The Smith Family

Happy Birthday Dallin

2012-01-28T19:01:00.000-08:00

This year we did not do a big friend party because of Dallin's baptism next week. But he had a great birthday none the less. It was a BUSY day to say the least. It started off with Dallin going to baseball practice with Gar in the morning after we had waffles with a special caramel syrup and present opening. Then we went to Skyzone, a warehouse filled with trampolines for the kids to jump. We let Dallin choose one friend, he chose his friend from school Mason to come with us.

Then Dallin had a basketball game in the afternoon. Mason came with us to that as well and Dallin insisted that we bring Zingers for his team to celebrate his birthday. After we had Dawson, Lisa, Abby, Lex, Chase, Logan, Papa, and Mae Mae come over for pizza and cake and ice cream. (Papa and Mae Mae are Lisa's parents) They were sweet to come and celebrate with us. We ended the day by the playing Just Dance 3. They even got Garrett, Dawson and I to join in. Birthday wishes pull a lot of weight!

I can't believe that my baby is 8 years old. Seriously where does the time go???

1st Pinewood Derby

2012-01-22T20:49:00.000-08:00

This was Dallin's first pinewood derby and first outing as a cub scout. He is not officially 8 until next week, but they let him race because his birthday was so close :) Dallin was so excited to build his car with hid dad. They had a lot of fun doing it together, with some help from Jake Marshall in our ward. They did not expect much from a winning standpoint, but they were pleasantly surprised to be one of the top 10 of the 3 wards racing so he got to move on to the finals that night. He did not place in the finals, but it was fun to participate. He got to participate with one of his best friends Matthew Edington. They turn 8 within a week of each other and get to be baptized on the same day. Dallin told me he can't wait to turn 8, be baptized, be a cub scout and get his Faith in God book.

Dallin's car is the white one, named F-5.

Dallin took 1st in one heat and was so excited!

Dallin and Matthew

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T14:20:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all our friends and family!!!! Love the Smiths

HALLOWEEN!

2011-11-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

Our attempts at a group shot. As you can see this is how well my 2 year old cooperates when getting his picture taken! (Sometimes I can sneak in a shot!)

Dallin was not feeling well in our first shots, here is the real Punk Rocker!

Kennedy's Rapunzel hair was crazy in the wind so we took more of her too.

Dallin and Abby at the Trunk or Treat.

Halloween was so much fun. It seemed like it went on for weeks. We had pictures and two trunk-or-treats and now more sugar than my kids even dream about :)

Anaheim.....A few days later

2011-09-12T21:43:00.000-07:00

Yes, we are crazy. Garrett and I came home from San Diego Wednesday evening. We got the kids and left for Anaheim on Friday morning. There is no sacrifice too big to see the Yankees :)

First things first. We headed straight for New Port Beach to try and get autograph there. We did not get an autographs, but Dallin met Nick Swisher and took his picture with him. I told him that we call him "Swish-a-licious" at our house. He thought it was funny! Dallin really likes him so he was excited.

Then off to the stadium. We arrive at about 2:00 for a 7:00 game time. The kids just hang out and play around hoping to see some players. We saw A-rod, he waved, but went straight inside :(

The new novelty outside Angels Stadium is the Baseball Mickey. Camden loved him and kept trying to give him the baseball.

Next stop for autos was inside the stadium. They open the doors at 5:00. We try to be in front of the line to rush inside when the open the doors. We race down to the field to get a good position go get players to sign.

This is the first year that Dallin was VERY persistent at trying to get the players attention withought coaxing from us. He yelled and yelled and yelled his heart out at the players. He got a lot of attention from the players, but only Mariano Rivera signed. Jeter waved, Cano waved, A-Rod waved, Texiera gave him a head nod, and Granderson double pointed and waved. I am not kidding this kid was loud! He know all the players so he would yell and yell when they were close. After awhile we had to tell him to not yell so much, but I did not want to ruin his fun. While yelling Mariano's name he came over and was so cute to Dallin. He said "Hey why are you calling my name" He was talking and joking with Dallin. Camden would also yell ano, ano, ano.

We spent the night at Dave and Jenny's that night. We went to the beach the next day instead of going early to try and get autos. For the few hours that we were there the kids were in heaven. They love the beach. Well Dallin and Kennedy do, Camden wasn't so sure about it, but warmed up to the idea.

I LOVE that they were holding hands. I LOVE the Beach!!!

Camden has a shoe fetish. He wears any and everybody's shoes all the time. He loves them.

Not so sure about the sand on him though.

Kennedy's attempt to bury Dallin in the sand.

The second game we arrived early enough to get the auto of Jesus Montero, the up and coming Yankees prospect. He came over just to talk to Dallin too. He talked to Dallin for a long time. I was dumb and forgot to take their picture together. So this is the best I got.

San Diego

2011-09-09T16:28:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun time in San Diego for our 10th anniversary. We flew Dani down to Las Vegas to be with the kids and jumped in the car and headed down to the beach. We had a great time. It is fun for a few days just being together not worrying about nap and bedtimes, potty breaks and being constant entertainment. We missed that though and were ready to get back to it when we went home. But it definitely was good to get away!

DAY 1 & 2

Hanging out on the beach

Long walks on the beach (holding hands)

Eating at Rubys

Watching the fisherman

Oceanside Swap meet

Oceanside Sacrament meeting

Eating at Harneys (our new favorite sushi place)

Ice Cream at Rite Aid

Shopping

Talking to each other uninterrupted :)

Being Exhausted and watching Lost on Netflix

I know you can't see my eyes, I have a hard time after having sunglasses on :)

DAY 3 & 4

Giants vs. Padres Baseball Game

Riding the trolley

Being Late for the baseball game!

