Fun visit to Alabama to see the Grandparents! (and aunts, uncles and a cousin!!)

Some of our great neighbors here in Idaho have family where we have family! Right near Montgomery, Alabama. They were flying back to spend some time there and agreed to let Collin and Kaitlynn fly back with them so they could spend time with our families!

Sam was already there, having been at Chaplain School at Maxwell AFB for a month, so they also got to see their Daddy!! Collin and Kaitlynn had an adventure EVERY day!



My mom, my sister and her family picked them up at the Atlanta Airport and took them to the new aquarium where they had a lot of fun seeing the fish and watching the new 4D movie!


There were water gun fights at the Memorial Day Picnic with Daddy and his family. There was bowling, movies, golfing,Baskin Robbins, horseback riding, games, staying up late, climbing rock walls, kite flying, and so much more!!

They are having such a special time and I am so glad we decided to send them.

I am relying on all the family to send me pictures, but they have been doing a GREAT job!

Collin and Kaitlynn are old enough to remember this trip for always -- it has been a wonderful and special time with their extended families!! THANK YOU everybody for having them!!

Summer is FINALLY here!!!

Last week we were in long pants and jackets wondering IF summer would EVER come to Idaho. IT CAME!! We hit 90 degrees today, and as soon as the rest of the kids were home from school, the Green Belt became the fun place to play today! Sprinklers, water guns, buckets, and lots of squeals and laughing! Sam picked up a HUGE bucket filled with 20 water guns at a yard sale last month, and I can honestly say, that was a well spent five dollars. FUN!!! Here are a few pictures of Christopher having a GREAT time, also one of Collin with his buddies. Both of them are moving within the next two weeks. :-( And Kaitlynn with a group of her girlfriends. I think our first Idaho summer will be enjoyed like our first Idaho winter was.

SISTERS!!!!!!!!

Mothers Day was a BEAUTIFUl day here in Idaho. All the lilac trees were in full bloom and the air smelled so good! We decided to do some pictures of the girls in front of the lilacs to send to the grandmas since they both love lilacs! Here are the best "sister shots" and one of Christopher, who wanted his picture taken too!

HaHa comes to visit!

During the time Sam was gone, my mom, who yes, is actually called "HaHa", came to visit for a week from Alabama. Everybody had a GREAT time playing, reading, going to soccer games, and Wal Mart! :-)

Soccer Time!!!

We were told if we took advantage of what the base has to offer, we would enjoy it. GREAT and correct advice! The youth program here is awesome! Both Collin and Kaitlynn just finished their season of Spring Soccer. ( Though we were in jackets and blankets trying to stay warm, not willing to call it SPRING soccer)! Collin played goalie for half of every game and really enjoyed it. Kaitlynn played different positions on her team to learn about them all. It was great exercise, great fun, and a fun time as a family.

Congratulations CAPTAIN Chaplain Samuel Smith!

April 24, 2006 was PROMOTION day for Sam.

Sam was sent to Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama for a 6 week Chaplain School. His promotion took effect while he was there. Even though I couldn't be there for the ceremony, that is where our families are and some were able to take part in the ceremony. My dad gave him his oath and his parents pinned on his new rank. SPECIAL DAY!!

The day before he left we threw him a surprise congratulations party with friends from the neighborhood and the rest of the Chaplain Staff.

An Idaho Easter

Easter in Idaho can be very................ unexpected!
We woke up Sunday morning to SNOW! And it snowed ALL DAY! Notice the picture of them catching snowflakes with their tongues! Not many get to do THAT on Easter morning!

Sam preached the sunrise service in one of the airplane hangars, whose doors opened to the mountians. COLD! But BEAUTIFUL! 70 people came for the service and the pancake breakfast after. We ate leftover pancakes for our Easter lunch.

Here are a few pictures of our Idaho Easter Kids!
ENJOY!

Winter in Idaho!!!!!!!

Lots of fun has happened around here since the Christmas letter. Living in a state that has a REAL winter and REAL mountains has turned out to be a LOT of fun!

Collin and Kaitlynn have turned into FANTASTIC skiers. No more bunny slopes for them! It was time for "real" mountain tickets on their second time out. They have been to 3 of the ski resorts in our area, one of which was VERY challenging. They LOVE it and can not wait to go again next winter.

We took a family trip to a mountian town called McCall, Idaho. Sledding turned out to be the hit of the trip. Even Christopher showed his daredevil gene. And if you will look closely at his sledding picture, you will notice not only is he flying through the air from the jump Sam built, he has pulled his hat down over his eyes and can't SEE WHERE HE IS GOING! The first time he touched snow, he was SO SURPRISED it was cold. So cute!

Kaebrie started walking and eventually learned to wear shoes (LONG story), and had fun marching around in her snow boots.

I (Jodi) got to go snowmobiling a few weeks ago with some friends on a ladies retreat. SO MUCH FUN!! And so beautiful. I HIGHLY recommend it!

I am going to post a handful of our favorite pictures from this winter. My scrapbook is going to be FULL from all these great adventures!

I will try to update more often then this. Please leave us commetns and let us know you were here!