On Saturday, 7/18 we left Casper, WY and headed for South Dakota.  First stop, Crazy Horse Monument.  I didn't know what to expect here.  I thought we would just pull up and take pictures and leave.  Oh NO!  First of all it cost a fortune to get in.  Then once in, there is a big…

On Thursday, July 16th we drove to Casper, Wyoming and spent the night.  The next day we drove to Alcova, WY to Martin's Cove. About 6 weeks ago Derek and I were called by church leaders to oversee/coordinate something called "Trek" for our Stake youth ages 14-18.  Trek is just a reenactment of sorts of the…

HORSEBACK RIDING On our last day in Estes Park we woke up early and went on a trailed horseback ride.  It was 2 hours, so we were a little worried about how Samuel would do, but he loved it.  I enjoy horses and wish I knew more about them.  I found this early morning ride…

More favorite adventures included… HIKINGHow can you not hike in this lovely place?  We would put Samuel in his backpack (which he enjoys thankfully) and head out.  We went to Bear Lake and then decided to brave the hike to Nymph Lake which was UP the entire time.  Mom and Caleb "barely" made it (and…

Ahhh, Estes Park - you have my heart.  I loved this place.  The scenery, the weather, the quaint little shops downtown (the only thing I did not love was the restaurants, but I'll get over it).  Anytime I can wear a jacket in the summertime, it qualifies as a good vacation.  Mom and Steve joined us on…

Colorado Springs was all about family.   My whole family headed up there to spend some cherished time with my Grandpa (mom's dad) and his wife, Joan.  Also there is my mom's sister, Carol.  And her brother, John, and his family. FRIDAY night my Grandpa treated us all to a nice dinner.   M & A…

SFRT = Smith Family Road Trip My mother pointed out to me that I forgot to mention that Amarillo and the surrounding areas had experienced record-breaking temperatures on the exact day that we were there.  112 degrees in one area.  And when we sat down for dinner close to 7 pm it was still 104…

We're back.  12 days, a LOT of driving (somewhere around 3000 miles), lots of adventures, lots of wildlife sightings, fun time with family, lots of Smith family togetherness, some not so great restaurants, some not so great but decent hotels, and some FABULOUS hotels, and most of all lots of FUN and memories made.  It…

Here I sit waiting for my allergy shots…four of them to be exact. All 3 boys are with me being somewhat quiet which is a miracle since they are boys after all. I am feeling overwhelmed with summer time. The messes, the arguing, the constant motion, the asking “what’s next?” or “can we…?”. The laundry,…

This morning we head out for the first leg of our Smith Family Road Trip.  11 days.  2600 miles.  Lots of fun, family and cool mountain air.  And lots of time in our big white bus (Suburban).  Wish us luck! View Larger Map