8 is GREAT!

I just started a new reading/writing blog. I'll review books I've read and blog about my writing journey.  My first real post is a review of 2 books I just finished. Check it out- http://myliteraryescape.blogspot.com/

Here are some pictures of random happenings in the Smith household. My neighbors and I just started a preschool co-op where each woman takes turns holding preschool in their home. Last week we took a field trip to the fire station. It was a lot of fun. The firefighter was showing the kids what he looks like with his gear so they won't be afraid. Then they got to try on his hat. It was pretty heavy. Brynlie started swaying a little. :) Here is everyone in front of the fire truck. The kids got to try working out like a firefighter, except in this case I think he got more of a workout than they did! Here's Brynlie's try at pull ups. Lauren wanted to listen to my ipod . This is how I found her. :) This is a common occurrence on Sundays. We have church right in the middle of the day so Brynlie misses her nap. Alyssa had this loose tooth that she couldn't or a least didn't dare to pull out. One day her and Kamary were fighting and she tried to bite Kamary ! Pop-o...

Last week we celebrated Alyssa's 8th birthday! I know I say this all the time, but I really can't believe that she is already that old! Those 8 years flew by!! Alyssa wanted a pirate ship cake for her birthday this year. Ready to open presents Alyssa loved all of her presents. She got a zhu zhu pet and legos from Grandma & Grandpa Smith. She also got a game and bath set. Unfortunately her cake got shipwrecked and broke in half. She still blew out the cannon candles Cake & Ice Cream Brynlie sure had a good time Grandma & Grandpa Wheeler gave Alyssa a gift card to Build-a-Bear Workshop. This is what she got. Her puppy's name is Fluffy. Alyssa loves to play games and have races, so we thought a Minute to Win It birthday party was the perfect fit. The girls had to stack 5 apples. That's a lot harder than it looks. I think the highest tower was 4 apples. We used the air from balloons to knock over empty soda cans We also knocked over a pyramid of soda can...

This holiday season was filled with a lot of fun and peace. For some reason, I really enjoyed this Christmas Season--stress free. I was busy with projects and things, but I enjoyed it. I didn't get caught up in the hustle and bustle. I enjoyed listening to my Christmas music, being with my family and friends and truly feeling the Spirit of the season. We start off the season by seeing the Christmas Lights at the Mesa, Arizona LDS Temple. There is such a special feeling there and it really gets me in the Christmas Spirit. Kohler and Alyssa sang in a Christmas concert at their school. All ready to sing. It's hard to see, but Kohler is in there somewhere. Kohler with his teacher Ms. Sermeno Alyssa and her teacher, Mrs. Nordoff Each year we celebrate Advent, which is the 4 Sundays before Christmas. We try to do something fun every Advent. Here is our Advent wreath on 3rd Advent (we light a candle each Advent Sunday) One of our favorite Advent activities is making gingerbread house...