Sadies Dance

Hayden and a group of friends went to the Sadies Dance last night. They spent the afternoon getting their hair done, giggling, and in the end looked marvelous. The moms fixed them dinner and we took a lot of pictures of them. It was a masquerade ball and they all had to wear masks. It is pretty tricky to catch the girls with real smiles because they usually are being goofy! The only bad part of the evening is that Hayden ended up with the flu and we had to pick her up early. Poor thing! I think she spent most of the dance in the bathroom with her sweet friends bringing her water and 7-Up.

San Francisco Baseball Trip- Sept. 2009

Our 2nd annual baseball trip was a huge success. Last year we went with the Chaffin's to Wrigley Field and loved visiting Chicago. This year we traveled to San Francisco to AT&T park and watched the Giants play the Cubs. Last year at our schools auction we bid on this trip. It included lunch with Jeremy Afeldt a NWC alumn who is a relief pitcher for the Giants. After lunch he took us on the FIELD! It was so cool...I even had butterflies in my stomach. His wife and son we there as well and we enjoyed getting to know them.

Our trip was jam packed with sightseeing and loads of fun. Next year I think we are planning to go to San Diego. Great friends and awesome trips!

2009-2010 yearbook photo's

First Day of School

This year was the first time that the kids were not happy about the tradition of the picture on the porch before we left for school. I pretty much told them tough....get up there and smile. Hayden is now a freshman in highschool and Cooper is a 7th grader. They are now onto their 2nd week of school and seem to be great and excited about school. Cooper is running x-country and Hayden made the JV volleyball team. So we will be all over the place here soon trying to keep up with all their events.

Uncle Billy's smile

Cooper and Uncle Billy at Sarah and Derek's wedding.

Uncle Billy and Pete

Guy and Uncle Billy...I love that they are holding hands.

Uncle Billy and Cooper....check out Coop's dirty feet!

Hayden and Uncle Billy.

Guy with his Aunt and Uncles.

Uncle Billy with Hayden and Cooper. I told you he had the best smile!

Today was the day that God decided he was ready for Uncle Billy. Thankfully Papa was able to get on a flight and see him on his last day. Of course he gave Papa that smile as he walked into his hospital room, the smile that I will always remember. I don't think I have ever seen him without a smile.....he was that kind of guy. Now he is up in Heaven with a new body that doesn't hurt and he moves as freely as he did when he was young. Him and his nephew Rob can wrestle, laugh, and watch over us until we get the pleasure of joining them. My heart is sad...this has been a tough year for the Smith clan. If you are reading this I ask that you please say a prayer for all the Smith family. Much love to you all.

We didn't fall off the face of the earth!

Hanna, Chloe, and Hayden in front of the "World's Largest frying pan" in Long Beach, WA.

Sweet Chloe.

Wow.....all I can say.

Hayden, Chloe, and Cooper loving the ocean.

Guy's new tatto! We miss you Rob....

Hayden the photographer.

Whew! It has been a busy summer so far. Sorry I haven't been very good about keeping you in the loop. Since school has gotten out we have pretty much been hanging out at the ballfields. Cooper's season has now ended but he has one more tournament the beginning of August. Last weekend he went to the lake with Boppo and helped him work on their deck. I guess they were quite a team. He has been golfing a few times and is looking forward to spending a week in Portland with the Carnegie's and going to a week long basketball camp.

Hayden has been playing a LOT of softball! Her team the Dawg's have had an almost perfect season. They have won 2 tournament's and took 2nd in one. She still has 2 double headers this week then the season will be over.

Guy and I are loving the games we get to watch but we really miss being home! We are looking forward to August when we can relax a bit!

Hayden's 8th grade graduation

Hayden and her crazy buddies from school.

Hayden, Leah, and Jordan

Proud Daddy and proud Papa!

Kim hanging out with Andre.

Beautiful cake made by Uncle Harry and Aunt Jan.

Hanna, Hayden, and Kristen

Guy and Scott

Our beautiful valedictorian.

Hayden graduated last week from 8th grade! We were so proud of her. She was one of 5 valedictorians from her class and had to give a speech at graduation. Hayden did wonderful and also was awarded a character award by her class. Each letter in the word "Crusader" represented a character quality. Hayden received the letter "D" for Devotion. The teacher said it was for devotion on the field as an athlete, in the classroom as a student, and as a good friend. We are so proud of her!

Last weekend was Cooper's last baseball games for his season. They ended up taking 2nd place in the tournament in a nailbiter series. It was so awesome to watch!

Hayden has just started her softball season so I will try to keep you updated with how she is doing. This weekend they played in a tournament and also took 2nd place overall. I guess our kids need to add more gray hairs with these exciting games.