Jennifer was the youngest of three children. She was always a very happy active child that didn’t know a stranger when she met one. She was and is full of life. She lived for new adventures and meeting new people.  Not afraid to try anything!  Growing up she had many nicknames; Munch, Jen, Jenny, Jenny Penny, or J.  Her passion when she was younger was definitely sports. She played almost anything; soccer, softball, volleyball, basketball and lacrosse.  We got her into sports at a young age and she excelled, she loved being on a team and in competition.  Her sports minded attitude kept her from wearing any kind of dresses or girlie things.  She wanted to be able to play at the drop of a hat and not have her performance hindered by the outfit she was wearing. She preferred her cutoff jeans and Looney Tune t-shirts. Now looking back at the pictures of her growing up she always asks, “how could you let me dress like that?” In which I respond, “I didn’t have a choice.” Being somewhat of a little tomboy she managed to break several bones along the way but that never stopped her.  You could usually find Jennifer outside up in a tree, down in the creek looking for turtles, or with the neighborhood kids playing kickball in the middle of the street.  

What can I say about Matthew Davis Lyons – my firstborn, son –

busy, busy, busy, but what a great sleeper!

As the first child and grandchild he was so very much loved.

Precocious, always curious and so very social with all he came in contact with –

I think that the biggest challenge Matt had with growing up was the birth of his twin brothers;  there was a marked adjustment that Matt needed to make as the big brother.  He was infamous in introducing JJ, Dan, and Michael to new exciting activities.

From an early age Matt was known to be an athletic super star:  he excelled in all sports, and had trouble discerning what was his favorite.  I was just grateful that sports interested him as team sports helped to manage his exuberant energy. 

We had many family weekends travelling with Matt as he competed in many states.

In addition to his love of sports and sense of competition, he also found school relatively easy.  He was easily bored by the classroom and was known to find interests outside the classroom more often than in his seat.

He always had a strong opinion and did things “his way”…sometimes a bit tough for his Mom to take… but in so many ways, with his own choices, he has evolved into a stronger man, and I am so very grateful that he has chosen his soul mate in Jen.

The next phase of his story is just beginning.