Shopping, Shopping and more Shopping

Eating at Ruth's Chris

Rain

Walking around downtown San Diego

Walking on the beach

Eating at Long Boarder Cafe

Sunsets

More Ice Cream at Rite Aid

Watching more Lost on Netflix

DAY 5

Laying on the Beach

Eating at Harneys (Again)

Shopping on the boardwalk

Watching Surfers

Relaxing for the last time

Driving Home

I am a LOSER Wife

2011-09-02T21:43:00.000-07:00

I really am a loser wife, but the good news is is that means I have the best husband in the world. This year Garrett and I celebrated our 10th anniversary!!! I didn't really want to do much, maybe go out to dinner or something. Garrett insisted that we go somewhere and do something really fun this special year. We decided upon San Diego.

Since we were going to San Diego right after our actual anniversary date, we were not going to do anything on that day. Or so I thought. I did not do anything. But not Garrett. He brought home roses that were just like my bouquet on our wedding day. And a card so sweet I started to cry. I already felt so bad, I had nothing to show for our 10th anniversary. Then right before bed Garrett called me over to where he was sitting to show me a DVD he made of the first 10 years of our marriage. It was pictures of just me and him over the last 10 years put to music.

It was AMAZING!! I could not believe it and cried again (I am a baby, especially when I feel guilty). He was awesome and definitely made our 10th anniversary unforgettable.

Back To School

2011-09-01T21:17:00.000-07:00

First day of school this year came with excitement and jitters. Dallin loves school but gets very nervous each year with all the newness that comes with it. Dallin is starting 2nd grade. Kennedy could not have been more excited to start preschool at Miss Erika's this year.

Moments Like These

2011-08-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

One day this summer Dallin called me downstairs. I came down and this was on the table for me. Flowers, a glass of orange juice and a note that said, "Dear Mom thanks love Dallin" I asked him what this was all for and he said for everything. It is moments like these that makes being a mom so great!

Back to School Pictures

2011-08-22T17:17:00.000-07:00

First "Official" Tooth Loss

2011-08-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

MillCreek Canyon

2011-07-22T23:09:00.000-07:00

We were hilarious heading up to the canyon last minute. Garrett flew into town from New Jersey and we had the day planned. We went to see Cars 2 and then headed up the canyon. With no time to spare. We grabbed things for hotdogs and smores and had to get ketchup at the gas station. But spur of the moment events are the best! We had a great time. The kids hiked and explored, found treasures and played in the stream.

Cookies with Nana Mare

2011-07-22T22:51:00.000-07:00

For more than a month before we went to Salt Lake my mom promised Kennedy that they would make cookies together. She finally got her wish. She ate so much cookie dough she was sick :)

Utah Summer Nights

2011-07-21T22:48:00.000-07:00

My aunt Kathy, a.k.a. Grandma Kathy, has the funnest backyard. The kids play golf, jump on the tramp, play with toys, walk through the garden,swing, play basketball, eat popsicles and just be kids. They played with Karolines kids and didn't want to leave when it was time.

Swimming

2011-07-21T22:41:00.000-07:00

My mom has a pool in her community. The kids love swimming no matter where they are. Good thing they have a pool in Vegas, St. George, and both of their Grandmas.

Watermelon Bust

2011-07-20T22:18:00.000-07:00

A family in my mom's ward has a watermelon bust every year. They stand on a deck and throw watermelons to the ground and the kids run up and take pieces of watermelon. In the beginning Dallin told me he did not like watermelon, by the end he said he REALLY liked it:)

BROTHERS: Camden always follows what Dallin does. He loves his big brother.

Parade Floats

2011-07-20T21:01:00.000-07:00

The convention center in Sandy holds a preview of all the 24th of July parade floats. The floats were amazing and the colors spectacular. There was face painting again so Kennedy and Dallin had to participate. We took Grandma Dahn with us and met up with Linda and Grandma Watkins. There were 4 grandmas in one place at one time. The kids couldn't stop smiling. You can never be with too many grandmas!

The Zoo

2011-07-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

Another one of the highlights for our trip was visiting the zoo. We went there with my mom, Dani and Stephen. We had such a good time. By the end it rained on us, lucky for us it was time to go anyway. Dallin has a love right now for spiders and snakes so we had to see those animals as top priority. Kennedy and Camden just love to do anything and loved seeing all the animals.

Grandma Watkins Turns 90!

2011-07-18T22:28:00.000-07:00

Garrett's grandma, Grandma Watkins turned 90 this July. Linda planned an amazing birthday party for her. She did a great job. She even had balloons and face paint for the kids. Everyone had a fun time, with good company and fantastic food.

The Creek

2011-07-16T17:19:00.000-07:00

Another of our favorite activities at Grandma Linda's is to walk down and throw rocks in the creeks.

Salt Lake - Silver Lake

2011-07-15T17:30:00.000-07:00

One of the things that I miss the most (besides family!!) about Salt Lake is the mountains. One of the first things we did with Garrett's family this trip was head up to Silver Lake. The kids love the mountains too and love being with all their cousins.

Our Getaway

2011-07-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

Last December, Garrett and I purchased a home in St. George, Utah. We want to have a getaway for our family to get away from every day life and spend quality time together. It is also a meeting point for our families in Salt Lake. We have a lot of fun there, it has already lived up to everything we have wanted it to be. More pictures to follow of all our fun trips this year to St. George. These are the before and after pictures of all the remodeling we have done. We are extremely excited to say that for now we are DONE with remodeling!!!

