And we've got.....a NEW CAR!!!

Wahoo! We've been saving, then things came up to deplete that savings....saved again, then that was depleted....you get the picture. So, although we were trying to be super financially savvy, it seems, we needed more push to replace. "Le Tigre", our old, '96 Corolla was on its last leg. It was on a very slow death, as Justin drove it miles daily to & from work, and we knew that once it required expensive repairs again, we were not going to be willing to shell out the cash to keep it on life support for the next short while 'til it drained our pockets again. So it was the Virgina state inspection that unexpectedly pushed us into that scary realm of new car buying. The inspector told us he wouldn't even look at the car until we replaced all the tires. That in & of itself would probably cost more than the junk was worth, but we knew it'd probably need new brakes, door handle, new fluids, etc., etc.
After a long, busy weekend, and colds brewing around the household, as well as some good research (intending to get a used Pilot or Sienna), we managed to find ourselves the perfect car for our little family needs...a new Rav4 with 3rd row seating! Hooray! They took "Le Tigre" off our hands, and we failed to take one last picture of our ghetto car. :( We feel quite luxurious now, and, even though it's basic, we really enjoy all its features. Hey-we're used to 9-14 year old cars! Sophie is excited to show it off to her friends & have them ride in it, too. (Does it really start this early??) A new name may be in order, but for now, we'll call it Rav. :)
After years of service, we feel the need to blog a fairwell to "LeTigre." You served us well, little Corolla, saving us from a money pit Taurus soon after Justin & Lauren were married, then driving us all around campuses, then all around the west to visit family, and then you took us all across the country to the D.C. area, and there remained our commuter car. Your death was slow & painful, but your life was full. We shall not miss your salt stripes, faulty door handles, unsafe handling & brakes, and lingering smells, although you have many wonderful memories attatched to you. Goodbye LeTigre!
Hello to a new transportation era in the Smith family!
(Photo to come)

4th of July 2010 Fun

Happy Independence Day!!! The Smiths in Virginia enjoyed a waffle bar get together at a friend's place the night before, then had a low key BBQ & fireworks with some friends that day. It was fun to watch the kids' reactions to the fireworks. SOphie & the older kids cheered, clapped, & waved their sparklers around in joy. Ryan was absolutely fascinated...as long as he was laying on your shoulder, tightly squeezing your neck! Like most kids, the lights were great, but the noises scared him. Justin kept interest going between fireworks with snaps ready in hand. As always, we had a ball. We love this land we live in, and we are grateful for the freedoms we enjoy here! Enjoy our little snapshots of the fun!

Young Women Girls' Camp

Last week, I (Lauren) got to attend the last few days of girls' camp. It was so woderful spending some time with these beautiful young women and the other leaders there. They are amazing! It was quite special to steal away from the world to the woods for some fun times and spiritual experiences. This made me come home a new woman, or shall I say, my authentic self that was missing for a time, and I couldn't be more grateful. Heavenly Father knows us all too well. I am one lucky girl! (By the way, I'm not in this photo-taken before I got there-but just imagine I'm there, too-no makeup, orange shirt & a baseball cap...that's me!)

Extra Preschool photos

These are some late comers to the blog that we got from Sophie's preschool class. We can't belieev how much she's already grown!

Spaghetti, stairs, & dancing away!

It's summer, but the excitement never ends around here. The kids are having fun together, especially now that Ryan is such a mover. It seems there's something happeneing here all the time. Justin & a friend of ours are beginning a fine chocolate making business, and production will start soon. You can check out his progress on his blog & facebook (Potomac Chocolater Co.. )

Ryan had his first experience with spaghetti, and man was he good at getting it EVERYWHERE! Hair, ears, eyes...it was awesome, and the LDS missionaries in our area got to experience it all since they were over for dinner.


Sophie, our little dancer & swimmer, has taken off as well. She really has great form for her age, and we're looking hard for dance classes for her, which is tricky during summer.

Ryan also started climbing stairs. He went all the way up 1/2 a flight yesturday. Yikes!

Ooh! This is cool! I'm so big! (yes, Ryan, we're in for it!))

Group Beach pics

We got back some group pics from the beach. One of the kiddies & one of everybody. Loads of fun!

Our determined crawler!

While at the beach, Ryan learned how to crawl on his hands & knees. form then on, he was unstoppable! Within a week, he learned to pull to stand, cruise, & say "Mama" (I sure loved that since I literally had no name or sound for a long time with Sophie!). I've never seen a more determined kid. He would sweat some days from working so hard to do these things. he tries to let go of the furniture to walk, but of course he's not there yet. I think he's just trying to catch up with his big sister! Although his curiosity & new found movement gets him into everything, he is such a little sweetheart. Wait, did I say little? After a bout of croop took us to the Dr.'s office, we found out he's alrighty 21 1/2/ pounds. Talk about a chunker! SO, here's a video of one of his frist crawls. It's at the beach on the sand.