"A" Honor Roll

Porter and  Ethan got straight A's the first marking period of the year and were honored at a breakfast in January. We are glad they both did well since they were each allowed to bring 2 guests to the program and that way we all made it there:). I don't want to miss out on my Panera Bakery orange scones! YUM! They received a certificate and had their picture taken with the school mascot, Kiwi the Koala of Wekiva Elementary School. Aeris was fascinated by the mascot and kept going up to it for a hug. It was cute so she got her picture taken too. 

We are proud of our smart, hard workers and they'd better keep up the good work cause Mom and Dad AREN'T paying for college! That's something we'll leave for them to figure out. If they can get others to give them $$, all the better!

The Science Fair

In February, the boys and I completed a science fair project. It was supposed to be done with their dad but somehow it was "forgotten" until almost too late! So we worked on a project about pendulums and their swing and what effect the length of string has on the rate and duration of the swing. 

I helped too much!! Next time, I'm going to stand back and keep my hands to myself. They set it up at the school by themselves and got a ribbon for participation. It was a good experience for them (and me) and they were proud of themselves.

Central Florida Zoo

On Monday, we went to the zoo with Grandpa Tim. We sent the kids off to school in the morning, much to Ethan's dismay, and picked them up after lunch for a surprise adventure.

We have annual passes and we keep hoping we can drop off a kid or two and no one will notice :). No luck yet. We think they'd blend in well in the monkey exhibit. 

Ethan was having a bonding moment with the zebu. I must admit, it had beautiful eyes with long lashes and looked very sweet.

Jacob and Elijah were trying out banana phones to see if the monkeys were on to something. 

 

All in all, it was a great way to spend the afternoon with a dear, kind grandpa that we love.

Kennedy Space Center

On Tuesday, we all went to the Kennedy Space Center. It was a little windy.

I had to keep a hold of Aeris, lest she blow away!

We took the shuttle ride to  LC 39, the Rocket Launch Site. That's where it was so windy. Then we took the shuttle to the Apollo/Saturn V Center where we saw the full size Saturn V. It was amazingly HUGE!

We ran out of time for the 3rd stop on the shuttle tour, the International Space Station Center. So we headed back and rode the Shuttle Launch Experience. It was bumpy but I'm sure I could hack it as an astronaut, just have to do a total career change :). 

 

And Jacob was having fun with our new camera and got some good pictures of the Rocket Garden during the "golden hour of light", right as the sun is going down.

 

And here is Aeris taking a pretend nap which was as close as she got to a real nap that day. We forgot her pacifier which made for a somewhat difficult day. She didn't even fall asleep on the way home and had some very interesting conversations with her Aunt McKenzie in her effort to stay awake. It's gonna be rough when she has to give up her "passi" at the ripe old age of three.

It was a great day and I highly recommend the Kennedy Space Center. It helps you truly appreciate how amazing it is that we've gotten into space and how much effort it takes. And if you go in March and are a FL resident, you can get one kid in free per adult. :)

Porter and Ethan's Baptism

On Sunday, February 28th, my oldest boys were baptized! I can't believe I'm old enough for 8 year olds. My parents and 2 youngest siblings were able to come from Alaska and Jacob's dad from California for the occasion. They were both baptized by my dad, Brian Smith, and confirmed by my dad (Porter) and Tim Huyck (Ethan). Tim gave a truly wonderful talk on the Holy Ghost. My little sis, McKenzie, gave the closing prayer and the Primary kids sang Baptism while we waited for them to change. Another boy was also baptized that evening, Matthew Bush.

We had a little open house afterwards with cookies and muffins for our friends. We invited the Garretts, Bates, Parkers, and Engs.

I was so happy and proud of them. I couldn't stop smiling. I'm so glad they made this decision to start on the path to return to their Father in Heaven. I love them a million, a million. It was a good day and went better than I could have imagined. 

Brian Smith, Jacob, Tim Huyck

Ethan, Ryan (my little brother), Elijah, Porter

Fun

The kids all got an outside toy for Christmas. Ethan got roller blades, Elijah got a new bike, Aeris got a scooter and Porter got some rope...which Jacob made into a rope swing. They had fun!

Happy 2010!

We welcomed in the New Year in grand style complete with silly glasses, chocolate fondue, and sparkling peach juice. We let the boys stay up late. Porter and Ethan made it to midnight but Elijah conked out at ten minutes to the new year. We may have taken advantage of his blissful slumber :).

May you and yours have a wonderful and exciting new year!