While the Parents Swim....

.......the kids pull weeds!

While mowing the yard yesterday, I noticed all the weeds that had accumulated while on vacation. I stopped mowing and started to pull weeds and thought, hmmm... "Don't I have 3 kids at home?"  I asked Dale to tell them to come out and pull weeds when they got up. Dale said he and the kids would do it after I was done mowing. I told him he could swim with me and the kids could d it. So pulled they did as we watched from the pool.

Elder Smith Blog

I have started a blog to share Matthew's mission with family and friends. You are all welcome to check it out. We received our fist letter from him today.

First Picture

The first picture of Matthew from the MTC. Dale's Aunt Carolyn work's there and saw him today and took a picture on her phone and sent it to me. Thank you sooo much Carolyn!!

And He's Off

Well, we got Matthew off to the MTC on July 14, 2010. He was ready to go after waiting for 4 months. The night before he took off, Dale gave him a Father's Blessing and I thought I was going to fall apart. The kids laughed at how much I was crying.  On the 14th we arrived at the MTC about 10:55 am. We had an appointment to have Matthew set apart as a missionary. Our Stake President was suppose to be in town on business, and was going to set him apart, but that fell through so luckily we were able to have it done at the MTC. While waiting to be set apart, we were all in tears. While he was being set apart, the kids all were crying, I was actually calmed by the blessing, still teary, but calm. Afterwards, he got his suitcases and we said goodbye and left. Poor Jacob, I think t really hit him that his brother is going to be gone for 2 years. We went to lunch with Dale's Aunt and Uncle afterwards. We were seated next to two other people who were getting ready to drop son's off at the MTC. One family started to take pictures and it made Jacob cry. Dale's Aunt Carolyn told Jacob it would be a good time for him to ask for something, since we all felt so bad for him. Dale was going to ask them to leave since they were upsetting his family, just kidding of course. We are extremely  proud of Matthew and wouldn't want him any other place, but we will miss him.  As soon as we start getting mail an emails from him, I will start a blog for those that want to follow his mission. 

One more day with Matthew. Bitter sweet time.

The kids and I took a trip to Temple Square. We saw a few things in the visitor centers, but mostly I took a bunch of pictures.

That afternoon we went boating again, this time the girls were able to go. It was a great way for Matthew to get some fun things in before his mission. He also was able to hang out with his cousins and their families. 

We had such a great time visiting with everyone. I appreciate my parents, Dave and Lori and Brent and Carolyn for letting us stay in their homes the past 3 weeks. We had a great time visiting with aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Family is Good!!! 

7-8-10

The girls had their final day of basketball camp. They did a little, a lot more social things than Jacob did at his camp. I guess that's the difference between girls and guys! Once again, I was running between buildings and gyms to watch them play in their tournaments. Makenzie' team won first and Brittney's did not, but her team beat the team that took first, go figure. They had a great time! 

7-7-10

We started the day out hiking the Y. I did that 29 years ago a a freshman in college, it was much easier then, I was younger and used to the altitude.Texas has made me wimpy.  Both Jacob and I had a hard time breathing, but t was still fun. The boys did encounter a bee at the top that wouldn't leave them alone, it didn't bother me:) 

Matthew pointing to the MTC

That evening Dave took the boys and Kristen wake boarding. Jacob was almost able to get up and Kristen got up for her first time, and Matthew just wants to jump the entire wake. We appreciate Dave and his willingness to take us out on his boat!!!!

7-6-10

We went to watch the girls play a few games at their basketball camp. The girls were in different buildings, so I got my workout running back and forth between gyms.

7-3-10

We had a BBQ at Brent an Carolyn's house. It was a beautiful day. I enjoyed taking a nap in the sun on the grass. We have very scratchy grass here in Texas and could get eaten alive by fire ants, but the grass in Utah is soft and cool and no FIRE ANTS. I also enjoyed the low humidity!!

That night we went as a family to The Stadium of Fire with Kristen(Dale's cousin). Carrie Underwood was the main attraction. She even sang the National Anthem. The fireworks were great, but a little close. There were a few people who actually got burned. I guess you take that risk when you buy tickets. It was a lot of fun!! 

7-2-10

We had dinner at the Brick Oven with Carolyn and Brent and 4 out of 6 of their kids and their families

The kids getting balloon animals

Next, fireworks at Kirk's (Dale's cousin) house. Their culdesac does this every year.

Nudest May Have The Right Idea

Six people sure do create a lot of laundry in a week. Almost done with it so I can go to bed.

7-1-10

Jacob finished up basketball camp and had an awards ceremony. He won 1st place in the one-on-one competition and he was named to the All-Star team! 

We visited with Dale's sister Becky and her husband Dan. Their grand daughter, Kelsey was visiting.