Momma's don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys..

The boots.... the hat... the belt.... the buckle..

that's our Shayne!

Shayne has found a new passion this summer... horses

Shayne's buddy Keaton is from a cowboy family. Not one of those families that just like to wear the boots and hats for no good reason type of families. This family is a true blue cowboy family. Shayne has spent many days this summer helping out and learning the ropes (no pun intended) of all things horses. He's gotten to go on several overnight rides with them.

He came home from a 4 day ride lookin like a full blown cowboy..

and he loves it!

Just like a true cowboy he rode and slept in these clothes all four days. He says that's just what you do when your will the boys.

We hosed him down and then hugged him for hours. We missed our cowboy!

He leaves again in a few weeks to go to Milwaukee for 2 weeks! He'll be helping out with the horses in a parade. Lucky boy...make that... lucky cowboy!

Memorial Weekend Goodbye

Our summer started out with a final goodbye to Todd's Grandma Bertha.

We were thankful to be able to go to Preston Idaho for her funeral.

This was our kids first funeral that they attended of a close family member. I am so thankful for the answers that the gospel of Jesus Christ holds. Our sweet kids had so many question that gave us some very tender moments with our children.

Emily was probably the most curious. I hadn't decided if I wanted the kids to go into the viewing or not, for obvious reasons. All the grandchildren and their spouses sang at the funeral so while we were practicing our songs all the little cousins were wondering around. Little did I know that Emily and Ashley had wondered into the casket room. Emily came and got me and wanted to "show" me Grandma Bertha. I was a little shocked. Emily with all the tenderness that only a 6 year old could have, took me by the hand and we sat with Grandma. She was enthralled with her body. We got the chance to sit in silence and partake of the amazing spirit that was there. After a few moments, Emily began to explain to me that Grandma's spirit was already in Heaven and that only her body would go into the ground. I can't even express how thankful I am for her sweet, simple testimony of the plan of salvation. She knew it. She knew that Grandma's flesh was all that was left. She couldn't stop talking about the smile on Grandmas face. She said over and over again, "she must be really happy to be in Heaven".

A few years back a talk was given at General Conference called The Tender Mercies of the Lord by Elder Bednar. This talk rang through my head the whole time. I think often times, some of the Lord's most tender mercies come to those in times of grieving over death. I know that we had some very tender mercies given unto us through the conversations with our children.

I will always be thankful for the knowledge that Heavenly Father will never leave us alone in our times of need. Never. So thankful.
The kids with Grandma Smith

Each grandchild and great grandchildren got to take a few flowers home.

On our way back to our hotel in Logan, we had to stop at one of the most amazing temples.
The Logan Temple. Todd's parents were married here. It's just beautiful! Almost like the Arizona temple.. except this temple is set on a hill and overlooks the city and is green and has real flowers and plants and trees... so I guess the only thing similar is that they're both temples.

Ok...so we had to have a little bit of fun...

and blow off some steam..
and boys will be boys...

Good bye school....hello summer

WOW! Where did this year go? It seems to me that the older I get, the faster the years fly by.

We were SO lucky this year to have extraordinary teachers.

Shayne with Mrs Bray.

He was lucky to have her 2 years in a row.. she loved her 5th grade class so much she moved up with them! How lucky are we?? Love, love, love her!

Emily had the BEST kindergarten teacher EVER! Not only is she my neighbor but she is the most amazing Kindergarten teacher. Love, love, love her too!

Emily with Mrs Monseuger and Mrs D

Megan and Mrs Mathews

Meg had her on and off for the year. She is the most soft spoken kindest teacher you'll ever find. Poor lady was on bed rest for 7 months! She is just the best!

Ashley and Ms Fischer

We took our chances on this new teacher at the school this last year, and we NEVER regretted it! Talk about a fun teacher! Instead of chairs the kids got to sit on Yoga balls all year long. She worked their minds and their ab's! Love it!

This is ended an era in the Smith family. Our children will never again all be in the same school. Shayne along with all the big 6th graders did a finally "walk out" of elementary school. Jr High here they come!

I just can't believe it! My son is not only as tall as me, has bigger feet and hands than me but he's also in 7th grade.....Jr High!!! YIKES
Next year will be a whole new adventure for us.

All my kids will be in school all day

We get to juggle two different school schedules

I'm home all alone..

Oh boy, I've never had a house all to myself all day...

I guess it's time to get workin on a hobby!
Thanks for an awesome year!

Move over girls

the Princess has arrived!

Emily celebrated her 6th birthday in style! She has the most darling group of little friends.

G & G Bentz treated Em to this custom built doll bunkbed
isn't it to die for??

(I wish G &G would have made something like this for their ONLY daughter!)
Grandpa built the whole thing and then Grandma made the bedding to match her room!

We all you Emily!!

Happy Birthday to our baby girl!!

Six Years and counting

Six years ago today Emily arrived

and our family has never been the same since!

This little girl has the distinct title of "baby" of the family
She is rough and tough and has the scraps, scars and bruises to prove it! She is 100% personality 100% of the time!

SIX more things we LOVE about Emily..

1. She loves everyone

2. She is witty as can be

3. She has the best imagination

4. She can wrestle outside with Shayne one minute

and the next minute she'll be dressed in princess attire

5. She loves to dance and sing along with her ipod... everywhere

6. She loves to quote movie or tv show lines. Her memory is amazing!

We are SO glad that Emily is ours! We love you Em!

Happy Birthday!!

That Waskly Wabbit

Last Saturday our family took a trip up north to Pine AZ for a little hike. We were asked to "preview" the hike that our girls will be doing this year at Lo Mia for girls camp. We had a blast. We took off thru the brush and fallen trees until we reached our final destination. The way back was a bit of another story. Lets just say.... we got a little off track. I like to think of it as being adventures, spontaneous if you will. My kids would say.. we were lost.

We couldn't call this trip a "true" Smith trip without some sort of adventure!

After hiking for several hours and a quick stop at Tom's for a bit to eat we headed back down the hill to the heat. The kids were busy watching a movie and my co-pilot, aka Todd, and I where jammin out to some cool hits from the 80's when out of nowhere I see a little something in the road. Is it a box? Perhaps someone tossed out their fast food wrappers?

We heard two thumps... both tires...

Poor waskly wabbit.

At least I can drive in a really straight line!

I then dry heaved for the next few miles.

We drove straight through the car wash on the way home.

I think that rabbit is out to get me. He is now haunting my dreams!

I need some therapy!

Ashley's Baptism

What a super special day we had! Yesterday Ashley was baptized.

She had a smile that went from ear to ear.

She looked so beautiful!

She could hardly wait for this day to come!

We are so happy to have you as our daughter Ash!

Life just wouldn't be the same without you!

We are so proud of you!