The Smith Family Chronicles: April 2011

We had already decided on coming to Las Vegas this summer, but Grandma Smith's health took a turn for the worse, bringing the whole family together to see her at least one last time. As with these things, such sad occasions bring people together, which is also joyous. So, we were all sad for the reason, but happy for the event. We were there for just over a week, spending time with family, celebrating Easter, a new baby, and, at the very end, mourning the loss of a loved one. She was such a wonderful woman, and we know that she is much happier now.

We stayed at Mel & Ty's home (Justin's step-sister), and Sophie & Ryan had a ball getting to know better all of their cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandparents (including Lauren's parents & sister, Kelli). We captured lots of photos to remember the fun trip, and some more details go along with the pictures.

It was also our "puke-tastic" trip, as Justin so named it. First of all, we have decided that flying across country is awful, flying with kids is very difficult, flying with sick people is no fun, and combine it all and you've got pure misery that we do not want to repeat. Just before the trip, Ryan and Lauren had JUST gotten over a really nasty stomach bug. Well, just after take-off, Ryan's still weak stomach made him puke all over Lauren. Thankfully, he was fine after that. Not 2 days into the trip, Sophie pukes all over the rental car as we neared the Hoover Dam, spiking a fever of 104 for the next day. Thankfully, SHE got better and quick. Poor Uncle Mason and grand uncle Paul caught the bug from Sophie. We thought we had all made it through the sickness without much trouble, when on the way home, Sophie pukes about 5 times, filling more than her share of barf bags. At least, we didn't smell of puke. We had some delays and majorly bumpy flights (due to a storm-Lauren had major naseau with that!). We finally arrive home and climb into our own beds (hallelujah!) after drinking crystal clear Virginia water (we missed you!) around 3am, when Justin announces he is feeling ill. Sure enough, the next day, he is making his own sacrifices to the porcelain gods, as they say. It is at the end of the day, Lauren had managed to keep fluids down Justin, tame a mountain of laundry, tackle a load of mail, bills, & emails, re-stock the fridge & cupboards, and get the kids in bed at a reasonable hour. Friday is looking better and better.

We're not so sure we ever want to travel like that again, but we are so very very grateful we made it safely home (Charlie and the house were also OK and happy to have us) and that we were able to spend some precious, unforgettable time with those we love. We miss them already!

Aunt Katie & Sophie catching some sun.

Aunt Kristen, Uncle Dallin, & Preston.

Some of the Smith brothers palling around in the pool.

Lauren helping Ryan in the hop race (at Mel & Ty's church easter activity). He was giggling so hard!

Sophie pinning the tail on the bunny.

Sophie dying her own egg.

Ryan & Zoey (2) giving high fives

Cute little Zoey. She is so tiny! Ryan easily outweighed her!

High Five Uncle Burton!

Justin & Burton had to race in the potato sacks. I think Justin tripped at teh end. They are so competitive!

Zoey & Ryan racing with their daddies.

Here was the egg toss, which made Ryan believe that's what all eggs were for....sigh.

Finding the candy inside the eggs at the hunt.

Looking for eggs!

Ryan took a great swing at the pinata. That's our boy!

Sophie scored with all the candy!

Cousin Brendan trying to make off with the pinata. Go dude!

Aunt Leslie! We love her!

A common occurance on the trip. The kids were so off schedule, and we were all often tired, catching a rest whenever we could.

Playground time!

PresTON!

Our Ry-guy

Swinging cousins

Easter morning egg hunt in the backyard.

Cousin Kaitlyn looking hard.

Justin, Grandma Debbie, and Big Medicine directing traffic

Bailey & Mel. Bailey knew where the good stuff was!

Uncle Mason helping Sophie out.

Ryan filled his bucket so full, he couldn't carry it anymore, dragging it & saying, "Heavy! HEAVY!"

Sorting it all

Jayden & Sophie having fun together as always.

On Easter Sunday, we went to church with Oma, Papa, & Aunt Kelli (who drove in for thhe quick weekend to visit). Sophie had lots of fun playing Barbies with her!