Fall Canning

We canned grape juice, applesauce and dried some tomatoes this fall.  It was so much fun!  Lynette(my partner in crime) said let's do more next year!  So that's the plan.  I am grateful to her for all of her help and expertise.  The kids enjoyed helping as well.

First Day of School

It has been one week since school has started.  I can hardly believe it!  The children are falling back into the swing of things and the whole routine and adjusting accordingly.  Joshalyn is in 6th grade, Hyrum in 3rd grade, and Shadrach in 1st grade.  That leaves Kayla at home with me.  We are having a great time, but miss the kids while they are at school.

Adventures in America

We hosted two boys from Korea for 5 weeks this summer - Ki Hong Lee(14years old) and Yong Jun Lee(13 years old).  It was a wonderful experience and would do it again... we miss them so much already.  They arrived here on July 15th and went back to Korea on August 18th.  We took them to many places here in Boise including the Zoo, The Capitol Building, The Old Penitentiary, Idaho History Museuem, The Nature Center, The Discovery Science Center, Boise Hawks Baseball Game, Ivy Wild Pool, Horseback Riding, Lucky Peak Reservoir, Wahooz! Fun Center, Motorcycle Riding, Bowling, many restaurants, and much more.  With their group they went to Yellowstone, Craters of the Moon and floated down the Boise River.  They not only enjoyed seeing sites, but they loved going to Winco grocery shopping and bagging their own groceries.  They decided they love Pizza and Kool-Aid.  They loved playing board games and the Wii with our kids.  Uno and guitar hero became a favorite.  They attended church with our family and a few church activities while here.  I think they enjoyed that as well.  They even learned how to pray and took their turn.  They learned some slang and many more English words and were able to converse pretty well by the time they went home.  They definitely got a taste and more of the American Culture which was their point in being here.  We have heard from both of them since they have been home.  It is wonderful to hear their voices.  I can't believe how much I miss them.  I really became attached as did the kids.

Eleven already...........?

Joshalyn turned 11 on August 7th. We went to Ivy Wild Pool and she opened gifts and made her own cake. She designed and decorated it herself.

Swimming Lessons

Joshalyn, Hyrum, and Shad take swimming lessons at Boise State University. They sure enjoy it! Kayla can't wait until she turns 5 so she can take swimming lessons too.

July 4th Celebration

We had a Happy 4th of July going to the parade and then out to Payette with our good friends(the other Smith's whom we are not related to, but claim). We were most thankful for no injuries or emergency room visits this year.

Vacation in Las Vegas

Spending a week in Las Vegas with my parents is always a treat. The kids love to swim in Grandma and Grandpa's pool every day. This trip we also enjoyed going to the Shark Reef, The Bellagio(water show) and since it was right before the 4th of July it was the to the music The Star Spangled Banner. It was Awesome!!! We went to the aquarium, and the chocolate factory. Outside of the chocolate factory is the Cactus Garden where Joshua found "The Joshua Tree"(He thinks he is famous now) We even had some of my nieces and a nephew and Joshua's dad to share in the memories.