Smithson Reunion

Last week was the Smithson Family Reunion, in honor of Grandma Great's 84th birthday. The majority of the family was up at Bear Canyon Lake camping for the greater part of the week, but we were only able to make it for the day on Saturday, the 14th. It was a beautiful day to be up in the mountains. Apparently it was wet and stormy at home, but where we were, it was cool and misty. We truly enjoyed ourselves! Happy Birthday, Grandma, we love you!

On this trip, there were a few first's for Ms. Melanie. First Pixie Stick - a bit tricky at first, but eventually a success. She didn't understand that she shouldn't put her mouth on the wrapper, but just pour the yummy stuff into her mouth. It took several tries, but that girl was determined!First twinkie - can you say yum! Melanie sure can!

We got to visit with a lot of friends (cousins). Melanie and Noelle were so excited all week. "On Saturday, we get to spend the WHOLE DAY with our cousins!" It was almost too good to be true... but it was definitely true! Melanie and Noelle got a lot of freedon walking around with their cousins and playing. I have to admit, as mom, it's really hard for me to just let them go. I feel like I have to watch over them constantly. Perhaps I'm too much of a helicopter. But, I did let them at it. I used my camera as an excuse to stay somewhat close (wouldn't want to miss a good picture moment, would I?)

Above is Charlie, she is too adorable! She is about a year and a half now, and really cute! Below is Grandpa Smithson with Ethan, who will be turing two in August!

Ethan really likes cars! Infact, if he could hold them all at the same time, he would... and he tried!

Dad brought up the Jeep and took the girls on several rides! It was super fun for them.

Hannah provided rides for all the other cousins. She is just about a month away from getting her driving permitt!

Dad thought it was funny to play tricks on Grandpa while he was sleeping. He used a kid's fishing pool to tickle Grandpa's face with a feather. It was pretty entertaining. Grandpa never figured out it was him.

Melanie went on a ride with dad, and came back like this. :)

Oliver woke up Saturday morning with a cold. He was pretty miserable all day long, but he still was full of smiles.

Everyone loves a cot! No really, everyone!

I love that cousins can be your best friend.

We had such a great time. The people were great, the food was good, and the weather was perfect!

The Graduate

"The time has come, the time is now..." (Dr Seuss).

The time *has* come. Melanie graduated from Lovin' Learning Preschool Saturday! They had a very nice ceremony on Saturday for the kids, family, and friends.

Melanie was so sweet walking to the stage. She was having trouble with her hat, but LOVED wearing the gown.

The program was full of songs, and everyone had a part. They also demonstrated things they learned over the year (including counting by ten's, the alphabet sounds, days of the week, and more).Melanie's part was "Sometimes we really had to "dig" in to learn about things like butterflies and frogs". She did it so well.

Then the kids got their certificates. This is our friend, Josh, graduating.

Here is another friend, Alissa, graduating.

Finally it was Melanie's turn.

Noelle was worn out by all the excitement.

Oliver really enjoyed the whole thing.

Melanie said congrats to her friends and then got some refreshments!

Oh, and we can't forget the flowers Grandma and Grandpa Smithson got her!

Thank you to all the grandparents that were able to come.

Congratulations, Melanie, on one very amazing year of school. You have grown and learned so much. Mom and Dad are both so proud of you! We Love You!

Retirement Party

It's time to celebrate! Grandma Smithson is retiring! She has been working for the Mesa Public School District for a very long time and now will have time to spend with all 24 of her Grandchildren. (She is very blessed!)

To honor her and a few other people that were leaving the school, Franklin South had a little gathering. I think the Smithson Family took up most of the seats.

It started raining during the ceremony, and my girls came back from the restroom looking like this: (And screaming "I'm all wet!")

Here is Kathe getting a gift that was presented to her by the school.

And this paper says "Grandma, don't go back to work!" Can't you tell? It was written by Cousin Grady.

Kathe, we are all so excited about this new adventure! We love you!