Pioneer Children Sang as the Walked and Walked

On July 24th we wondered what should we do to celebrate Pioneer Day. While visiting with Auntie Keli Anne she pulled out a box of bonnets, pioneer dresses and aprons. The girls had a great time dressing up as pioneers, they thought it was fun but still did not have a total understanding of what a pioneer was. We decided to take a little trip to Salt Lake - first we hiked up Ensign Peak to look over the valley and then we went on a tour of Temple Square. It was a full day, the girls seemed to learn a lot and gained a great understanding or at least an appreciation. I'm grateful for for my pioneer heritage and for the trials that they endured for us to live in this valley. I also think of the Canadian pioneers and how they were able to settle on the prairies, I don't think we will totally know the hardships they endured.

One Crazy Mama!!!

With Back to School approaching and of course the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, which started today - shopping is into full swing. Megan and Emily have been asking for Heelys for about 1 year now and I have just said not right now - they are too expensive. And of course Nordstrom had them on sale -- so I caved. Sean has read several news reports about kids breaking their arms while riding Heelys. I hope that our kids will be cautious and safe on them. We'll see about that - Emily is our little wild child - she was the one most excited about the Heely situation. Also just a side not, when I went to pre-order their back to school clothes she said as I was leaving. Quote " Don't pick anything with pink, purple or butterflies. And anything green or army." Megan is pretty easy going and will pretty much wear what I pick out for her. Wow these girls are kind of crazy, but so much fun!! You can tell how excited they are by their big smiles - this was just taken minutes after arriving home.

Waterton Video 2007

We Are Family!!

5th Annual Smith Family Reunion - Waterton National Park

Waterton has always been a great and beautiful place to go visit, as kids not a year went by that we didn't go to Waterton for at least a day. It is kind of a special place for it is where Mom and Dad met at a regular Saturday night dance. For 5 years we have been going to Waterton and it is now one of Megan and Emily's top 5 places to visit. Our reunion was great with wonderful sunny weather - NO WIND. We had great food, hikes, swimming, biking and even a pirates party. The kids were able to create memories with their cousins that will last a lifetime. Rich gained favorite son in law status by putting up Grandma's tent while the other son in laws watched and he also put together a commemorative slideshow of past years. They were so awsome and fun to watch. All these kids are growing up way to fast!!!

Freedom Run 2007

We've been running the Provo Freedom Festival 1 mile, 5k and 10k races for 10 years now. Each year the kids get a little taller and faster. In fact this year, Cousin Jared took 1st place in his age group in the 10k. Cousin Kristine led the pack of younger kids in the 1 mile and proudly exclaimed, "We weren't dead last this year!"

This was Emily & Megan's 2nd year in the 1 mile, Laura Lee's 1st year in the 10k and Sean's 2nd year in the 10k. It's a great family tradition. We always see older fathers and mothers running with their teenage and even adult married children and hope that's us years down the road - many years down the road on the latter!

Here's the victory photos!

Let Freedom Ring!

3rd Annual Independence Day BBQ, Parade & Fireworks Show

Bigger is better when it comes to the neighborhood 4th of July celebration. This year our backyard was topped out at over 320 people, with gigantic burgers, delicious salads and desserts and the best homemade rootbeer on the planet!

After the eatin' was done, the children's parade was bigger than ever with custom bikes, decked out wagons, strollers, and scooters, and rides for the big kids too!

The evening was topped off with a spectacular fireworks show - nicknamed "Neighborhood of Fire!"

We're already planning for a bigger and bolder party next year! See you all there!

Got H2O?

July 3rd - First swim meet

What to do the day before the 4th of July with blistering heat in the valley? Compete in a swim meet with members of your swim team!

Emily and Megan joined the local swim team in June and competed in their first ever swim meet this week, participating in the 25m & 50m freestyle, 25m backstroke, 25m breaststroke events.

It was a lot of fun, with over 60 different heats with kids of all ages. We're already looking forward to the next one!

Happy Canada Day!