DC Trip and Happy 14th birthday Spencer!

Just some fun pictures from our trip to Washington DC in September.

Dag is 4

"Me, My Birthday, Yes," said Dag on Sunday. We are still working on his Yoda like grammar, but other than that he is a keeper. He loved his birthday...pizza for breakfast, chicken nuggets for lunch, a huge oatmeal muffin for his cake, and pizza again for dinner. He couldn't have been happier. We frosted a muffin for the picture but he wouldn't eat that one. I wish I liked sweets as much as he doesn't, I could maybe lose those extra 10 pounds I've gained since they joined our family:)

He is such a cheese when it comes to pictures.

Fantastic Four!!!

The BIG 40

Sam turned 40 this year on Sept 6th, and he's been dropping hints for the past six months that he wanted me to surprise him with something really great. As it turned out, Boise State played Virginia Tech on that very day in Washington DC, so I knew exactly what to get him. We cleared his schedule for a couple of days, and Spencer, Carter, Sam and myself went for a long weekend to the Capitol. We had a great time seeing the sights, and that will be another post, but we had a fabulous time cheering on our Broncos. Amazing Seats! Best Company Ever! Best Game Ever!

Sam, you have 4 years to come up with something to top that! We Love you!

Tailgate party before the game with Joe and Rachel

Pre Game Show

40, but doesn't look a day over 30

Post game. We were a little excited! The boys didn't know their mother could get so rowdy.

First Day of School

Happy Day!

Spencer is in the 8th grade and too cool for a real picture. Carter started 6th grade and is now in middle school and loves it. Elle is a big third grader and loves her nice new teacher. Nate and Sicily started Kindergarten and the three of us couldn't be happier. Dag, I thought would be a little sad, but I have never seen a happier kid than he was yesterday, with his death grip on the remote control, knowing he was in control.

Nate came home from school on the first day and said, "Mom, I'm not that excited anymore, I don't think I'll go to school anymore!" "Whoa!" I say. "You will go tomorrow and everyday for what will seem like the rest of your life, and you will love it!"....and so will I!

"Crank It" by the Smith Family

This is the extended Smith Family at its best. Spencer made this video for an upcoming family reunion, that requested every family have a talent for a talent show. You must watch until the end though because that is where the true talent lies, as Cali, my amazing sister-in -law, busts a move.

Sam is the oldest of 10 children so if it seems they are never ending, that's because they are. We are missing one brother, Jesse, but we did have two of his children to represent. We even had a guest appearance from a family friend from France, Assitou. Luckily, I was busy in the kitchen or something, so we are all spared the image of me with no rhythm.

Now It's Official

It was pretty much a done deal back in October 2009 when the courts in Ethiopia convened to declare Nate and Dag "Smith" children, and then again, on December 22, 2009 when we appeared at the US Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and the grumpy worker said, as we were signing the forms for the boys' visas, "Now you know, there is a no return policy with these children, right?" But Monday August 16, 2010 at 10:30 am the judge declared it official in the State of Idaho, and the USA. It was quick and easy and when she asked us to share some thoughts about the past seven months with our children, I reminded myself I had just sworn to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so I was, like always, brutally honest, and told her it was the hardest thing I've ever done, but also the biggest blessing in our family's life. I got emotional as I told her of the promise we made with their birth mom, that we would love them, care for them, educate them, and give them the family she always wanted them to have. (The mighty judge even had a tear in her eye.)

So for the record, to all those who have listened to me complain or cry my eyes out in desperation, frustration, and exhaustion, thank you for your support, love and encouragement. I'm hear to attest, "you serve the ones you love, and love the ones you serve." I can honestly say, " I love these two boys to pieces!"

God Bless America

We spent a chilly fourth at the Lake . Nate loved the fireworks, and the matches that lit them even more, and Dag fell aspleep before it was dark enough to start the festivities. I have a complaint too, what happened to the good old fashioned sparkler that you bought at the grocery store? The new and improved $1 each ones are not near as good. I hate when they mess with a good thing. In the words of Nate, "I love-a America!"