My Beautiful Brooklyn

Can it really be that my sweet baby is already two?

Brooklyn has been growing up so fast. She is talking (and talking and talking) all the time. We celebrated her birthday on Monday with G & G Smith, Angie, Maren, Andy, Jamie and Livi. She loves her new trike, her baby cradle, and the dress up clothes. It is so funny to see her walking around in little princess heels.

Brooklyn, I never thought I would get a little girl. You are so sweet and let me do your hair in all different kinds of ways (as long as you can watch Dora while I'm doing it) You are all girl, and love pretties and babies, and all that girlie stuff. But, you are a tough little one that loves to wrestle and scream and run. You have the sweetest little personality. When you get sad or mad, you stick out your lower lip and glare. It is so funny. Lots of times, we'll both start laughing. You love eating cereal and chips and you don't like juice. You love your "mimi" (binky) and you aren't too happy about me trying to wean you from it. You can make a giant mess in less than 60 seconds. You love to read books and always want some in your bed with you. You are one sweet girl and I love you so!

Mr. (and Mrs.) Smith Go To Washington

Okay, I'm trying to get caught up on my blogging, so here's another post...
For our tenth anniversary Billy and I went to Washington D.C. with his sister Jamie and her hubby Nate. It was such an awesome vacation. We spent the first two days in Gettysburg, decided to hit Hershey, Pennsylvannia (kind of random, but fun) then we went to D.C.
We stayed with my 2nd cousin's in-laws,Mark and Libby, whom we had never met, but they were fabulous, gracious hosts and made us feel right at home. They live just a few block from the capitol and the metro, so it was the perfect place. They have a beautiful house and the sweetest dog. Thanks Emily and Ben for hooking us up with the best place to stay in D.C.
Let's see- I think we did almost everything there...
Lots of walking, Memorial Day concert on the Capitol lawn, riding the subway, Farmer's market, Air and Space museum (Billy's favorite), Holocaust museum (really moving and humbling experience), two pregnant girls trying to keep up with their hubbies who for some reason always walked 15 feet ahead of us, The printing and engraving place where they print all the money, all the memorials- Lincoln, Washington, WW2, Vietnam, Korean War, FDR, (I'm sure I'm missing some), the National archives where the constitution is, The Old Post Office tower, Library of congress, Jamie getting pooped on by a bird, capitol tour, the National Cathedral, Natural History museum, Arlington cemetary, the White house (Old George couldn't meet with us that day, so we just saw the outside) and the Washington D.C. temple. I'm sure I'm leaving out stuff, and I would love to write about how great each thing was, but I would never get it finished. Anyway, it was a great experience and full of so much history. To get to walk where great leaders have walked was really exciting. It was great to be there over Memorial day and remember all those that have made our country what it is today.
And a special shout out to my mom and Billy's mom for watching our kids while we were away.

Happy 30th to Me!

Wow, I can't believe I am no longer a 20 something. On June 8th, I turned the big 3-0. Lots of people asked me if it felt wierd or different, but I have to admit I felt the exact same. The only wierd thing for me is that I thought that by the time I was 30, I would have things pretty much figured out- I would have it together, be more organized, be really wise and mature. However, I still feel like I'm figuring things out, which I suppose is good since we are always supposed to be learning.

So, now I enter my 30's and I have to admit things are pretty good. No, I haven't figured out how to make myself stay up and fold laundry before going to bed, and I haven't yet figured out how to always have dinner ready (maybe I should start thinking about it before 4:30 :)... But I do have two really great kids and we are excited to meet numero 3.

Billy was really sweet and threw me a birthday bbq with a bunch of friends and family. If you didn't get an invite, I'm sorry, but it was a last minute thing and he sent out a bunch of emails the day before. Actually, our dinner conversation consisted of:

Billy- What do you want to do for your birthday?

Me- I don't care, but you're in charge of planning it, and you probably should have started 2 weeks ago.

Billy- (long pause) I was thinking about doing a bbq.

Me- Okay, but I don't want to do any of the work... (that may sound bratty, but hey, its my birthday!!!!)

And so it was we went together to Sam's club, loaded up on burgers and hot dogs and all that jazz. Then he did all the work- and thanks to Dennis too for bringing his grill and doing practically all the cooking. I knew you were one of my favorite cousins :) And even though the picture doesn't show it, I did invite adults as well!

So, now I am into my 30's and it is looking pretty good. Thanks to everyone who remembered my birthday. If you forgot, I am still accepting gifts and cash. Ha ha ha. Love you all and thanks for making my first 30 years so great.

I'm back.....

Yes, I know I've disappeared from the blogging world and I apologize, but really I had a good reason! I was really really really sick! Sick- for 3 months- you may ask!? Yep, I caught the 3 month morning sickness bug. We were really surprised since our other pregnancies have taken nearly 2 years to happen and this one was only 8 months- with no clomid! I guess the third time really is a charm. We are super excited. I went to the dr. this morning and heard the heartbeat for the first time. I was going to blog last week, but figured I might as well make sure everything was good. I'm about 13 wks along and due December 11. Yes, I will have another December baby, but at least this one won't be quite as close to Christmas.
Brayden keeps telling us that it is twins- yikes. He even announced it to the primary at church. He is really excited and told me that he wants to sit next to the baby in the car because he is tired of sitting next to Brooklyn.
Brooklyn doesn't really get it, but loves her baby dolls and any real babies we see, so I'm sure it will be fun with her also.
Anyway, sorry no pics or anything. And I want you all to know that I have been reading your blogs, but between trying to keep up with the kids and getting my now necessary nap in, I just haven't been able to comment as much. But, I am thinking of all of you!