Julianna's New Baby Doll

Julianna has found her new toy. Abella! She plops in the baby stroller that is usually used for dolls, and Julianna just pushes her around and Abella LOVES it. It is really amusing to watch. I love to see the kids play with their friends. To see the friendships grow, it is really cute.

We didn't start the fire...

It seems that California is going down in flames. There has been really bad fires surrounding our area for a couple of weeks. I really have not enjoyed this summer for the fact is that we have had to stay in the house and it is July! There is nothing good about staying in the house when it is hot outside. I think that should be a punishment in some countries. Staying in the house with your energetic, crazy toddlers who just want to swim, but you can't because they will have smoke in their lungs and cause horrible side effects. Last night, Julianna had a really stuffy nose because she was swimming in the pool. It was a terrible night and I was so frustrated that it was all because of the fires. It doesn't seem right that we can't spend all day in the pool. What is a mom to do. At least with rain, they understand why they can't go outside. They just don't see the smoke or even seem to mind it. It is really hard. SO all I can do is take them to the gym, so they are not completely homebound. I just hope there is an end to all the fires. I do feel bad for all those homes that are being threatened. My prayers go out to them.

Swimming Fest '08

This summer we have lived in the pool. There is just no other way to keep cool in this Sacramento heat. It is hard to believe that I was apprehensive when I first saw the pool. Sean and I debated whether we should buy it because of the dangers that come with the pool. I was convinced that we would have a drowning on our hands. Now I don't know what we do without it. Our children swim so well and are becoming quite skilled. Elijah hardly wears his safety vest, unless he is in the deep end. He is half fish, I think. It also has been great for our monthly co-op. The kids have so much fun together. I'm sure glad we have a pool!

Match Maker, Make me a match!

I am starting to really understand why there are arranged marriages in certain countries. As a parent, you come across certain people and prospects for your kids that you would want to make sure happens for the welfare of your family. There is a little boy that I am dying to have Julianna marry. Yes, I know. She is two. But when you know, you know. His name is Elliot. We are involved in a co-op every Saturday night with 3 other couples. Elliot has been in the group for about 3 months and he has been such a great addition to the group. Well, I have mentioned to his parents that I want the kids to get married, but have not mentioned it to the kids of course. Like they ever think about that. That is my job. Well, Jessica ( Elliot's mom) came up to me at church today and shared the sweetest story about Elliot. He was looking through some pictures of temples and asking where his parents go married. He then asked what temple he was going to get married in. Jessica told him he can get married in whatever temple he wished. He then asked, " Do you think Julianna would want to get married to me in the temple?" OH MY GOSH! I died when I heard that. They are so cute together. Elliot, you can have my daughter. Let's just wait 17 years or so.

Biking is so much fun to do, fun to do, fun to do!

Our family recently bought bikes in hope that we can become more active in life and in the mean time spend some quality time with each other. Sacramento is filled with amazing trails that cross the American River and makes for an enjoyable ride. I love being able to go anywhere my bike takes me. It is becoming a Smith FHE tradition to go out to eat followed with some ice cream. You can't beat the price since gas has shot up to $4.50 a gallon. Not to say I haven't had some injuries with the kids. We all have taken a couple falls, but over all it has been minimal.It has really been the best thing we have ever done for our family. Let's hope that we continue to have tons of memories of beautiful landscapes and yummy ice cream flavors!

Fourth of July Festivities

We had a jam packed holiday filled with a bike ride to the parade, Wall E, and a barbecue with swimming, great food, and fireworks. It was fun to watch the kids watch the parade with an awe in their eyes and a shake in their booty.

Adventure! I love an Adventure!

Daddy & Son bonding over a slide!

Sissy wading through the chilly water.

Taking a break while soaking in the rays!

Sean took Elijah and Julianna on a wild waterfall adventure a week ago. Sean is amazed that after all these years of living in Placerville, he has never to been to this hidden treasure of fun. It is in Georgetown which is about 2 hours away from Sacramento, but up interstate 50 towards Placerville. Some of our friends, Beth and Will invited our family to go check it out. I, of course had to work on this specific Saturday, but was excited to hear about it. It was about a 5 mile hike to the waterfall, which was a little rough on the kids. As they approached the destination, they were thrilled to see these amazing natural water slides. I guess there were many apprehensive people around not really wanting to go on them. Not my boy! Elijah went right up and slid down to many people's amazement. He became a celebrity in his surroundings as he kept on going down each slide, with people cheering him on. It is amazing to see how gutsy my kids are. I was glad to hear that they were all safe upon their return. I hope that I can go soon. There is free fun everywhere, you just need to know where to find it.