Visiting David Pearson's grave

Today we went and visited Grandpa Pearson's grave.  He died when Ethan was about 9 months old and Austin was barely 2, so they don't have memories of him.  It was good to share a few stories and talk about the kind of person he was.  It was nice to pay our respects and remember part of what the day is supposed to be about.

Memorial Day breakfast

 Each year we go up Little Cottonwood Canyon for a family breakfast for Memorial Day.  This year we had a lot of the family and it was another huge success.  It is always so beautiful up the canyon this time of year and food always tastes better when it's cooked outside!  The kids enjoy exploring and visiting and so do the rest of us.  It's a great way to kick off the day and to be with those we love!

Junior Prom for Austin

 

Austin was very excited about Prom this year.  He asked Marlee Madsen to go to Prom with him and they had a really great time!  They started off with breakfast at Kneaders and 3 hours at Boondocks for some laser tag, arcade, go karts, etc.  Then they got ready and had a delicious dinner downtown SLC and then enjoyed the dance with great friends.  They ended the night with ice cream sundaes at a friends house and great memories!  They looked so nice and had an even better time.  Junior Prom 2013 was great!

Blessing

We got up at 5 am to head over to Neola for Keaton James Davenport's blessing.  The whole Smith family had gathered for this special celebration!  It was fun to visit with all the aunt's, uncles, and cousins.  Dave and I even got a chance to hold Keaton and he was so sweet.  Why do babies smell so good?  Happy times...now off for a nap!

Smith family boys campout

 One of the things that brought us back to Utah was the thought of fun family times that we could have with all our family around in one place.  We missed FHE nights and parties when we lived out of state so much!  Since we've been back we've tried to plan some fun activities to get everyone together.  We've had a couple girls retreats and the last boys shooting trip was a below zero afternoon, so this year Dave planned an over nighter in warmer weather.  The boys went to Mud Creek (near Strawberry Reservoir) and had their campout and shooting outing.  They had so much fun that there are only 4 photos of the trip!  Everyone reported having a great time and some are already talking about next year...so...it's on...a new tradition for the boys!  Yeah!

My baby boy is 12??

 

Time really does fly by with this boy.  My third, my final boy...Evan!  What can you say about Evan?  He is a very thoughtful, creative, imaginary, intense, competitive, kind, caring, gifted, athletic, and smart boy.  He came into this family in the third boy spot and has fought his way into everyone's heart with determination and kindness.  He loves to cook and serve his creations to those he loves.  He shares very well and works hard for what he gets.  He is so very smart and things comes easily for him and still he works hard each day to be better.  Determined and intense describe this kid!!

His birthday was a little different this year as he was headed out of town for a boys family shooting campout.  I actually didn't see him at all on his real birthday, but the day before he left we spoiled him with a cell phone (now I can find him!!) and his first shotgun!  The boy loved both and next weekend we are going to have a birthday party at the local trampoline park....what a great time!

Next week, or the following, Evan will receive the Aaronic priesthood and be able to serve as a deacon at church.  He has prepared himself over the years and is ready to take on this responsibility.  I couldn't be prouder and watching him grow up has been one great big adventure!  We love Evan!

JV Summit Soccer!

I realized it had been a long time since I'd taken photos of the older kids playing soccer.  Both Austin and Ethan play for high school now and I don't always make it to the games.   But I made it to Ethan's game last week and remembered to bring the camera and take some pictures.

 Ethan has played a couple different positions this year.  He's a true defender, but will also get up and attack when he gets the chance.  He scored a goal earlier this year!  They have a pretty good team and a great coach and are having a really good season.  It's a lot of work and requires a great time commitment, but it's a great group of kids and some great exercise too!

It's been fun to watch the team this year and both my boys playing the sport they love!