reid park zoo

Since we've moved, I have to say that this day is my favorite! It wasn't just the zoo. It was the whole day being together as a family. Happy!

Watching my husband play and take care of our kids. FALLING in love with him all over again for it.

Seeing Gemma's face light up. And not over the elephants or giraffs. But over the birds.

My sweet boy walking around like it's going out of style. His rosy sun kissed cheeks and nose crinkled with smiles.

And me. Standing by watching my life feeling completely and utterly pleased with the way things have panned out. 

Feeling very happy.

stats

Like anyone cares really. But im posting them anyways.

Wt: 23lbs 10oz  (60%)

Ht: 32in  (90%)

HC: 18.6in  (BIG head! i dont remember the %)

He's a VERY active, demanding, growing boy!

we've moved

And it took us 3 days. We got back from California on a Saturday, found a place Sunday, packed our house Monday, and moved Tuesday. Is that even possible?! Yes, yes it is. Not fun by the way. And we get to do it all over again in 6 months!

But we made it safe and sound to Tucson! And I'm loving it so much more than Douglas or Bisbee. No offense to all my friends I've made down there.

We are in a little 2 bed 2 bath apartment and I'm actually quit liking it at the moment. It's been interesting having Gemma and Vance share a room. Not as bad as I was thinking it was going to be but it has it's moments at times. The best part is the really nice pool and gym. The pool has definitely been used since we've been here, just haven't quit motivated myself to hit the gym. (Im not that big of a fan of going by myself. Dont tell anyone.)

But we are finally feeling settled and are enjoying this summer by the pool a lot more.

I LOVE these water babies!

one year down

May 28th, 2010 Vance Gabriel Smith was born! 2 heart surgeries later, and you'd never know he has a heart condition.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY handsome boy! I would do it all over again in a heart beat!

 This cute kid has been walking since 11 months! I think even a little before.

Thank you Marshalls for coming over to celebrate the big UNO!

graduation

The Mister spent a grueling 5 weeks in Coronado, Ca. It's an elite team within the Border Patrol which stands for Border Search Trauma and Rescue. Not many pass let alone the first time around but they never met my husband! He did it! And we are so proud! He mentioned he wanted to die it was so hard. Here is just an example:

553 body builders in a row!

And thats after being pushed to the limits all day long!

The kids and I left Wednesday, May 18th to San Diego. It was quit the drive but not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. All H. E. double hockey sticks broke loose when we arrived to the hotel. The Hotel is smack dab in the middle of downtown and I ended up turning down a one way street the WRONG WAY! Luckily no one was too upset but it made my heart race. Then once we checked into our hotel, the kids were just cranky as I'll get out the entire time until we left California with their daddy on Saturday.

the view from the hotel

v hang'n around. Surprisingly happy btw.

Yep, these are mine. G always with her fingers in her nose and V stuffing his face.

Thursday waiting at the park outside the Navy base in Coronado for daddy to come out.

waiting....

swinging with the Marshalls and waiting some more....

and waiting...

FINALLY! Daddy is back! It was like waiting for a first date I was so nervous and giddy.

Vance drove us to the beach on the island where they did a lot of their training. (I love the beach. Ask my parents)

V wanted the water. He LOVED it!

Bubbs and I waiting for the graduation to begin

Gemma and Kenzie also waiting for it to begin

The dreaded Wheel of Misfortune. They used this through out the Academy where they would select one of the candidates to come up and spin the wheel while everybody else stood in formation clappying and cheering (just like the show) waiting to find out what they had to do next. The guys hated it.

I missed nearly all of the graduation due to a screaming little boy.

It was gorgeous there on the island! Asked the Mister if we could please move. He laughed and said "ya right."

Way to go Babe!!!

After the graduation, we went back to the hotel and changed and headed back to the island for some much needed beach time.

I say you can never have to many beach pics.

Gemma is obsessed with birds and has to try and catch them.

Well, so long Academy! Farewell California! Ocean and sandy beaches, I wish so badly I could stay with you forever! And so does my daughter. She asks for you everyday.