Goodbye to my Babies

Two of my best friends died this year, Keimomo and Buddy. I will miss my babies.

Here comes the Bride

WOW, I did not know I would be planning a wedding in 6 weeks time. I am not losing my daughter and best friend but gaining a wonderful son in law. I wish them the best in all of their endeavors.

Thanksgiving 2008

Times are tough for just about everyone in our country this year. But I am thankful for many things in my life this year. I am thankful for my children and the joy they are in my life and even for the trials and struggles we endure. I am thankful for my family that supports me. I am thankful for my friends who keep me grounded and keep me going when I want to give up. I am thankful for my job and to live in this country at this historical time. But most of all I am thankful for my God and the life and strength he gives me daily. It is one of the best Thanksgivings ever.

Thanks for being part of our lives.

My Grandpa and Grandma Earl W. Smith Jr. & Margaret Smith. Grandpa died in September and we will miss him. I remember going to their house as a child and Grandpa always had the coolest gadgets. He had the silver balls you see that when you move one it sets the rest in a synchronized motion. I remember puzzles that really took a lot of thinking to undo. He liked to tell Pollock jokes and riddles. I remember stories from the old days when he was a boy and when my dad was a boy growing up in Wheeling West Virginia. I am a better person for knowing him. I love you Grandpa.

Vacation in California

CHINA TOWN. Mom still has some leverage when she is paying for the vacation and I made the kids eat at a weird vegan restaurant that served only healthy food and no SODA. AHHHH! the inhumanity. I also insisted we visit China Town. It was cool but it was very hot that day. Most of the stores do not have air conditioning. We bought some trinkets and spent a few hours being the minority and feeling out of place. But it was fun. Thanks kids for allowing me my eccentricities. You were good sports.
SURFS UP! Surf city USA Huntington beach CA. The beach boys really new what they were talking about. What a fun time we had. Best friends being silly and Boys testing their metal against mother nature. they were surfing better the second day we went than the first day of course. They were getting pretty good and some of the younger kids were asking them for advice on their technique. Next time Adam wants to rent a real full size surf board. But body surfing was a lot of fun. We had such a good time.
Kids just want to have fun in the sun. Huntington beach was our favorite place to surf and play in the ocean. There was a French bakery that we stopped to buy fresh baked bread to eat on the way home. Yum! Eric had to be rescued by life guards on our first trip to the ocean. It was his first time in the ocean and there was a rip tide that was pulling people out into the ocean. It was a little scary but he is a trooper and went right back in after he caught his breath. We also visited Newport beach for a few minutes but we liked Huntington beach better.

Adam and Jessica's cousin Eric and friend Janine came with us on vacation to Disneyland and California Adventure Park. We had such a good time. We were worn out from walking both parks for three days. But what fun we had. Our favorite rides were the Tower of Terror (SCARY) ! We had to buy the movie and watch it that night in our hotel room. The Screamer roller coaster was Adam's favorite and Eric loved Space Mountain the best.

Congradulations Adam and Jessica

We finally made it. SCHOOL'S OUT! Whoo Hoo bring on Summer vacation. Great in 2008.

Ahhhh Vacation!
Chillin on the Beach in California.

Party On

What do Teenagers do at a Party? TEXT those who are not there of course.

A Blustery Graduation Night

Many hands make the work light. Wthi 17 people to feed we all pitched in to help make most of the meals. What a crew. It was soooooo much fun. Adam and Jessica got closer to new friends as well as spending time with old friends that have passed the test of time. Thanks Jackson and Fletcher family for a great time hanging out with you.
In the middle is Charlie. A cute and lovable dog that becomes Kujo when Adam is in the room. For some reason he did not like Adam. :) Adam changed his mind about becoming a veterinarian. Good Call I think. Maybe you should change your cologne Adam.

Huddling with friends to keep warm.

friends!

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We had a great time hanging out with our friends in Logandale Neveda. Laughing, swimming, making new friends, playing games and just enjoying each others company.