PS... I did not take the before pictures.

Family Room Before

Family Room After

Before

After

Master Before

Master After

Master Bath Before

Master Bath After

After

Before

After

PARTY!!

2011-06-21T23:17:00.000-07:00

Kennedy turned 4 and Camden turned 2!!

It is a little bit crazy having 2 birthdays on the same day, but it works out. I got some straws that were my inspiration for their birthday party this year. It was really fun to decorate and plan around them.

We started out the day going to the park to let the kids run through the water (it was around 105 degrees).We then had a family party for them with Dawson and Lisa's family. We opened presents, barbecued and swam (well most of us). Actually Dawson was the only nice adult to get in the pool with the kids. He was mobbed by all of them pining for his attention. He was very patient with all of them, especially Dallin who really wanted to wrestle. We ended the day with ice cream and cake. It was a great day. They had a lot of fun and don't seem to mind sharing their birthday's, YET!

We don't know why Dallin was wearing his wet suit backwards when it is so hot outside??

Birthday Pictures with a little Dallin

2011-06-15T23:50:00.000-07:00

I can't go to sleep Without........

2011-06-07T22:33:00.000-07:00

My Princess Crown

My Baseball bat (or ball or glove)

We had Visitors!!

2011-06-01T20:39:00.000-07:00

This is Blackie.......

This is Lilo...............

This is Lilo and Blackie..............

Dallin's 1st grade class has had these ducks since they were eggs. They have learned how to care for them and clean up after them. Students have to take turns taking the ducks home each night. We were the lucky ones this night. Poor Zoey had to stay away from the ducks. All the kids loved them, even Camden who I thought would be a little scared. (And he was at first!!)

I was so proud of Dallin. He was so cute with Lilo and Blackie. He knew just what to do and exactly how to take care of them. He cleaned up after them and fed them and did everything for them with only a little help from me, but he told me exactly what to do and how to do it.

This is the proper way to hold a baby duck. You have to hold her wings and feet so she doesn't try and get away and you drop her.

Abby, Lex, Chase and Lisa came over to see the ducks and play with them. We put a plastic tablecloth down and let them walk around. We were very careful not to let them on the carpet!! They can be quite messy!!

Kennedy loved them and even cried when we had to take them back. Dallin came home from school yesterday and told us the ducks went back to the farm and that sent Kennedy into another round of hysterics. Did I mention she was a girl and VERY dramatic!

Lilo and Blackie thought it was really cool to peck at the toy laptop. The loved hearing the sounds. It was quite funny.

It was fun having the ducks and we even got a good nights sleep. They are quite messy though. It felt like we were cleaning their cage every second.

2011-05-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

Kennedy had a dance recital that she actually danced in!!! Last time she had a hard time. This time she did really good. She had 4 dances and a finale. I posted the video for her grandmas as it is long (about 10 minutes). But living in Las Vegas I am trying to do better at updating my blog for the grandmas and family in SLC!!

Kennedy Dancing Video

Kennedy and Miss Holly

Camden had to bring his glove to the recital. We rarely go anywhere without it!!

Easter Sunday

2011-04-24T22:43:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday was a very busy day. We started the morning off early with an egg hunt and Easter baskets left by the Easter Bunny.

All Camden wanted was the candy and he sure knew how to get it.

I finally took away the candy and he was not happy!!

I tried to take a few pictures of the kids in their Easter clothes, but that did not go too well.

Dallin and Kennedy were great, but Camden always has his own agenda.

The kids had fun dying Easter Eggs for the Egg Roll. Dallin was very particular about what he put on his egg.

Kennedy dropped and broke 3 eggs, good thing I made extra. But I also dropped an egg so that meant that Camden only got one.

Dallin was the champ!!! He won the egg roll. His egg went 5 and 0. He never lost. He was really excited. We watched the movie "Finding Faith in Christ" and then the kids went to bed. It was a fun filled Spring Break.

He's moved on......

2011-03-25T23:19:00.000-07:00

He has moved on from throwing everything out of my pantry onto the floor to reorganizing my pantry and stacking things where HE thinks they should go. He is a funny guy!! He wasn't sure if he was in trouble in these pictures or not.

Dancing Queen

2010-12-14T22:23:00.000-08:00

Kennedy had her first dance performance on Saturday and Monday. Saturday she did great, in the video, but Monday was a whole different story. On Monday night she would not dance at all, she just stood there. I am glad we went Saturday to see her dance as it was optional!

Kennedy & Gentry

Halloween

2010-11-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

We started off the week with carving pumpkins with the Mann's for family night.

Dallin thought it was gross but fun!

Halloween Bowling for Junior Achievement with Toyota!

All he wanted to do was play with these bowling balls, poor kid.

She loved that her bowling shoes matched her costume.

She was done

Halloween Night

Dallin doing things Ninja Style!

Cute Little Spider

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!

Nothing Gets Him Down

2010-09-18T21:36:00.000-07:00

Camden broke both bones in his little forearm just above his wrist. He broke it on 9/11 of all days. It was a tiny little fall, but he just hit right to break the bones. He has been a trooper. The cast and break have not gotten him down at all. He does not mind it and does everything like normal. This little guy loves life and is into EVERYTHING right now, to put it mildly. I was secretly hoping it would slow him down a little bit.

Back to School

2010-09-01T22:11:00.000-07:00

Dallin was in our room and in the shower by 6:15 on Monday morning. He was so excited for school. He could hardly contain it. Kennedy was also excited because she go to start dance that day. When I said lets go she grabbed her backpack and glasses and headed out the door. I have no idea why she thought she needed those!

