the Smith family: Year End Closeout

This picture was just too good not open with. Man those kids are good looking.

R: Well, well, well, you've finally come back to see us again. Actually, we haven't posted in awhile. We ususally say how busy we are, but this time we really were really busy. Since we wrapped up summer in September we started school, visited Artprize, carved pumpkins, went trick or treating, DROVE TO DISNEY AND BACK AND HAD THE TIME OF OUR LIVES, learned to swim unassisted by parents (with life jackets), learned to jump in the water and go under, had Thanksgiving sharing day at school, Eden and I turned four, Addy thinks she did too, went to Great Wolf Lodge, attended 9, count them 9, family Christmas parties, performed in our first church Christmas show, and we learned to downhill ski.

A: As if that weren't all enough, Mama and Daddy started working out every day with P90X and lost a combined total of over 50 lbs. I finally rid our house of diapers and wear big girl undies. We also went to our first Rockford HS football game against the Grand Haven bucs. Mama and Daddy were initially a little conflicted (Go Bucs!).

E: We're growing and learning and doing new things all the time. If you didn't see us in the last three months, well shame on you, we've been about everywhere. Where were you?

E: The inaugural Artprize competition captivated our town for a few weeks in September and October. I liked the art stuff, but my underwear was too tight. And before you ask, no, Addy has not started smoking, despite what it looks like in this picture.

R: Finally a piece of clothing which is slimming on my head.

R: My spider sense tell me I dropped something.

A: The triple chariot made the trek all the way to Orlando, as did our minivan. Disney was perfect. For more pictures and videos, see Daddy or Mama's Facebook pages. Blogger takes too long to load photos to show you all the good stuff.

Worth every penny.

Like I said.

A: I was so excited to meet Minnie I crammed the memory up my nose into my brain so I'd never forget how great it was.

A: Daddy, why is your face green? Don't you like spinning?

R: Lots of birthdays have special meanings or represent life landmarks. Turning four is special because it is the true advent of my gifts proclaiming "Some adult assembly required."

R: Our lives shall never be the same. Barbie has entered our household.

To infinity and beyond!

Having met her (and Roman was kissed by her) at Disney, it seemed fitting that our first foray into the world of 3D cake decorating be Belle. We were pleased with our results.

If it looks like Carter's head is positioned to blow out the candles, it's because it was and he did. Belle exalted the effort. Roman wasn't as thrilled.

R: Away from me woman, I have cake to attend to.

E: The Thanksgiving sharing feast at Rockford Christian. The Native Americans pictured here wasted nothing, after tracking, hunting and securing their elusive prey, they were careful to use all parts of the brown paper bag.

E: Pocahontas ain't got nothing on me.

Yes Daddy, birthday crowns DO go with my paper vest. Teacher said so.

A: We had one moment of rest since early November. This was it right here.

Great Wolf Lodge with the full Smith family.

E: Yeah, I slide by myself. I'm four now.

R: Take that, slowing friction forces due to long suit and crotch strap!

I'm moving now!

R: Combining GWL and another birthday party is a match made in heaven or at least northern lower Michigan.

Moments after this shot, Eden's face shattered from the excessive smiling stress.

Pizza tastes good on any type of table.

The Smith grandkids - CW from Grandma S. (Mason -11, Lena-3, Addy, Roman, Toby-5, Elise-6, Eden)

The difference betwen boys and girls.....

E: I couldn't find Mama and Daddy in the audience, though I looked the entire time of our performance. Good thing Daddy found us right after we sang to reassure me.

R: Daddy, I am wearing wings.

International Christmas Tree display at Frederick Meijer Gardens.