Rowdy Mom's Guide to Life: Club Matthews

How do you explain "Club Matthews" to someone that has never been? You just can't.....it has to be experienced. For many years now we've celebrated the 4th of July at the home of Duane & Brenda Matthews hence "Club Matthews". They graciously open their home, their pool, the front porch, the decks etc... to friends and family (it's hard to say which we are, I guess technically friends, but we feel like family.) That's how Brenda and Duane are, they make you feel like family. There is no doubt that Hospitality is one of their spiritual gifts. (I guess that is also why they own and operate Just Like Mom's restaurant). Anyway, fall brings on new excitement. The bonfire.....it is legendary. One might think the fire below could be considered a bonfire. They would be wrong, this is the "cooking fire".

This is what the real fire is made of...as you can see it's rather large. (Duane NEVER does something halfway....)

Waiting for the cooking fire to get ready. We're having Nathan's famous hot dogs, brats, etc... YUMMY!

I tried to tell them the fire was too hot for cooking but everyone was starving.

We were afraid Mr. Bill's wheels were going to melt.

Finally Perfect!

Time to get ready for the "real" fire. Don't worry Cody is a volunteer fireman.

NOW THAT'S A FIRE! Look at the reflection in the next few pics. The fire lit up the whole sky. It was quite extraordinary!

I'm not going to name everyone but just suffice it to say that a good time was had by all!

Duane had to get on his bulldozer and push fire back up. I'm really not sure exactly why, but I'm sure it's necessary or he wouldn't do it. (Michael seemed to think that he just wanted to show off his tractor skills.)