I was sad to let Dallin go. Being gone all day is long. But he was so excited that I couldn't help but be excited for him. No tears. We do miss him a lot while he is gone. Especially Camden. Don't ask what Miss K is doing in this picture. We never know what we are going to get when we say "smile" to her.

DANCE

Kennedy LOVED dance. She listened to everything the teacher said and tried to do it. She can't wait for next week. I have to admit I love having a girl. It was so cute to watch her.

Back to School Bowling!

2010-09-01T21:13:00.000-07:00

We told Dallin to choose what he wanted to do on the Saturday before back to school.He chose bowling. So we took to kids to the Southpoint Casino to go bowling. It did not disappoint. It was hilarious to watch the kids bowl.

OOPS!!

Kennedy like to feel the wind blowing her hair.

Smith Lagoon Day

2010-08-13T16:20:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun at Lagoon on our trip this year. Garrett and I have not been since we have been married, and we thought it would be fun to go. Indeed it was. They have added alot of roller coasters. Dallin surprised us and was a little dare devil. I went with him on Collossus 3 straight times and started to black out. He was disappointed to not go again. He was more daring than his older cousins! Overall we had a really good time.

Camden was ready to go!

Dallin was the only one that could go on this ride because he had closed toed shoes on. He really wanted to go. He is not mad, just a little bored at the moment.

Kaylee was not so happy about the ride, but I think she liked it.

Griffen won that all by himself. Dallin LOVES Griffen and Garrett, they are so nice and cute to him and include him in all they do.

Kennedy turned out to be a little daredevil herself. She was not scared of anything they would let her ride.

Cowabunga Bay

2010-08-07T15:08:00.000-07:00

We went to Salt Lake for some fun before school starts. We played and played and played. My mom even arranged a few days off work while we were there. We had a great time at Cowabunga Bay. The kids loved it, but they are a little more used to 107 and sunny vs. 88 and cloudy. So they were a little cold. But that did not stop us from having fun.

Kennedy and Camden Birthdays Part 2

2010-06-23T17:13:00.000-07:00

Kennedy and Dallin helped me lick the bowls from the birthday cakes the night before their birthday.

Kennedy opened 1 present before Garrett went to work because mornings are CrAzy around our house getting out the door.

No, this is not bedhead. It was crazy hair day at school for Dallin.

We had a small swim party with a few of Kennedy's and Camden's friends.

We had a picnic outside and then cupcakes.

Camden always enjoys a good meal!

When Chase was born I bought them both this swimsuit and they look so cute.

My good friend Amy and her son Jacob who is Dallin's best friend. And Lisa and Chase. This was Chase's first time in the pool.

She always enjoys her sweets!

Kennedy and Anna

Their cakes. Kennedy ordered a pink castle cake like Sleeping Beauty's about 3 months ago. this was as close as I could get it. And Camden got baseball cupcakes.

We had Dawson and Lisa over that night for a BBQ. The kids had fun all day together.

We could not get a really cute picture of the kids in their towels. So i had them make a crazy face.

Kennedy got Sleeping Beauty's Castle for her birthday. It came with Belle, Aurora, and Cinderella and their princes, Mickey and Minnie and Tinker Bell and Peter Pan. It has been a great gift and she has played with it every day since.

The day wore out not one but two kiddos.

But not this one, she would have stayed up all night to play with her castle.
They had many GREAT parties this year and Kennedy thought the next day was her birthday too.

Visit from Dani

2010-06-22T21:43:00.000-07:00

Garrett had to fly to Tennessee from Utah, so Dani drove home with me and stayed the week with me and the kids.

Stevie gave Dallin some of my dads fitted hats. He was so proud of them.

Swimming all day long, almost everyday. It sure can wear a kid out.

Baseball, Baseball, Baseball!!!

2010-06-22T21:27:00.000-07:00

Dallin is a very all or nothing kid. Right now it is ALL baseball. He would eat, drink, and sleep baseball if he could. He would play catch or go to the park and hit every day if he could. It is hot here now and Garrett is so cute and still takes him out to play catch. He was on the Diamondbacks this year and had an awesome team and awesome coaches. He played T-ball for 2 years and did not want to play T-ball again. So we decided to play him up even though he was not of age to play coach pitch. We worried about it, but he did awesome and definitely held his own. He is a good little hitter, just needs to get a little more power in his swing.

Turning 3 & 1 Part 1

2010-06-02T23:12:00.000-07:00

We went up to Salt Lake City for a quick weekend visit, because Garrett's sister was blessing their baby. While we were there we decided that why everyone was together we should celebrate Kennedy and Camden's birthday since it was only 2 weeks away. I was a lot of fun and we did alot in such short time.

We went and fed the ducks with Grandma Dahn. It wa so cute, my grandma always worries that because we live away the great grandkids won't know her, when we got there she opened the door and Kennedy ran in and gave her a big hug and said "Hi grandma Dahn." Then she told me later that Grandma Dahn is her friend because she shares her candy. (My grandma has a HUGE candy bowl that she keeps full and at kid level for all the great grandkids.)

Camden was content just eating the bread.

One of the favorite attractions (besides the swimming pool) at grandma Linda's is the teeter totter.

The boys had their home run derby and even let the girls get in on the action.

It was quite comical watching me swing a bat number one, and two in my boots.

All the grandkids had a sleepover in Grandma Linda's basement. They had so much fun and didn't even wake up super early.

Memorial Day swimming party and Kennedy and Camden's Birthday party!! As you can see Camden loves Dallin.

