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....

Halloween 09 and Taylors Birthday

Everyone came in town to go trick or treating together and celebrate Taylor's birthday. Meredith and Katie decided it would be funny to dress up as me and Cindy. It was hilarious!! I was an 80's chic, Cindy was a....well let's just call her a lady of the night?!! Alexis was Snow White and had a little girl come up to her and just stare in awe. She asked her if she wanted a hug and the little girl said yes! Too cute! Ashlyn was Cinderella, and Austin was something scary that scared Morgan so he had to take off the mask! Grandma and Grandpa dressed up as Ginger and Fred Astaire (not sure how to spell that!). Taylor was a photo booth picture, Luke scary guy, Logan was a singer, and Morgan was a witch. Oh and of course there were Hot DOGS!!

Mr. Bills Thrills Haunted House

Went to Mr. Bills with Cindy, Taylor, Paige, Katie, Alexis, Carlina, Austin and myself. Waited 2 hours in line to get scared! Since it had rained 17 days out of the month and the day prior it was very MUDDY!! A portion of the haunt is through a trail in the woods. They were selling these lovely blue plastic booties to go over your shoes. Katie and Carlina decided to purchase some since Carlina was wearing her sisters shoes (she almost wore flip flops!) and Katie's had an opening that the mud would have just seeped on in.

First haunted house experience for Austin! We all had a great time!