Alpine Loop fall drive

I wanted to make sure that we went up and saw the beautiful colors in the mountains before it was too late.  So, after dinner we loaded up in the car and headed out for the Alpine Loop.  A lot of other people had the same idea and it was very crowded, but the views were breath taking.  The kids enjoyed seeing the beautiful trees and hanging out the sunroof winding around the small, slow canyon drive.  We even stopped to take a "family" picture with the camera perched on the top of the car and me running to get in the picture.  Fun times!

 We stopped at a particularly beautiful turn out and the kids hopped on the top of the Suburban.  They thought they were pretty funny.  So I took their picture!  It was a wonderful evening with 3 of my favorite people!

Happy 20th to this one!

Some how this first born child of mine is 20 years old!  What a ride it's been.  Austin is a strong willed, intelligent, amazing young man.  I can't believe it's been 20 years.  He is the one who made me a mother and together we have had so many amazing journeys through this life.  I love his deep thinking and questioning spirit.  I love his smile and the way his eyes twinkle when he is truly happy.  I don't like that he's so far away for school and that he can't just stop by and say "Hi, Mom!".  I miss him.  I am anxious to see what lays in store for him as he becomes a full blown adult and choses his pathway.  I hope it's filled with success and true joy!  That's what he deserves.  Go and make it happen Austin!

Elder Smith's arrival and first area

Elder Smith arrived to the Juiz de Fora mission home and was assigned to labor in Uba as his first area.  His trainer is Elder Santos and his pday's will be on Mondays.  We are anxious to hear from him, but are so grateful to the mission president secretary for taking and posting so many photos and even a video.  We are excited to hear from Ethan next Monday.  He loved his MTC time, but is ready to get out among the people and start teaching and learning "in the real world".

Sister and President Lacerno with Elder Smith

 Elder Smith's trainer...Elder Santos, assigned to Uba, Brazil

Ethan's MTC experience in Brazil

I realize that I keep a blog for Ethan's mission, but that I might want to put some things on here as well so it's documented in my family blog, especially when I print it out each year as my journal.  It would not be complete without updates on what he's been up to.  He's liking the MTC okay and learning Portguese as fast as he can.  He feels somewhat confident in it and then he'll have a real conversation where he will mess up words or not understand anything.  He did say he experiences a blessing of the gift of tongues as was able to speak Portuguese for a full minute without even thinking about it.  He also had a comforting experience in the temple last week where he prayed to feel the Spirit and was immediately able to do so powerfully.  It's been fun hearing about his 3 weeks there so far and his attitude is great.  He's enjoying himself and working hard!

 His MTC district.

Elder Hill, Elder Smith and Elder Rick's (MTC companionship) 

Bear Lake 2016

Another Smith family Bear Lake trip...and another amazing year!  This year was a little different for our family because we had dropped Ethan off at the airport for his 2 year mission the day before and Evan decided to go on his Scout's 50 mile high adventure that week, so we just had Austin and McKinley there with us.  Katie was also gone on her mission, so it was just a little different without those kids there!  But we still enjoyed ourselves so much and it was actually a good distraction to Ethan having left.  The beauty of Bear Lake is so relaxing and the weather was perfect.  Camping with the whole Smith family is such a fun time and we really do have it down to a science with the food, the fun, and the beaching!  

 It's so amazing to be together with the whole family for 4-5 days.  What's really neat is that every single one of those people get along with each other.  There are no long standing disagreements or anything, so it's so relaxing and lovely.  I love to see all the cousins together with the aunts and uncles chatting and swimming and having fun.  It's truly amazing!

This year we had 3 dogs at Bear Lake.  Jag, Belle, and Sam.  And they did so well.  Jag had an especially good year as he learned to hang around camp and didn't have to be tied up much.  He took long naps in the air conditioned camper while we were at the beach.  He did make it halfway to the beach one day, but we took him back up.  Too bad the dogs can't enjoy the beach and the water...they would love it!

The days go by so quickly and before you know it it's time to go home and back to real life.  I'm so glad we can go each year and enjoy the time together.  It's a magical time!!

The airport...it's really goodbye!

After over 4 months of knowing the date would come, we finally had to say goodbye to Ethan.  It was so hard and so wonderful all wrapped into one.  I will miss him so much, but I am also proud and excited for him.  I choose to focus on that...or else I would be too sad!

Touching goodbye's were had all around.  

And as he walked away, he never looked back!  He's ready and he's on his way to Brazil!

Farewell for Elder Smith

It was so wonderful to have so many friends and family come out to support Ethan on his next adventure to serve a 2 year mission to Juiz de Fora Brazil.  He was touched by all the friends and family that came to see him off.  We can't wait to share his adventures of the next two years as he serves!