Archery

Addison finally saved enough money for a long bow. Here he is a couple of weeks ago at an archery range near our house. He is already saving money for some new arrows with replaceable tips.

Hey Fam!

We've had a good couple of weeks here. We loved our trip to Park City where we isolated ourselves from the house and the yard (along with the tasks that would beckon us there) so we could just do the conference thing. It was great. I have been volunteering to help with Mercedies kindergarten class each Friday morning- it's been good. It get to see her regularly, and get a hug in return.
On our way home from Park City we took the salt lake valley route and visited the 2 parks in SLC that feature the Wasatch fault line. Fascinating! That's the fault line going up over the ridge above my left shoulder there...
We also got to spend an evening with Evie - Fun! She kept us smiling every minute- busy, imaginative, and a little talker... I had a wonderful time with her.
We bought our airline tickets for our trip to Omaha coming up in November- it's hard to believe that Gretchen is turning 8- I'm very excited to see them all and to share Gretchen's special day. We have not spent Thanksgiving with Jen and Bry since Gretchen was brand new so we are looking forward to a fun Holiday, and a fun week. Hope everyone is happy and well- love to each of you!

Addison the friendly lion?

Saturday we went to a yard sale and scored this great costume for Lafe. The price was right $.50 but Lafe it seems is less than impressed with putting it on. So Ellie and Addison have been trading it back and forth all weekend and alternatly scaring and amusing the boy with it. This afternoon Lafe got fed up and put Addison in a cage--unitl he promised no more funny business. Lafe runs a tight ship!

To go with our new background...

Next time I'll tell her to do her impression of what she does when Little Old Ladies come up and say "Oooooh, what a beautiful little girl." Which is when she extends her arm at them, in a fist--sometimes in a gun--and starts growling "NO! NNNNNNNO!!! NO!" with her teeth bared. It's so Gremlin like (so cute and suddenly so NOT cute) that Little Old Ladies can't hobble away quick enough.

It's a Birthday Party...of sorts-

Does a birthday post for 3 people make it a birthday party? Here's hoping so, and here goes!First of all, William Lafe! Happy first birthday, little guy. I SO remember laying awake in the night waiting for a phone call that he was here and all was well. He gave his mama a run for the money- and I was so happy for the call that finally came. We got to spend some time with Lafe this summer and he is such a fun little guy to get to know (if you doubt this last just watch the patty cake video on You Tube- it'll have you smiling.) In the meantime- he's a man of few words- "hut!?!" We love you, Lafe, and are so happy to have you as a part of our family!
Can it really be two years since this little miss came on the scene so spectacularly? Happy Birthday to Miss Ainsley Rebecca... it seems she's kept her mom and dad going since making her appearance on the family couch. ("I Bite!" she announces now with just a hint of mischief ) I remember this little one peering at me through the clear acrylic side-wall of her little hospital bed. She looked so small in such a big and complicated place- yet so large compared to some of the others that were also there. Breathe, Ainsley, breathe- such a little thing to have such importance... But now look- like the little energizer bunny she goes, goes, goes- and aren't we glad! Happy Birthday, Ainsley-pie- we love you!And now for the Big Guy- Happy Birthday, Bry! Bryan, David, Adam- the year 1977 was a great one for the Smith family. I remember the summer evening that he drove up to our house in his spiffy looking big black dodge truck- he had come to take me for a ride and an ice cream cone- it was a good time and is a happy memory for me. Bry taught me how to fold jeans correctly (thanks, Bry), and used to keep himself busy in the yard when they lived on Appleblossom Drive so I could rock Gracie (just months old) and put her to bed on the evenings Jen was at work- I was so thankful for the chance. Bry is a solid guy all of his girls can count on, and I love him for that. Happy Birthday, Bryan- I hope this year is a great one for you!

Lafe Turned 1

Wednesday was Lafe's annual marker and it was met with great anticipation. Socorro and Adam had palced a wager a few weeks ago on the subject of Lafe's walking. Adam being of little faith and the worst better ever--sorry but he always looses--bet against Lafe. Truth be told I thought Adam might win, but then at the party Lafe stood up and took two steps. It was a weak showing, but Socorro said it counted, so Adam had to pay.

What struck me from Conference...

Be grateful. Intentionally teach your children the Plan of Salvation. Be a helper. Prepare a Family Home Evening Lesson on Ezra Taft Benson's "Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet." Be quick to act on the promptings of the Spirit. Hold to the Rod. Maintain a careful balance between personal and priesthood revelation. Save for future missions. Listen to the prophet for answers to personal prayers. Trust in God. Slow down, steady the course, and focus on the essentials. Beware the Sin Tree. Be a true disciple.

Oh. And the Mormon Tabernacle Choir was in fine form, don't you think? The last song of the Sunday morning session made me cry.