Gymnastics 2016 Season - Level 4

McKinley has worked so hard and for so many hours this year in her gymnastics.  She works out 6 hours a week and has had 6 meets this season, plus state this past weekend.  It was such a good season.  It is so fun to see this girl of mine put her heart and soul (and tears and blood) into improving and being her best!  She is a joy to watch and placed 3rd overall in state!!

She is moving up to level 5 now.  That means 8+ hours a week in the gym.  Every weekday except Mondays!  We'll keep supporting and watching as long as she enjoys it!!  So proud.

Happy birthday....with Vertigo!!

My birthday this year was kind of a blur.  Unfortunately I've had two (now three) rounds of terrible vertigo that has kept me in bed on a number of days.  Luckily I only get it every 5 or so years, but this has been a repeat adventure that I don't really care for.

David and the kids did a great job with Mother's Day (in bed) and my birthday (up a bit).  I was able to get some plant hooks and plants along with a bunch of clothes that I picked out myself.  

The best part of my birthday was that Dave took 1/2 the day off and we spent time together all afternoon and evening.  That is the best gift of all!

Happy Birthday Evan!!

Evan is 15?  How does time go so quickly.  Evan is an amzing kid (teen) and I love celebrating him! He is thoughful and generous and kind.  He is driven and focused.  He is lovable and loyal.  He loves to  plan things to do and is a goer.  It's so fun to see him growing up and how much fun he is.  He is almost always happy and planning his next adventure.  He has done very well adjusting to a new school and high school.  He's his own person and I love it!  Happy Birthday Evan!

The day after his birthday we went to the DMV at 7:30 am and he took and passed his learners permit test on the first try.  Way to go!!

Austin's fight with a tomatoe can

Nothing like getting on Facebook and seeing that your son had to go the ER for stitches after he lost the battle opening a tomatoe sauce can.  It's hard when you're so far away and can't do anything.  But he's a big boy and can handle it.  Hope it heals nicely!

Smith girls trip to California!!

I was so excited to plan and go on this Smith girls trip 2016!!  It's a lot of organizing (which I love) and planning and waiting...but it's so worth it!!!  This time we went to Sandee's San Clamente house with most of the Smith girls over 18.  We missed Lindsey and Darla!

The morning after everyone arrived we went to the beach for a walk...well...I thought it was going to be a walk, but it turned into a 5 mile walk.  We were all barefoot and have the blisters to prove it.  It was a beautiful walk from the beach near the house to the San Clemente pier.  Nice to hear and feel the ocean and sand on my toes!  

 On Saturday a few of us went to the San Diego zoo safari in Escondido.  I have seen this place every year when we go out for soccer tournaments, but have never gone.  I'm so glad we did.  It was a beautiful place with some really neat animals.  It was amazing to go out on the safari vehicle and see the different habitats that have been set up there.  You could tell that they were really looking out for those animals!

After the Safari, we stopped at a local fruit stand and bought some yummy clementines!  They were soooooo good!

Later that night we all went the Long Beach temple and enjoyed ourselves there as well.

The trip was really fun and it was so amazing to just hang out with all these ladies.  Thank you so much Sandee for letting us stay at your BEAUTIFUL home.  We enjoyed it so much!!