Grandpa's Birthday

My Grandpa Smith turned 82 last friday so we had a fun little celebration. I've always loved my Grandpa so much. He's always had a twinkle in his eye and a great love for his family. I love his optimism and big dreams. I love the way he loves my Grandma. I love the way he tears up now when he talks about her or when someone tells him they love him. His heart is big and tender. Lately he's been struggling with dementia and I'm sure it's frustrating. I really admire he and my Grandma for the way they continue to strive to progress in every stage of their lives. They are always working, serving, learning, and loving. I feel lucky to have them in my life.

Aunt Merilyn, Dad, Mom, Uncle Taylor, Aunt Coralyn, Grandpa, & Uncle Fred

Tucker, Ashley, Linda, Maddie, James, Weston

Uncle Pete, Aunt Steph, Dallin, Adam, Lindsie & baby.

Andy, Seth, Coleen, Aunt Esther, Jeannine, and Sophie.

Chase, Kennedy, Rawlston, Yadira, and Uncle Ben.

Blake, Uncle Don, and Porter (I think) playing basketball. One of my favorite memories of Smith family parties was playing basketball, or "Horse". Our family is so big (and a lot more used to come) so we used to always have the parties in a church and would have a lot of fun running around with cousins and playing basketball with the uncles. I wish more of the cousins would come to the get togethers, they are really missing out! I guess they are all busy, but I think it's worth the effort to maintain these great relationships. We never know how many more birthdays Grandpa will have.

Sweet Suzy.

Sophie trying to give Suzy a kiss.

Jacey, Uncle Pete, Blake, Uncle Don, Uncle Taylor, Dallin, Andy, & others.

Working off the great meal we had!

Sophie stylin' her new boots.

Rawlston, Uncle Fred & Grandpa. I love his smile!

The boys were standing by in case Grandpa needed any help with those candles.

Good thing Rawlston was there, Grandpa did want some help!

Jake & Porter giving Gavin & Sophia a great ride, they loved it!

My cute little cousin Sophia looks just like her mom, my Aunt Becky! It was so fun to visit with them, they made the trip all the way from Idaho to be there for Grandpa's party. Becky brought supplies for anyone that wanted to make a decorated Christmas box to use for a gift or for treats. They turned out so cute, she is so creative!

Another Mischief Maker!

In the last couple of weeks Sophie has decided she can climb anything and do anything she wants! Everytime I turn around she's on top of something with a proud smile, either dancing or running back and forth. The other night I got her out of her high chair and went to the bathroom. Gavin came to tell me that Sophie was on the counter again, and this is what she was doing:

(Fabulous dinner I made)

She looks like a little bear cub! I can't believe how wild this little girl can be all of a sudden. What happened to my quiet & easy going little angel?

So accomplished.

So on to the bathtub, again!

11-29-09

I love how my kids and the dog and cat all seem to gravitate to Gavin's room most mornings while I'm trying to get things cleaned up. They usually end up playing and reading in his room while Beverly (the dog) and Gnocci (the cat- pronounced Noki. He named it after a cat on Curious George that belongs to an Italian chef) lay around and chill.

Gavin's photography (he loves taking pictures too)...

Gnocci, his kitten.

The "sad monkey". He's had this monkey since he was a baby and he loves it, he's just alway thought it looked sad.

10-18-09

Gavin and I are enjoying this quiet Sunday at home. I helped him build this "dog" and he thought we should take a picture of it. Darren left for work today and won't be home until Tuesday morning for a few minutes, and then he'll leave to do lawns until that night. He informed me this morning that he took my car key with him!! We were going to go to Stake Conference this morning, but Sophie woke up covered in diarrhea again (3rd morning in a row). She has had diarrhea for over 2 months straight, but it has gotten a lot worse the last few days (my kids and diarrhea is the story of my life). Anyway, I was trying to decide if she's dehydrated enough that I should take her in to be seen this morning when I found out I don't have any car keys! My decision was made for me, and now I'm trying to decide if we want to ride my bike & trailer to Grandma's for dinner or beg for a ride, or just stay home. Darren's all worried about me not having a car for two days and is trying to figure out how to get the key to me, but I really don't mind. Call me weird, but I like being home. Besides I know a lot of moms get by without a car. Maybe I like the idea of a challenge, spice things up a bit!

I love my Gavin.

Pumpkin Patch

We went to this pumpkin patch right by our house for something different for our family night. Both my parents and Darren's grew a lot of pumpkins this year, so we really didn't need any more, but it was fun. The kids loved this tractor and had fun picking out some pumpkins.

We got to watch Ethan and Suzy the other night while Coleen was at her class. Gavin and Ethan played so well the whole night (well almost- up to the very end). Gavin was either kissing, holding, or playing with Suzy the whole time. We had a lot of fun and they kept me busy!

Sophie, Gavin, Suzy, and Ethan. I think Suzy wanted a popscicle,

Her little fist had to do.

Love that smile!

9-11-2009

We took the kids over to Centennial Park Square to see all the flags for 9/11. It's always moving to me to walk through them all and try to imagine what an affect that day had on so many people, especially families and children. My kids obviously don't understand it, but enjoyed running through the flags. I hope to teach them to appreciate the many sacrifices that have been made and continue to be made for our America.