Until I am ready to go out this is the sight you see. He wants to be with the other kids soooo bad.

Happy Birthday. Kennedy turns 3 and Camden turns 1.

Dallin does not leave Griffen and Garrett's side the whole time they are around.

Yes he is wearing pants and a long sleeve shirt. We do not know why but he is going through a pants and long sleeves phase. Even in Las Vegas in 105 degree heat.

I think it was the best birthday ever for Kennedy. She got a Caboodle with paint nails, as she calls it, and lip gloss from Dani, a suitcase and hooded princess towel from Nana Mare, Dress -ups and dresses from Grandma Linda and even more dress-ups from Aunt Tiffany. Everyone else waited for their real birthday. If you can believe she has more to come.

He really enjoys a good meal or cake or anything food really.

This is in the park behind Nana Mare's which is literally her backyard. She has a fence to the park and it is awesome. The kids are out there all the time when we are at Nana Mare's.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!

2010-02-14T08:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines day to all our loved ones that are far away today!! Especially daddy or dada as Miss K calls him now. We miss you and love you.

We were going on a walk early in the morning and it was cold, so we were bundled. Because we put beanies on Kennedy thought we were going to play in the "no" or snow.

(I did not send out Valentines this year, so I hope that this will suffice. We love you)

Baby Camden

2010-02-06T08:47:00.000-08:00

I feel really bad that I have not posted or even taken a lot of pictures of baby Camden (that is what he is called at our house by Dallin and Kennedy). To be honest having 3 is not as bad as everyone warned me about, but it is really really busy. Some days things do not get done like the laundry or the cleaning or a good dinner, and sometimes (like all the time) at night when I would normally blog I am just too tired. Little, cute, sweet Camden wakes up every morning for the day between 5:30 and 6:30 happy as can be with no chance of going back to sleep. I can't really complain though because he has been doing this since 3 months. He is by far my happiest and smiliest baby and my most high maintenance, is that possible? He does not like to be left alone for very long at all. I think it is because when Dallin is home he is with Camden most of the time. It is really cute. When he plays his Leapster he brings Camden on the couch to watch him. When he plays with his wrestlers he brings Camden and gives him some of his guys to play with. Now if we could just split that affection up so he could give some to his sister that would be nice:) In Dallin's prayers at night he asked Heavenly Father to help him to be nice to his brother and sister, and then he said, nevermind just my sister! Camden has been a great addition to our family, but 3 is just busy. So for my family who are now happy that I have not posted pictures for awhile here is Camden at almost 8 months:

Kennedy wanted to hold him, so this is the before picture when she let him fall on his face. Don't worry he didn't even cry.

The successful attempt at Kennedy holding baby Camden.

A few things about Camden:

He love to eat, he preferes people food and not baby food. He will tolerate baby food as long as no one else is eating anything around him. And you cannot fool him. If I am eating a chip and give him a cracker he knows, if Nana Mare is eating caramel corn and we give him a cracker he knows and throws a fit until he gets real food.

He did not sit up until 7 and 1/2 months and that was with a lot of practice. We call him stiff baby because he does not bend and likes to stand. I had to literally fold him in half to teach him to sit. It was pretty funny.

He is happy as can be and smiles at anyone and anything. I was crying one day and he thought it was hilarious and was actually giggling at me crying. At least I couldn't stay sad looking at his giggling face.

Suprisingly enough he is only in the 20th percentile for height and weight. But since they are the same he is square and still cute and chubby. His head is in the 60th percentile, my children have large heads, and the doctor told me that make babies seem bigger. I thought she was joking when she said he was in the 20th, I thoughr for sure he was at least average..

He is so sweet and has the sweetest disposition and the sweetest spirit about him.

Pants on the Ground

2010-02-05T17:14:00.000-08:00

Kennedy is a character and loves to sing and dance around. Some of the songs you will catch her singing around our house are: Pants on the Ground, Kung Fu Fighting, Tonights going to be a Good Night from the Black Eyed Peas, John Cena's song from WWE, I am a Child of God and many others.

Kennedy is all girl, and that is an understatement. But she also plays wrestling and superheros with Dallin. She is just funny. We laugh at her everyday. When she wakes up we ask her who she is that day. Sometimes she is a puppy, sometimes a princess, sometimes a mom, sometimes Kennedy. We never know.

She loves lipstick. This is what I found when I left my diaper bag down one day.

Then she knew she can only have it when I let her so she tried to give it back.

Then I started laughing so she showed me her pretty face.

6 is Old!

2010-02-05T16:38:00.000-08:00

This year Dallin "is into" Superheros and WWE. That is right, Dallin loves wrestling and Garrett did not introduce him to it. He got money from Uncle Stevie and picked out wrestlers last summer and he loved them. Then he found out that kids in our circle like WWE and they talked about it. And when Garrett found out that he really liked it he turned Dallin onto Monday Night Raw and the rest is history. It is funny because Garrett has not watched wresting for 10 years and now Dallin loves it. So because of this new found love, I made Dallin a wrestling ring cake and he got many wrestlers for his birthday and Christmas this year.

I cannot believe he is 6! That is just crazy to me that he is so old.

I took in treats to his Kindergarted class. That is him sitting in his seat.

We did not do a big birthday party this year, but he really wanted to do something so we took him and a few friends that had morning kindergarten to Chuck-E-Cheese, since I had some coupons. It was really fun and the kids had a blast.

Garrett got to stop by for lunch to see how the party was going.

We opened presents after Gar got home from work, Kennedy wanted some presents to and was kind of sad they were all Dallins.

