matt became almost intrigued by the uncooked turkey (see here). Thanks to Pam (thank you! :), we were on our way with the turkey, homemade pumpkin pie, and all the necessary tools we'd need the next day. It was great - everybody helped with something. Debbie even brought a spiral ham! The food was really yummy, and I think by the end of the day, everybody had eaten their fair share of dessert as well (choices of pumpkin or apple pie, brownies, and/or root beer floats)! Check out our pictures from the Beres Thanksgiving here).

We also have half of the pictures up from Halloween and pumpkin carving. These are long awaited, people, so you'd better take a look! We've got some winners. Two rounds (so to speak) of pumpkin carving this year - both families. The McIntire pumpkins should be up soon, as well!

Finals week is next week, so Matt and I will be hitting the books one last time before break. Then - Christmas! We are so excited to see everybody!

Until then, see you all very soon.

Niki&Matt

Oh...one more thing.

Hello, everyone! In case you hadn't seen these already, we forgot to mention that our pictures from the Chicago Auto Show this year have been posted (view here). The pictures from our Halloween pumpkin carving escapades will be put up very soon - the key to those requires permission to access my brother's computer ;). Then the world will be able to see how cool my cat pumpkin was....and everyone else's.

-niki

Last Few Months

A lot has happened since our last post. We celebrated Niki's 22nd birthday on the 27th of September. She doesn't look a day past 21. You can view those photos here and here. If Niki lets me, I may post a picture of her first watercolour painting with her new paints I bought her!

Last week My parents finally met Niki's dad and Debbie. They made the drive out to Merriville to cater to my parents fear of traveling. It was long overdue, but everyone finally buckled and met each other. No one was injured.

We Carved Pumpkins with both family's for halloween. Of course I made a skull, and Niki had to show off and do a stencil by hand. Niki dressed as a pair of trousers. We'll post pictures of the pumkins this week.

Finally, we're anticipating and very excited about the holidays. Thanksgiving will be held at the Beres Household where we will all attempt our first Thanksgiving dinner. Christmas Eve will be spent at Niki's Aunt Roni's house, and Christmas day with Matt's family. We're looking forward to warm fires, cookies, family, presents and countless other things...But mainly my nephew!

We look forward to see you all soon!

Matt & Niki