Repelling Off Mountains!

Mick had some training meetings this week.
One day they went to a mountain and had some hands on learning.
They went to the top of a mountain and repelled about 75 feet down.
These experiences would be great if you didn't have a fear of heights!!
Mick overcame his fear and repelled down.
Mick is pretty determined so it would have taken a lot for him not to do it!
He said it was a great experience but he wouldn't be making a habit of repelling.

Starting his descent.

This is what he repelled down.
They hiked up the back side to get to the top.
Maybe next time he will try rock climbing up to the top....not!!
We will leave the rock climbing to Jared and Jennifer.

I love this picture of Mick.

He has this little boy look of determination on his face!

Learning The Ropes!

Carly high in the air trying to reach the rope!

Carly, Kaylie and Mick had a youth activity night at this ropes course.
They did some group and trust type activities. They Climbed a rock wall and also a pole. They were about 25 feet in the air on the ropes course. Mick said the girls did great and he was so proud of them. We were excited to get these awesome pictures from one of their leaders.

Kaylie on her way up the rock wall.
She said it was hard but she did it!

Carly is feeling pretty confident climbing the pole.
She had a fun time and said she might do it again.

AAAAAAHHHHH!!! Jane a.k.a. Kaylie of the Jungle!

Happy Father's Day!

Mick has been the father of my children for over 26 years now!
I have been so blessed with this amazing, funny, compassionate and spiritual man!
Our children and grandchildren have an awesome dad and grandpa.

He has taught our family to work hard, have fun, but most of all a love of the gospel
and our Savior Jesus Christ.

We have had an incredible journey together.
I love you Mick!

Mick with a few of his friends.

Dad with 2 of his girls!

Grandpa and Morgan.

We have pictures through the years with all of the kids having a
"horse back ride" on dad.

This time the grandchildren got a turn. They weren't too sure what to think of it!

The Father's in my Life!

I am thankful for my father-in-law.
He is a good man with strong values. I have been so very blessed by his teachings in the
home and also in the church because it has affected my life.

I have an amazing husband because of the teachings of his father.
Mick and his dad are so much a like. I know that he has been born
of goodly parents and I have been blessed in my home because of it.

Having some fun with the monkeys !


3 Generations of Smith Men


I am thankful for these 3 strong Smith men. They each have had a great impact on my life!

I remember watching out the window while my dad and my brother David made this snowman.
When it was finished my dad came and got me and took me out side.

I have many wonderful memeories of my dad.
He is an honest, good man who always does what he says he will.
He is friendly and kind and always willing to help others.
He works hard and never complains.
He honors his Priesthood and is committed to the gospel.
He has blessed my life and I feel honored to be his daughter!

I love you Dad!

My dad has always worked hard at helping other people.

Here he is with his tow truck.

My dad enjoys nature, especially the autumn leaves.
I remember going on many rides in the fall to see the beautiful colors.
I also love the autumn time and always think of my dad when I see different colored leaves.

This is a picture of my family with one of my dad's antique cars.

My dad has a great love of old cars and gas pumps. It was always fun to go with him to some of the antique car show.
We were especially proud when he entered his own cars or drove them in a parade.
My dad loves the 50's and it is fun to hear him talk about the cars, food and music of that era.

Aaronic Priesthood Encampment

Mick and I went to our Stake Aaronic Priesthood Encampment as a missionary couple.
We were assigned a zone with 13 young men which included 2 zone leaders.

This is the view we saw for the past 3 days.
It was absolutely beautiful! The Encampment was at the base of Mt. Timpanogos
near Sundance Resort.

This was my first experience camping with a bunch of young men...totally different than girls camp!

We had a main lodge that we ate in and the food was great!
We camped in Zones. Here a few of the young men are gathered around the Zone Leaders Tent.

The Theme for the Encampment was "Faithful Fearless"
Mick was in a vignette at the Sundance Amphitheater.
He played the role of a Bishop counseling a young man.
Captain Moroni and Mormon were also a part of this play.
A man from our ward had written the script.
It was very well written and went over very well.