Abby came to Chuck-E-Cheese and then to our house all day to celebrate Dallin's birthday. After Dawson got off work Lisa, Lex and Dawson came over for cake and ice cream.

Number 27!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-04T22:31:00.000-08:00

It was better than Christmas at our house tonight!! The YANKEES won their 27th Worlds Series Championship. Garrett, the kids and I were jumping up and down and bouncing off the walls. It was so fun. I got the monkey off my back too. The Yankees have not won since we have been married so Garrett told me I was the curse :) So now there is no curse and Garrett thinks Camden is his good luck charm!! Yeah!! Go Yanks!!!

Garrett and I went down to Anaheim for 2 games of the ALCS and it was amazing to be there in the playoff atmosphere.

Ken works for Garrett and was in town and stopped by to watch the game.

Duane was also in town, who lives in SLC and used to work with Gar at Zions. He stopped by as well to watch the game!

We ate dinner at PF Changs in Newport Beach and sat next to AJ Burnette on the Yankees. We got his autograph and he was so nice and took a picture with us.

Happy Halloween

2009-11-02T14:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!! We had a great Halloween this year. Kennedy was a witch (and she has already started terrible twos so this costume fits her perfectly right now :) Dallin was Wolverine and Camden was Tigger. We had fun, our ward trunk-or-treat was freezing. It has been 80 degrees in Las Vegas and for the ward party it dropped down to the 5o's. So for us that was cold. We also went trick-or-treating at Town Square (an outdoor mall). The kids did not care much for that and wanted to go home so we did. On Halloween neither of my kids were happy with their costumes. Dallin wanted to the The Thing from the Fantastic 4 and Kennedy wanted to be a Kitty Cat. So needless to say we had major meltdowns. I did not change their costumes 5 minutes before we were headed out the door.

Dallin could not wear his mask at the church so Gar did his hair like wolverine. Kennedy insisted on wearing her sunglasses and she did not take them off the whole time.

Dani came down for the weekend. It was so much fun. We carved pumpkins on Friday night and on Saturday we went trick-or-treating and watched the Yankees. The kids love aunt Dani. She spoils them and me, I love having an extra pair of hands around.

Dallin and Kennedy just kept saying "Oooooh" while carving their pumpkins so I got it on camera.

Garrett and Dallins Fantastic 4 pumpkin.

Dani's Vampire pumpkin

Our finished products with lights and all. Gar even brought a carved Toyota symbol pumpkin home from work. It was pretty cool how they did that.

Kennedy wore her cat ears around on the back of her head on Halloween. It was either that or giant tears so she wore the ears.

She did pose nice for this picture.

Dallin is always a good smiler for the camera.

Trick-or-treating at Town Square.

California Trip Days 4 & 5: YANKEES GAMES

2009-10-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

We always have such a good time at the Yankees games win or lose, and we were lucky enough this year to see them win at least one. Whenever we go they seem to lose! Dawson, Lisa, Abby and Lex came with us to the games. We had a very successful trip getting autographs as well. We got Derek Jeter, A-Rod (twice), Johnny Damon (twice), Mariano Rivera, Reggie Jackson and others.

Dallin and Frank Robinson

Derek Jeter through Dallin a ball during batting practice and he and Abby were calling their other cousin Griffen to tell him about it.

Yes, I do know that 3+ hours is a bit long for little kids at a baseball game so I brought our portable DVD player for them.

The kids waiting happily for more autos after the game!

Johnny Damon, Dallin and Camden and I!!

Dallin and Mariano Rivera

Dallin and Reggie Jackson

The kids swam every morning at our hotel while Garrett worked befor the games. It was a very fun trip. It is our once a year tradition to go see the Yankees. We love it, Garrett actually got us tickets to two games of the ALCS in Angel Stadium. We can't wait. And we are leaving kids home (all but Camden).

California Trip Day 3: DAVE & JENNY'S

2009-10-12T16:09:00.000-07:00

Whenever we take our annual trip down to So. Cal. We cannot leave without seeing Dave and Jenny, even if it is for only a few hours for dinner on Sunday afternoon.

California Trip Day 2: DISNEYLAND

2009-10-12T15:48:00.000-07:00

We had a great day at Disneyland. It is really hard to get through everything in one dayl, but we did our best. The kids thought it was awesome so that is all that matters!! Kennedy loves Mickey and Minnie Mouse right now so she was excited to see them in real life. Even Dallin still thinks the Characters are real.

California Vacation Day 1: NEWPORT BEACH

2009-10-08T16:36:00.001-07:00

We left Friday morning and drove straight into Newport Beach. We had a fun filled afternoon. The kids love the beach. They played and played in the sand and water. Both kids swam in the cold water. I however refrained from swimming and stayed behind with Camden.

Dallin says he looks like "The Sandman" from Spiderman.

They loved trying to build a sand castle. More just like mounds really, its a good thing kids have good imaginations.

Camden's Baby Blessing

2009-09-09T15:51:00.000-07:00

Camden's baby blessing was over Labor Day weekend. We had such a good time. A lot of our family came down from Salt Lake. It was so great to have them there. It was such a special day. When I was pregnant with Camden, I got an overwhelming feeling that Camden was a special person and that was reitterated in his blessing from Garrett. I am so thankful for such supportive family and friends that were this us that day whether in person or in thought.

Uncle Stevie and Dallin

Grandma Linda and Aunt Tiffany

Francois (a friend of ours), Dawson, Gar, and Tim

Nana Mare and Gar

I made a cake and we sang Happy Birthday to the September birthdays in the family. Lisa's is the 25th, Tim's was the 7th and Dani's is the 20th.

