Go Wildcats!

Tonight we took all of the kids to the movie. I think the last one that we all saw together was "Kung-Fu Panda" which was a cute animated film we saw in June. It is always quite an adventure. We all share one huge tub of popcorn and a large Sprite. So, picture them being passed up and down, and up and down, AND up and down the row. Lydia was trying to give the lady in front of us a head massage with her greasy hands, and Ryan kept saying, "I'm Hungry! I'm Starvin'!" I guess we're not surprised. It is fun. I love taking my kids to do stuff like this. I remember one of the first movies I went to see in the theatre: "Annie" You know, not the lame 1990's version, but the original. Yep, I saw it on the big screen with my dad and Angie. Well, fast forward 26 years- why did we load up the silver Honda Odyssey and venture out to the theatre tonight?...

Yes, we are all definitely fans, and this one we had to see opening weekend. We all liked the 3rd. Nathan said that he was glad that it wasn't as emotional as HSM2. On the way home Nathan admitted that in HSM2 he cried when Gabriella left Troy. Both of the older boys liked the number that Troy and Chad do together: "The Boys are Back."

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A couple of weeks ago Mike and I were watching TV long after all of the kids had gone to bed. We were flipping through channels...through the NBA games, and the late night shows. Finally we settled on a channel. After several minutes we were both glued to the action and yes, singing. When I realized what was going on I said to Mike: "Look at us--grown adults!" We both had a good laugh. What we were glued to was the Sing-a-Long Edition of High School Musical (the first one). "We're Soarin'. Flyin'. There's not a star in heaven that we can't reach!"

Our family had our traditional trip to the pumpkin patch last Saturday. Each of the kids had tokens to spend on homemade doughnuts, hay mazes, bounce castles and a little animal train. I snapped some pictures of the kids that I thought you might enjoy.

When did he grow up?

What a great kid!

The weather was so perfect that day. Handsome Dude!

Beautiful Blue Eyes.

What a fantastic group of kids!

See Ya in a While

A few weeks ago I lost my Grandpa Smith. To me he was Grandpa, and to my kids he was Grandpa-Great. I guess I didn't realize how much his passing would affect me. I do miss him, and have had many sad moments in recent weeks. In the week leading up to and during the weekend of the funeral, I spent a lot of time explaining things to my older boys. Through tears, they would often say to me, "I don't think I will be able to say good-bye." Mike and I would just tell them that they don't have to say good-bye, they can just say, "see ya in a while." That has helped me over these last few weeks. I feel like Grandpa is up there watching out for me and my family.

This is one of my favorite pictures from that weekend (thanks Susan). Nathan is being comforted by his Great-Grandma. Nathan is the oldest Great-Grandchild. The love that spans generations is so powerful and real.

Little Lyddie May

Ryan was really trying to figure everything out. He kept asking, "Is Grandpa sleeping now?"



This is my Grandma with all of her daughters. My mom, Debbie, is sitting on my Grandma Smith's left.



This is a picture of me with all of my first cousins that were in attendance. I am the oldest grandchild.



When you say "see ya in a while" to someone you love, family becomes so very, very important. I am so grateful for my family.

Welcome to the World Baby Girl!

Tomorrow my niece Sydney will be one week old. She shares her middle name with me, my mom and my grandfather who recently passed away. She looks like such a sweetie and our family has been excited to see pictures of her. This is one of our favorites! Cogratulations to Natalie and Brian.