4th of July extras-Part3

I finally got these pics on here from our visit to the mini fair activities on the 4th. Sophie got to ride a pony & had a blast in the petting zoo area. She wouldn't let go of this rabbit, even when it was slipping out of her hands & dangling by the scruff! Oh, our animal lover!

The little singer/songwriter

Sophie loves to sing her own made up songs, which are usually very sweet. They are often about Charlie, sometimes about her Kitty & blanket, or just about random things around her that catch her interest, sometimes using hadn motions like in her Primary songs. This is a vidoeo I finally took of her singing one of her made up songs while we were at the beach house. Sometimes she'll play on our piano while she does this, but here she took the opportunity of using the Rock band drums. She wasn't as sweet sounding here, but just as funny!

July 4th extras

We just had to show off the crazy Joker face!

The whole group in front of our house

Happy Independence Day!

We had a wonderful 4th of July day! We started out watching a local parade with some friends, followed by the nearby fair booths where Sophie got a short pony ride & spent some time in a little petting zoo. She loved feeding the goat & sheep, as well as holding the poor rabbits...she never let go even when it was slipping through her fingers & dangling! Oh, our animal lover! (The love is just a little intense sometimes) :) After naps, we had a big group of friends over at our place for some yummy BBQ, socializing, swimming at the pool, fireworks in the street, & watching some late night big fireworks. We all met at the church building to park & then carpool to the stadium, but we ended up staying at the lot & having a great view of 2 different shows. I don't think Sophie has ever stayed up later than that, but I think she loved it all! What a fun-filled day!

Justin & Lauren

Sophie had a moment or 2 when the fireworks scared her. This popsicle made such a mess! We will soon post the pic of her face after she was done...she seriously looks like the Joker!

The kiddies watching our street show

You can kind of see our neighbors across the street got in on the action.

Hanging out front after the yummy BBQ dinner

The rest of the crew

Sophie's flag waving at the parade. It took her a while to figure out the whole thing (being her 1st parade)-even when they kept throwing out candy (we ate too much!), she was a little slow.

Our great spot

Oma & Kelli visit DC!

This last week, Oma & Kelli made a stop in DC while on their church history tour around the country. They had a free day, so Sophie & I went up to spend some time with them downtown. We went all around the American History museum, then took a peak at the White House, Capitol building, & Potomac river, as well as the Folklife Festival on the Mall. Then, Sophie & I stole my mom away to rest & see our new house while Kelli finished up some touring with her group. We were so glad that she could see our home & that we could spend some time with them while they were out here. Happy touring guys!

Sophie loved poiting things out in the museum, & spent some good time "reading" this message.

This is one of Sophie's pictures she took-not too shabby, eh? Perhaps we have a photographer in the making!

Here's a peak at the Folklife Festival-we love all the happenings in this city!

Looking at the ducks on the Potomac River.

We miss you Aunt Kelli!

Reno Family Fun

Last week we went out to Reno, NV to visit all the Smiths for a double baby blessing-Dallin & Kristin's boy, Preston, and Burton & Katie's girl, Zoey (both first time parents). We loved spending so much time with family. There's so many of them! Sophie got ridiculously spolied by all her granparents there, & loved seeing & holding the babies. It's ncie to eb home after so much traveling, but we sure miss our family! We'll let the pictures fill in the gaps.


Sophie loved playing with Uncle Burton

Grandma Debbie got Sophie's nails done-bright pink, of course, was all she wanted, & Grandma continued to keep her full of candy (Big Medicine finally caught on to that gimic!)

We think Sophie will be a great big sister! She loved holding her cousin, Zoey (mainly because Preston was too heavy to hold!).

She even wanted to help with changing her diapers....here's hoping that lasts when her little brother comes!

Sophie loved the dogs (Big Medicine's Otter & Dallin's Henry here in the pic). She wore poor Henry out every time!

Proof of the Smith kids' torturous ways...Dallin actually made shirts to make fun of Nolan's recent mistake....oh, boys! What am I in for???!

Grandma Jocelyn loved sharing her new massage tool, & Sophie loved helping!

Aunt Leslie & Preston....she can't get enough of the babies! (You can move out near us ANYTIME!)

Chow time with the Smiths...always an adventure

Uncle Mason finally succombed to holding the babies...and liked it!

We hope his endeavors with LA (hehopes) this fall work out!

Preston's cute smile!

Burton & Katie after Zoey's blessing

Some of the crew (we filled up 2 huge rows in church between 3 familes!)

Mama Conk/Grandma Jocelyn & her kids (except Burton)

Crazy Justin & his nephew, Preston

Sophie's very first Carousel ride-she was extatic, but became wary & thinking when the time came. Grandma Debbie loved sharing this new experience with her!

Getting ready to go with Daddy & Kitty!

She couldn't leave without having a turn with Mama. :) When we got back home, she asked about going on a Ferris Wheel again...and then demanded a chocolate shake like Grnadma Debbie gave her....oh how she was spoiled! Thanks guys!

Tongue faces for the camera!

Messy ice cream face....did I say spoiled already?

Sophie with her cousins (through step-sister Lisa) Hailey & Dillan, sportin' the candy necklaces at the movies. This was Sophie's first movie experience, watching "Up." She loved the huge screen, as well as the popcorn & candy. So fun!

We also got to visit with some old friends at Uncle Dallin's firehouse. Here's the girls in the truck.

The thunderstorm came, & the girls girls loved dancing in the rain.

Fireman Dallin Smith & Sophie

Lauren, Justin, Sophie, Stephanie, Karina, Josh, & Kelsey.
Josh & Justin were friends in high school & roommates in college when we were all engaged. It was great to see them again & see how our families have grown!

It's a boy!!!!

We're very excited!! Lauren's maybe slightly nervous, having heard too many Smith boy horror stories! We asked, and Sophie said she wanted a baby brother, plus Lauren had a feeling it was a boy, so we weren't surprised. However, it's blue for us, & we're lovin' it. :)