Shane Became a Missionary

Shane became Elder Smith!!!  It was neat to be there and share the experience with him.  Shane leaves in the morning to head to the MTC in Provo.  He has been called to serve in the Brazil, Fortaleza mission.  We are going to miss you Shane, but you are going to be a great missionary.  We love you, see you in 2 years!!! 

The Barn

 Laura's cousin, Heather, invited us over to "The Barn" and " The Pond" for a day of fun.  We met several of the dogs...one was HUGE...never seen a dog that big...seriously it could be part Bear...wow.  Of course, Preston was in Dog heaven!  Not only was there a huge dog as big as him, but another dog had given birth to puppies, so we were able to enjoy holding them.  We were then able to try and rope some of the goats, which we weren't very successful at!  Then we went inside where we played on the equipment and ate lunch.  After our food settled, we were ready for the pond!!!  The pond had several amazing rope swings, and 2 very FAST slides...that literally shoot you across the water.  The adults had just as much fun as the kids...they are that good!!!  Thanks Heather for a fun day!!!

24th of July Celebration

 The Stake put on a fabulous 24th of July celebration.  Nana, Papa, Grandma Smith, Laura and the kids went and celebrated!  They had face painting, snow cones, jumping slide, petting zoo, lunch, balloon animals, handcarts, etc.  We had a fun afternoon being in the sun, enjoying the festivities, and remembering the pioneers.

Preston, our animal lover, loved the petting zoo...especially the bunny pen (which was literally that...a pen full of bunnies!!)  and the bunnies loved him.  They were snuggling up to him...it was really cute!

Cheese Factory & Beach Trip

 No one else wanted to get in the water when we first got to the beach, but CJ and Preston were in right from the get go....until the bitter end.  Laura could hardly get them out to even eat lunch they were having too much fun!!!

 Shane was brave enough to let us bury and make him a pretty mermaid!!!  Good sport!

 CJ made this castle all by himself.  He was so proud of the mote and the seat he made for himself!  Good job CJ!!

 Shane and Julie jumping the waves

Smith Family Reunion 2011

 All 7 Smith Kids, several spouses, and all the grandkids got together at Nana and Papa's House in July to be together and see Shane off on his mission to Brazil.  We went hiking, took a trip to the Tillamook Cheese Factory, Played at the Beach, and had team family games in the backyard.  It was a great crazy weekend!

 CJ's cousin, Easton, introduced him to the skateboard!  They had fun riding it down the hill in front of Nana and Papa's house!!

Kathy and Dad made homemade sushi....The bottle's top fell off on Kathy...so she is alittle surprised!!  But, the sushi was incredible!  They did such a great job!

 (Aparri was asleep for the picture....)