Back to School

Kids went back to school on Aug. 16th. Ashlyn had a hard time adjusting to the full day of school. The second day she told me the days were just getting longer and longer. She was missing mom and we thought it might help if I came up and had lunch with her. We had to wait a day since I would be actually going to work the next day. So, on Thursday morning I asked her if she wanted me to come up to eat with her. She said "No...it's okay, I don't need you to!" Hmmm!

Summer 2010

Everyone had lots of fun over the summer. We went swimming...Austin and Ashlyn played baseball...Alexis hung out with friends and went to Six Flags. Ashlyn learned to ride a bike without training wheels! I had my 20 year Anniversary at Maritz. Celebrated all our July birthdays in Kirksville with a pig roast. Had a baby shower for Katie at the clubhouse in our subdivision.

Now, I think that gets us all caught up with the time I have been slacking!

Austin is a Teenager!!!

We had a little celebration on Austin's Birthday and gave him his gifts and had fresh made brownies for him when he got home from school. They then went to Dad's house for the weekend. They stopped off at Sprint and got Austin a cell phone with unlimited texting!! Oh boy! He hasn't stopped texting everyone since he got the phone. The kids were all off school on Monday, so I took the day off! Took Austin and his friend Patrick, Alexis & Ashlyn, Luke & Taylor (with the help of Grandma & Grandpa of course) to the Mills mall for some indoor go carting, rock climbing, laser tag, and arcade games. They all had an unlimited pass so they were off in all different directions. Everyone had a great time!!

Panama City Beach 09

We drove to Panama City Beach and stayed in a very nice condo supplied by Mom and Dad and their time share program. We split up a bit so everyone could be comfy. Alexis and Taylor took some bunk beds with Katie and Brendon. Austin and Luke took the bunk beds in the 2 bedroom unit with Me and Ashlyn in a room, and Cindy and Dale in the other. Mom and Dad had their own unit! I guess that's the perks of owning the time share! HA! Had lots of fun, Alexis and Brendon did this crazy slingshot apparatace and Uncle Dale took Austin and Taylor on go carts. We celebrated New Years Eve and got to see fireworks being shot off over the ocean. I hope my children love the beach and ocean as much as I do.

Ashlyn's first trip to The Fox

Ashlyn and I went to see A Christmas Carol at The Fox with her Daisey troop. We got all dressed up and went to the show. Now the Christmas Carol was no Lion King (Alexis' first Muny experience) but she had a good time. During the second half she wanted to know if they were going to take anymore breaks.

Christmas 09

The kids spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with their dad. And on Christmas Eve I went to Aunt Marie's church and house for dinner. Mom, Dad, Katie, Brendon, and I have kinda started this tradition with Aunt Marie. She sure looks forward to having us come to church with her and doesn't give me and Katie a hard time for passing notes during church! She had an amazing ham and all the fixens. Even the pickled beets that Brendon loves.

Christmas day and the day after Christmas was filled with family, gifts and good times. We got to see Aunt Diane, Bill, and McKenna which is always fun to get together with them and our rob your neighbor game.

We had a scavenger hunt for the kids that led them all around Grandma & Grandpa's house and back to the family room. Under the tree was a small gift for each of them. They all opened a pair of sunglasses and were a little confused. Cindy had made a banner that said We are all going to Florida! They were so excited about getting outta town for their winter break!!

Okay...Okay!!

I know...I know!! I have been slacking! So, since Halloween lots has happened in the Smith family. We celebrated two Holidays, took a vacation, and had Austin's Birthday! Lots to catch up on.

Thanksgiving at Mom and Dad's house with the whole family. Logan gave a very nice prayer (her Catholic day care would be proud) and Ashlyn decided she would like to give it a try. So she recited the Pledge of Allegiance followed by her schools Pledge to be bully free. After a lovely dinner we were sitting around talking and Ashlyn decides she has a funny...well gross story to tell everyone. I try to convince her that now is not the time, fearing what my child is about to say to my entire family. She blurts out that Alexis has fungus on her toe!! Everyone laughed, Alexis turned red, and I was relieved!! I mean I'm sorry she embarressed her sister, but Lord only knows what else that child would find appropriate to share on Thanksgiving!!


Here is a picture I was instructed to hold up of Ashlyn's. I apparently have no photos to post from Thanksgiving!
On to Christmas....