The kids were so good the whole day. They entertained themselves while the adults talked by dressing up in Dallin's pirate costume.

The weekends events wore some people out.

On Saturday we had a BBQ and swimming!

1st Day of School

2009-09-09T15:27:00.001-07:00

Dallin started Kindergarten this year. I knew it would be an emotional day for me and it was. I am so happy for him though, because he needs school. He gets so bored if he is not constantly entertained and then he will start bugging Kennedy. I was sad to let him go. He is my buddy always there wherever I go, and my helper when I need him. He loves school!! He loves his teacher and everything about school. He does not even want to go to California next week because he does not want to miss school.

I had tears flowing taking pictures through the fence. He said good bye and did not even look back.

In a way it is the beginning of the end. It just seems that time will go by faster and life will get crazier with kids in school.

This is Kennedy's second day of "Class" (as she calls it) There is a few friends of mine with kids all about the same age that talked me into doing a preschool for the kids one day a week. I originally thought Kennedy was too young, but she absolutely loves it and talks about it all the time. She can't wait to go to Class.

She loves using "Lawmy's or Dallin's" pack-pack. It is bigger than she is.

Camden Smith

2009-06-24T21:13:00.000-07:00

CAMDEN MICHAEL SMITH

7 lbs. 9 oz.

20 inches

Camden was born 2 weeks early on June 15th (same day as Kennedy's birthday, I know crazy). He looks a lot like our other 2 kids, but with his own look and tons of dark brown hair. Our other kids had no hair so I was excited. He was early and I am thankful as he was already a pound bigger than my other kids. He is very sweet and we are glad to have him here and healthy.

Savings at Walgreens

2009-03-12T15:34:00.001-07:00

Total Price $146.63

Total Spent $47.94

Saved $98.69

Percentage Saved 67%

I just had to share how excited I am with Walgreens this week. I got 3 packs of Huggies for $17. 6 bottles of Johnson & Johnson, toothpaste, gum, Ziploc bags, mouthwash, Glade time released air freshners, and other needed essentials for only $47.94.

We're Having a BOY!!!!

2009-01-20T18:54:00.000-08:00

For those of you who did not know we are pregnant. I am about 17 weeks along and we found out this weekend we are having a boy. We are really excited. I am due June 30th. Kennedy and our new little one will be exactly two years apart. We cannot wait. So if you are wondering why I have not updated in a very long while it is because I have been EXHAUSTED!!! Like double of my other pregnancies. Some days I can barely make it until Garrett gets home. I am lucky that he comes home and takes over for me. But that is why I have not blogged, hopefully I will feel more energy soon. A little by little it is coming back. But I still feel like I am running on half tank all the time. So I will blog when I can. But I wanted to share the news with all my friends and family :)

SNOW IN LAS VEGAS?????????

2008-12-17T19:56:00.001-08:00

We could not believe it when it started snowing in Las Vegas. The kids wanted to hurry and go outside before it stopped. Little did we know that it would snow all afternoon and night. We had so much fun playing in it. I was shocked when it started to stick and now we have at least a few inches and it is supposed to snow all night. Garrett's work shut down early and I laughed at first and then he remined me that there is no snow plows and salt in Las Vegas and no one even owns shovels. So it made a lot more sense to me. But coming from Utah it seemed silly. It was a fun novelty at first, now we are worried about all our palm trees freezing and dying.

This is when it first started to stick. He started out in a sweatshirt because I did not think it would get much more than this.

Even Zoey liked the snow.

Kennedy of course had to get in on the action. It was so cute to see the kids in the snow. Nothing like my childhood, where snow is a novelty.

I LOVE Little Girls!!

2008-11-11T11:17:00.001-08:00

I love having a girl and getting to dress her. It is so much fun. I love little boys too, but their clothes just aren't as cute. I have to admit, that I am not as frugal as I should be with dressing Kennedy. Girl clothes are way too cute. So my favorite thing she has so far this fall are her silver ballet flats. I just love them. They go with everything and are so cute.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2008-11-02T19:48:00.001-08:00

Lisa and I took the kids Trick or Treating at the mall at 4:00. It got really crowded fast and we were glad we went early and then we met up with Garrett for the rest of Halloween night.

This was our ward Trunk or Treat. We had lots of fun. These are pictures of the cousins. Kennedy and Lex, and below Dallin with Abby and Lex. We love having family in our ward to do things like this with. Kennedy could not wait one second to get a sucker in her mouth. Once she saw one it was all over, but she was happy the rest of the time.

3 Reasons I know I've arrived as a "MOM"....

2008-10-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I obviously know I am a mom because I have 2 great kids that I love and adore. But unitl recently I have not felt like a "MOM". In fact there are times when I still feel like I should be in college of high school. But here are some of the BIG reasons I feel I have become a TRUE "MOM"!!

1. I have a kid old enough to play sports.

We put him in soccer this fall, and he likes it but not as much as T-ball. In fact after every game Dallin asks Garrett if he is going to play T-ball again. (Secretly I know Gar loves to hear that, but never says a word, he is actually really cute with Dallin and practices with him and helps him to be better). It was really funny, on Dallin's first game I had no idea how physical soccer was for little ones. They all started running in a pack toward the ball and Dallin was getting pushed and shoved so he turned around and hit some kid in the head. The little boy started crying, when Dallin sat out the next quarter we had to explain the nature of the game to him and that there is pushing a little bit, but he can't hit people. So now I am a soccer mom and carpooling to and from games and practices.

