Another Tooth Gone

Raygen is pleased to announce that she has lost tooth number 2. She pulled it out all by herself after days and days of wiggling. The Tooth Fairy must have been too busy last night to stop by . . . . .so hopefully she will be able to do it tonight. We might have to fire that forgetful fairy!

Snowmobiling with Dad

Tyson and I had a great day snowmobiling with my dad! He is kind enough to take us with him even though he tells us he is just glad to have someone to go with. We went up Cub River. I miss the mountains of Star Valley but I am learning to really enjoy the beauty that surrounds us here. There was a lot of new snow which is always a ton of fun! Tyson only got stuck 3 times and I got stuck once. I am so glad to have such an awesome dad. He makes sure to go places I can follow and doesn't leave me in the dust. The sun was shining and there was just enough wind to erase some of the tracks left by the machines in front of us. I have always loved snowmobiling. There is nothing quite like it. To be able to enjoy nature while it sleeps is a truly amazing experience. I am so thankful to live in this day and age where we have the technology to make life a lot more enjoyable!

Hardware Ranch

Other years we have driven all the way up to Jackson Hole, WY to ride the sleigh out on the elk feed ground. It is a lot of fun but this year we decided to go see what the Hardware Ranch was like instead. The drive up Black Canyon was beautiful! I can't believe we haven't been up there before. The Visitor center was small but the people were all really nice. We were there on a day that wasn't very busy so we were able to get on a sleigh right away. Mr. Jensen was our driver and he looked very familiar to us but we never could place him. He was a nice man. A group of people from South Korea were on the sled with us. They were so funny. They were very excited to be there and their enthusiasm was refreshing. They were laughing at how much the elk poop and some even splashed on one of them which caused a huge uproar. Gabe brought his binoculars but the elk were so close he didn't need to use them. After the ride was over a Korean man was trying to get up the nerve to kiss Norman (one of the horses that pulled the sleigh). He didn't dare until Raygen just marched right up and gave him a big old kiss without even hesitating. It was funny to see his expression! It is always fun to get out of the house and enjoy nature. We had a good day and wouldn't hesitate to go back.

Walking the Hall!

Raygen was able to reach her goal of 100 AR points in reading so she was rewarded with the opportunity to walk the hall with the school mascot, Pella the Panther. All the other kids came out of their classrooms and cheered as she went by. It is a fun tradition that her elementary does. She was sure tickled and she gave her friends a high five as she went by. It was really cute. She also received a coupon for a free kids meal at Arctic Circle, a book mark, and a certificate. We are proud of her for setting a goal and accomplishing it all by herself. She loves to read and is reading at a high 3 grade level. She loves school and excited when she gets good grades. (She wishes they gave A's in 1st grade but they don't yet) I hope this keeps up throughout the years!

Birthday Business!

We celebrated Ridge's and Gabe's birthdays this month. Dad's schedule changed and so he was able to be home on their birthdays for the first time in years. We went bowling at the infamous Pop N' Pins lanes and then opened presents and had cupcakes. It was a good time even though Tyson is extrememly competitive and took great pride in beating the kids and me. (Good thing we had bumper lanes!) Gabe was thrilled to death with the night vision goggles Raygen and Ridge gave him. And Ridge loves the bath toys and bath crayons he got. So it was a very good day. On the 24th we had a big combined birthday party for Ridge, Gabe, Kadrian, and Brianne. It was tons of fun and always good to be able to spend time with family!
Another thing that happened this month is---Bracken and Lindsey had their baby! We got to babysit Auriana for a few days while they were in the hospital. They named their cute little boy Benton Max Smith after their fathers. He looks just like Bracken! Hopefully Auri will get use to sharing her parents. We really enjoyed having her. She is such a cutie!

My Brother, My Friend . . .

My big brother,Brian Gamble Smith, passed away December 24, 2008. He was not only my brother but one of my best friends. I love him very much and will miss him deeply. It is hard to think that I won't hear his voice or see his big smile anymore in this life. He taught me so much that I will continue to use throughout my life. He also gave me an amazing sister-in-law, four wonderful nephews, and one beautiful niece that I will cherish forever! I hope he finds the peace he so desperately needed and I know the Savior will take care of him until we meet again. Until that day--I love you, Brian, my brother, my friend, and my hero!

Crazy Cousins!

Raygen and Brooklynn got to spend a lot of time together this week. They had SO much fun! They giggled their heads off. They say they are each other's sister since they don't have a "real" one. It was so cute. Here is a song they made up.