Back to School

It is that time of year again when we bid farewell to the craziness of summer and get back into a routine.  I must say, this is the first year that I have been sad to see school start.  This summer was crazy busy and it seems we didn't get to spend much time together as a family.  Oh well, who wouldn't want to say "off you go" to this bunch of goofballs.  BTW, this was the BEST photo I got. . .

I was able to get photos of Parker and Briggs, but mom roaming the high school hall with a camera is uber embarrasing for teenagers.  Even Parker wasn't excited I was there with the camera, I had to sneak a shot in.

Have a great year boys!!!

New Addition to the Family

We now have a new member of the family.  Meet. . .Mr. Tims!

He just showed up one day and we decided that if he showed up for three days in a row, we would feed him.  The one stipulation was that he and the dog had to get along because we were not about to monitor dog/cat relations for the rest of our lives.  Below shows how that went. . .

So, now we have a cat.  Even though we don't really need another pet, it is nice to have something to pet that is not spazy, stinky or bratty!  At least he doesn't live in the house!!!

Spiritual Experiences on the Trek

There were several places on the Trek where the missionaries asked us to be still and quiet as we participated in various activities and in certain places.  It is amazing how much we can learn from the spirit when we are quiet and open to those promptings.  Here are some photos of those special, sacred places and activities that made such an impact on us and on the youth. . .

These are the statues that are situated just before you enter Martin's Cove.  I love how the artist caputred the heartache on the faces of the statues. . .

This is the actual cove.  The day that we went to the cove, the wind was terrible.  Several tents in our camp had been ripped apart from the stakes in the ground and several had snapped poles.  However, when we went into the cove, you could not feel the wind at all, you could not even hear it.  What a blessing that spot was for the Martin Handcart Company to get out of the blizzards and find peace and shelter.  How like the temple this spot is.  The winds may howl outside, but inside, you can find solice, protection and feel the spirit of the Lord.  This spot was dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinkley as sacred, hallowed ground.  You can definitely feel the spirit here!!!

This is the crossing of the Sweetwater River.  This was the river that many of the handcart company were afraid to cross because they had lost so many people to death from their crossing of the North Platte river.  Several of the rescuers carried the saints across this frozen, icy river for many hours so that the saints who were not in good physical condition would not suffer from exposure and die. 

This is the women's pull.  The men are asked to stand on either side of the steep, sandy, rocky incline and watch in silence as the women pull the handcarts up the hill.  There was so much respect shown to us.  Not one man or young man had their hats on during this event.  Their hats were off, many of them were misty-eyed and you could see how much they wanted to help, but could not.  I am so proud of the girls in our family who, after pulling our cart up the hill, went back to help others. 

It was a fabulous experience and we would highly recommend it to anyone who has not been.  It was an incredible testimony builder on the sacrifices those early saints made for the gospel.  It makes us ponder what we are willing to sacrifice for God's kingdom and how strong is our commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Martin's Cove Trek 2011

We were asked to be a Ma & Pa for the Martin's Cove Trek our stake took this August.  We had an incredible experience!!!  What a wonderful setting for our youth to feel the spirit and increase their testimonies.  Even kids from our branch who whined about having to go felt something special there.  Here are a few photos. . .

Here is our family. . .

Here we are at the bridge crossing the Sweetwater. . .

This is Oscar. . .he is the Martin's Cove ranch dog.  He followed us all over the place, it was awesome!!

This is Devil's Gate. . .

Mitchell turns 17

Mitchell turned 17 last month and finally got an iPod!!!  He has lately opted for brownies in lieu of a cake for his birthday, whew!!!

Boys at the Reunion

There was a great rope swing over the little lake up at the reunion. . .here is Stockton having a go at it.

Here are those handsome Smith boys at the reunion.  Mitch-16; Stockton-15; Parker-11; Brigham-9

Reunion at Flying Cloud Ranch

Here are some of the photos of our Smith family reunion this year.  Here is Jared on the zipline. . .











Here is the fantastic view we had

This is the cabin where we spent lots of time catching up and strengthening the bonds of love with family. . .

We had a great time and can't wait for the next one in two years.