2. I just started coupon shopping!!

Okay so my sister in law, Lisa got me started with Grocery Smarts and it is great. You match the coupons to the sales at the store and save HUGE!!! You also have to do literally no work because http://www.grocerysmarts.com/, does it for you. This is what I got at Albertson's this week. Sorry about the picture, I did not space things out to well.

4 boxes of poptarts

2 bags mini sunmaid raisin boxes

3 boxes Yoplait Yo+ Yogurt

4 boxes of Gogurts

1 box Lean pockets

5 Green Valley Giant bags of Vegies

2 Pillsbury Toaster Strudel

3 big boxes of Progresso Chicken Broth

2 boxes regular Cheerios

2 boxes multigrain Cheerios

2 cans Betty Crocker frosting

2 Big bags Mission Tortilla Chips

3 bags Cheeios snack mix

3 Ready made Pillsbury cookie dough

All for $30.50

Savings $105.31

That is 78% Savings

I was super excited. Lisa told me it was exciting and it really is. Everyone in line turns to look at you and asks you how you did it.

3. I am going to drive a Mini-van!!!!

We did it, my lease on my camry is up and the most practical thing to do with the advice for the prophet and apostles is to be conservative. So here I am. Through Gar's job at Toyota I get a killer lease on any Toyota, and they pay for Garrett's car. He gets a new one every year and I get great terms on a lease. We really thought long and hard about this. I was always the one that said, "I will NEVER drive a mini-van". But I am actually excited. We thought about getting the new Highlander Hybrid with the 3rd row, but impractical for kids and strollers and groceries because the 3rd row does not split so If I put a 3rd kid back there then I have no room for groceries or strollers or anything. And we do not want to spend the money on a Sequoia. I love them, but we have nothing to tow and we don't need it. And the Sienna is the best looking van out there.

There are my reasons. I am officially a "MOM"

In Loving Memory.....

2008-10-12T19:56:00.001-07:00

My grandpa Dahn way by far the very best man that I have ever known. He past away on October 5, 2008. He died of old age, and our family takes comfort that he has moved on to a better place where he is happy. He hated being old and not being able to do the things he once did. He was more like a father to me and my brother and sister in many ways. He was always there for us and filled in where my own dad could and did not. He gave us every fathers blessings, he baptised and confirmed my brother and sister and he administered the blessing that saved my life, or saved me from severe brain damage 8 years ago. He was my spiritual mentor and guide. If I ever had a question I went right to my grandpa and he knew the answer. We have been reminiscing the past week about him and one thing that he always did was anything the prophet said. Always. And he did it right when the prophet said. He did not wait. He was a great example to all who knew him.

His great pride and joy in this world was his family. He has 4 daughters, 16 grandkids and 20 great grandchildren. He had a personal relationship with each and every one of us. We all felt like the most important in his eyes. I am very blessed to have had him for a grandpa. I am also blessed that I was able to fly to Salt Lake a week before he died to say good bye to him and to tell him thank you for everything he has done for me. He bought me my flute that I played and took lessons through junior high. I wanted to thank him and give tribute to him so I asked if I could play it at his funeral. His lasting legacy is his unwavering testimony in our savior Jesus Christ. He has left it in letters for all his grandchildren. I will forever treasure it and try my hardest every day to not disappoint him and live up to his legacy. I love you and will miss you Grandpa Dahn.

Last Part of our Vacation!!!

2008-10-12T19:36:00.000-07:00

I know I am way, way behind..... But the last part of our California vacation was the Yankee games. We had a lot of fun as always and got some really good autos.

After 3 straight days of baseball, we bring the DVD player to help our 4 year old to not go crazy:)

Kennedy does really well at the games.

I was really excited to get my picture taken with Joba. I had one of Garrett's T-shirts that says "Joba Rules in the Bronx" He saw it from way in the outfield, pointed to me and then came right to where I was and signed Garrett's Beckett magazine. I was shaking so bad. The picture is horrible, but it was fun to meet him.

Reggie Jackson is not a very nice guy. We saw him walking out and I said "Mr. Jackson, I know you are busy but could you please sign my ball." He says, "I'm not busy, I just don't want to sign your ball." But he did anyway and many other people's as well. Garrett asked if Dallin could take his picture with him and he did not say yes or know just walked up to him and did not even smile. And by the way most people that we get to take their picture with Dallin bend down to his level. Reggie is a piece of work.

****I also talked to A-Rod. We had Kennedy down with us, (where else would she go???) and we were standing right at field level during warm up and batting practice. Garrett was leaning over getting something out of his backpack and A-Rod came over to talk to me. He told me to be careful because he has a daughter K's age and a ball could bounce up and hit her. Garrett in the mean time has stood up and was totally taken off guard to A-Rod talking to me. We were both, ashamedly star struck and did not ask for his autograph. We just told him thank you very much for his concern. We are kicking ourselves now for at least not asking, but what do ya do. Some of the ushers at Angel Stadium were asking me what he said because they had never seen him talk to a fan like that. Kind of fun hah!

Redondo

2008-10-03T12:52:00.000-07:00

When we go to California every year (scheduled around when the Yanks are in Anaheim) we make our annual trip to Redondo Beach with Dave and Jenny, and now Noah. They had us over for dinner on Sunday night and then we went down and hung out on the beach. It is always a good time and with the kids a little nuts.

Of course Kennedy just wanted to walk and walk on the beach. She didn't want to sit still on the blanket, that was not fun enough. She always has to be where the action is!

Kennedy and Noah. I love this picture because Noah is 6 months younger than Kennedy and who could tell. He is the cutest thing ever. It was fun to finally meet him at 8 months old.

Dave and Dallin running from the waves.