The young men had workshops each day. They were all really good.
Mick spoke to the group one morning and talked about the
Atonement and Repentance. His talk was very powerful!

President Burgess from the General Young Men's Presidency
Spoke to us one night. This was very good and was a highlight of the week.

A recently returned missionary from Russia also spoke to the young men.
He was very impressive and a great role model for them.
Each of our Stake Presidency members spoke to us and
gave very uplifiting messages.

Each of the 8 wives had an opportunity to teach on the Sanctity of Womanhood to their Zones.
I felt good about my presentation and what I had shared with the young men.

There are so many other things I could write about this Encampment.
So much preparation, time and effort went into this event.
I think each of the young men there were affected in some way.
I know that I was strengthened by my experience at this Encampment.

We mingled with some great young men this week who will be amazing missionaries and future leaders of the Church.
I loved my experience and am very grateful that Mick and I had this opportunity.

Here we are on the Ski Lift going up to the top of the Mountain.

This is a view from the ski lift about half way up the mountain.

They brought us lunch up on top of the mountain and we had some workshops there.

What goes up must come down!

The temperature was pushing 80 degrees but there are still glaziers on the mountain.

We got to this point on the trail and were told the only way down was to slide.

Mick went first and then I followed.

It was really fun and the wet bottom cooled us off for a while.

Several of the young men went down a few times

and even stood while coming down the mountain.

If you look close you can see where most of us slid down.

Here we are at Stewart Falls. Several of the young men in our group climbed to the top of the Falls. We weren't as adventurous.

We really enjoyed this hike and the beauty that surrounded us.

Come To Our Gardens!

When we bought this house we were excited about the beautiful garden.
The former owner was a florist and spent hours designing and taking care of her garden.
When we moved in last June it was over run with weeds and very overwhelming.

We have spent many hours weeding and nurturing our garden.
It has been fun to see what new plants and flowers spring up every week.
I now recognize most flowers and I think have figured out the weeds.

It is amazing the time it takes to have a beautiful garden.
I admire all those who love gardening. I love the flowers but not the weeding!

These rose trees are blooming even more now.
We have several roses bushes that are getting ready to bloom.
Spring has been beautiful and I have loved all the new flowers!

Here is an update on our "Green Acres" garden.

Mick put in all of the stakes yesterday so that our tomatoes,
beans and peas can begin to climb. Everything has started to grow
including the weeds! We spent a few hours there and didn't even get close
to weeding all of the the rows!

Between our flower garden and our "Green Acres" garden
we are getting a stronger back, a little sun and nimble fingers
as we pluck out the weeds!

We have an added appreciation for farmers and the hard work
that they do!

June 3rd - Happy Birthday Carly!

It is hard to believe that Carly is 17!

She has grown and changed a lot and so have we!

Carly is our Idaho Gem.


Carly is very quick witted and laughs at all of Mick's joke.
He loves this! She has an incredible memory concerning history.
She can always be found with a book (usually something Historical) in her hand.
She has a beautiful singing voice and loves to play games.
She love her nieces and nephews.
We are so thankful that Carly is a part of our family.
We love you!

Carly and her favorite princess Belle.

A Day In Logan

We met Jennifer and Jared and girls in Logan Saturday.
Jennifer's best friend from Nebraska was married in the Logan Temple.
We watched the girls while Jennifer and Jared went into the sealing.

The Logan Temple is beautiful.
The weather was perfect, not a cloud in the sky.
We loved spending this time with family.

It was also wonderful seeing Alissa and Victory come out of the Temple.
What a great couple! We had a good time visiting with the Randall family.
We admire them and the strong faithful family that they have raised.
This was their 12th child to be married in the Temple. What a legacy!

Jennifer and Jared and their cute little family.

Jennifer and the beautiful bride, Alissa.

Brittany brought some books along to keep the girls busy.

It looks like Carly is the one being more entertained!

We had a lot of fun playing with the girls today.
They loved spending time outside.

Madeline was all smiles.

Aliza liked Grandma and spent time on my lap.

Everyone is relaxing as we wait for Jared and Jen at the Temple grounds.

Uncle Cameron with Rachel.