The Good Life

The Smith Kids

(minus buff, who couldn't make it)

After we got home from California my family came up to Utah for my Grandma's funeral. My mom's mom died at the beginning of this month. She lived to be 95 years old, pretty impressive! For the last 8 years my mom has been taking care of her, so my family had the opportunity to get to know her pretty well. It was a beautiful funeral service, and really nice to have my family in town. Afterwards I got to fly to AZ and spend some more time with my family and friends. My mom wanted to re-decorate the room my grandma had lived in for those 8 years, and I was just in time to help! We peeled through 25 years of different wallpapers and gave the walls a much needed fresh coat of paint. The finished product turned out so cute! We did a pretty good job, if I do say so myself. It wasn't all hard work, I did a lot of playing too. I got my hair done, thanks Ash! We went bowling one night, I WON! Not really, I think my high score for both games combined was 47. Perhaps I should be concerned with my total lack of coordination, but I guess it's ok if bowling is never my forte. My favorite part of the trip was catching up with good friends. No matter how long it's been, we always have the best time when we all get together.

Before

During

After!

(don't worry, the putrid chair will be re-covered)

Oh What a Week!!

We were in desperate need of a vacation. So, we flew to California and spent a wild week with my family. My mom had a timeshare at a condo across the street from Disney Land so we took advantage of the opportunity. It was so nice, each family had their own room in the condo. Monday we hit Universal Studios, Tuesday we headed to Sea World, we spent Wednesday at Huntington Beach, then Thursday-Saturday we played at Disney Land. Talk about a week crammed full of fun! The best part was eating at a different delicious restaurant every night. Everyone but my brother's were able to come. Each family even made matching T-shirts to wear to Disney Land (cheesy, i know). Landon was surprisingly very good! I was afraid that he might keep us up all night because of the wacky schedule and new surroundings, but he actually slept better than ever! We're up to 11 hours through the night! At Disney Land we were able to "child swap" so we didn't have to wait in line twice for the rides that were too scary for the little ones. Landon was able to go on most of the Disney rides anyway. Now that we're home I get to unpack, do laundry and pack again for my trip to AZ this Friday, I can't wait! Here are a few pics from the vacation.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

James and Blake (nephews)

We love the "Saw" movies!

Our big boy!

SEA WORLD

BEACH DAY Sugar Shack! Yummmm.

DISNEY LAND!

"Most Creative"

"Cutest"

Our shirts won "Funniest"

eye high

Who can tell me what is wrong with this picture? Since we plan on moving in December we decided to take full advantage of our insurance while we can. We've been in and out of Dr's offices a bunch lately. Our most recent adventure was to the Optometrist. Sam has contacts but likes to take them out and wear glasses at times. However, he has been sporting the same glasses since 1998! That's almost 10 years. So, not only was it well past time to upgrade the style, maybe now he will actually be able to see while wearing them since his poor sight has increased well past his old prescription's capabilities. Lately I noticed myself squinting a lot more than normal, especially when trying to read the subtitles of our newest hobby; watching Spanish movies. Judging by Sam's muffled snickering at my attempt to read the vision chart, apparently my sight is worse than I thought. Instead of blasting our eyes with the usual "puff" of air the Dr decided to dilate our pupils with what I swear was poison. Not only did we have to endure the searing acid in our eyes, we were semi blind for quite some time after. The effects left Sam's pupils lop-sided but at least he could see out of one eye. Mine were equally deformed and I was starting to get frustrated at not being able to read the time on my phone, or anything else for that matter. We're all better now, and should have a good 10 years before we go back!

What a bargain!

We want to dress Landon up for Halloween. Well, actually Sam wants to dress him up, but I know it's only so he can take him trick-or-treating and reap the benefits. I feel uneasy about spending $20+ on a costume for someone who will wear it for 3 hours, not to mention have no recollection of the event. We found these cute T-shirts and hats at Target for a buck! There you go, instant Halloween costume! I know Landon looks disappointed, but don't worry its only a matter of time before he is infected with the bargain bug. If my mom has taught me anything, it is the importance of a good bargain! She has instilled in us since childhood that digging through the clearance racks is far more thrilling than spending a little more money to get what you really wanted. So, when I come across a hidden treasure I can't help but snatch it up! Most of the time I really don't need it, but to Sam's dismay I insist. If it's on sale I HAVE to buy it. I just cant resist the urge to save money. I realize that in spending money I am not really saving it. I also acknowledge that this is a sickness. Thank you Mother.

We spoke in church on Sunday so we decided to dress Landon up, that and the fact that this "6 month" outfit is almost too small for our 2 month old. I don't mind speaking in church, if I'm prepared. For some reason I thought I could just wing it... NOT my best idea. Sunday morning before church I gathered some quotes and thought I was ready. Needless to say it didn't go too well. My talk was like 4 minutes and consisted mostly of nervous chatter, which seems to have offended a large portion of the congregation. Sam did great as usual, how do you sound like an adult at the pulpit? I seriously feel like I should be holding up pictures as if I was giving a talk in primary. Oh well, I hope to someday become a real adult. Or at least sound like one. We're lucky to have Monday nights together as a family. Sam gets 2 days off work a week so we take advantage of every minute! Monday we were invited to dinner with some of our friends. It was fun! We ate Mexican food at the Blue Iguana. Now, this place frustrates me. Sam and I keep going there hoping to be impressed. But for some reason their food fails to deliver and they continue to use mayonnaise on their "dinner salads". PLEASE, is it too much to ask for a decent Mexican food restaurant in Utah? Apparently so. Afterwards we got ice cream and played the Newlywed Game. Sam and I won! I think it's because we aren't afraid of offending each other so we tell the truth and get the points!

Which one?

Who do you think Landon looks like more? I've heard he looks "exactly" like me, while other's swear he looks just like Sam. It's just fun to compare. The "Look-a-Like" meter on myheritage.com won't work for me, so let me know what you think!

karma.

Not cool, and NOT FAIR! Both of our cars were broken into last night. First the thief took 2 pairs of Electric sunglasses, ipod charger, 9 volt converter, our car "power station" (jumps your car if you break down, has an air compressor, flashlight, and emergency radio) then rifled through our mail, stole Sam's keys out of my car, and proceeded to have their way with Sam's car. I guess we're lucky that they didn't use the keys to let themselves into our apartment for a cup of hot cocoa. Hmmmmm, I thought when you practice integrity (like leaving a note after you hit a parked car) karma was supposed to kick in and reward us with say, a winning lotto ticket. Instead I guess THIS HAPPENS!? Awesome.

Tune in!

I've watched this show in the past and LOVE IT! The new season of

started tonight. I laugh the whole time it's on. It's actually very endearing, and I think everyone can learn something from tuning in. Tuesday nights, I dare you all to watch...