Foster Falls

This weekend we went camping with our great friends the Autrys. Yes, I mean really camping - in tents, in the woods, where cell phones are out of range and the stars are beautiful. I must say that this was one of my favorite camping trips yet. The trails we hiked were beautiful. My kids had a blast. I love being outside and not having to worry about regular life. Here is a slide show of our trip .

OK, so I won't lie. There were a few mishaps along the way. We took a 40 minute detour to get to our campsite because people kept on giving us bad directions. Lilly vomitted from car sickness as soon as we reached the campgrounds - but she was still in her car seat so it was fun to clean up. There was some difficulty in lighting the charcoal to cook our dinner the first night. Marcie was injured while taking a picture of my kids and Lilly spiked a high fever the last night of the camp. But everything else was so great that these only seemed like minor incidents. We are blessed to have such great friends to share a camping trip with.

Here is a video clip of our picnic lunch right beside some cascading water. A little shout out to the Bustrums - we certainly would have dragged you along on our trip if you were still in Jackson.

Louisville, KY

Earlier this week the girls and I went to Louisville with Ronnie. He had a college fair (for Union - so the trip was paid for) on Tuesday night. We stayed at the hotel with an indoor pool while he worked. I know... this fits into my normal routine of watching soaps and eating bon bons while he works. We had so much fun! The girls really enjoyed the pool and staying in a hotel room.

Lilly's Playschool Program

Today was Lilly's end of the year playschool program. At the program the kids sing songs on the stage. Lilly was not so interested in singing (even though she loves to sing). I think she was just trying to figure out what was going on. She is really more of a solo performer. We did get to watch our friends Zach, Addison and Ella Catherine who were singing their little hearts out. After the singing, there were yummy treats. Yeah Lilly! We are so glad you finished a year of playschool.

Here is a video clip of Lilly (not) singing

And a solo performance

No Training Wheels for Chloe

Saturday Chloe decided she wanted to ride her bike without the training wheels, so Ronnie got out his tools and took them off. Now we were fully expecting this to be a daylong event. However, Ronnie held on to her for about ten seconds and realized she could already do it. You see, the training wheels on her bike were bent up, so that they really didn't work correctly anyway. Apparently, she has been riding her bike for a while now as if it had none.

She was so very proud of her accomplishment. Here is a video clip of her riding

Stacie's 30th Birthday Party

Friday night we celebrated Stacie's 30th birthday at Stix in Collierville. We had so much fun. The kids all sat at their own table and had their own chef. Here are some pictures from the night.

It Has Finally Happened...

Parker lost her first tooth. We have been waiting so long for this event. In fact, a tooth is already grown in behind (and I mean way behind - I'm looking forward to large orthodontist bills) the tooth she lost. The tooth came out at Nanny's house, after Chloe's Graduation. Here is a picture of her toothless grin

Chloe's Graduation Day!

Today was Chloe's big day and we are so proud of her accomplishments. She has learned so much this year and she is definitely ready for first grade. Here are some highlights from the big event.

These pictures are of Chloe's class lining up, Chloe posing in her cap and gown, and Chloe with her teacher (Miss Sarah) and her diploma.

Here is Chloe reciting Psalm 23. (sorry for the shaking at the beginning)

and here is the first part in spanish.

And finally, the throwing of the cap.

A very happy day for the Smith family.

Parker's 2nd Piano Recital

Parker had her 2nd piano recital today. She did a great job! I was way more nervous than she was - really I thought I might throw up. We worked hard on walking slowly to and from the piano this time, and she did great. Here is the video clip:

Yay Parker!

April May and June Birthdays in West Memphis

This is a new tradition started by Granny Beth and Grand Don because there are so many people and thus, birthdays in our family. This quarter the birthdays celebrated were Ronnie, Ben, Sarah, Nancy, Katie, Jacob, Josiah, Garrott, Lilly and Bailee. Now that's alot of birthdays! We had so much fun playing, eating and talking. And did I mention the food - it was excellent! Thanks Grand Don. Here are a few pictures from the big event:

Here are a few of the cousins.

This is Ben and Katie.

Katie (Donnie's Katie) and Ethan.

Uncle Nate the rabbit and Ben.

A very pretty cake decorated by Bailee and Granny Beth.


Aunt Nancy, Angie and sweet baby Olivia.