ELEVEN

Spencer had a birthday, shout "HURRAY"!!

He began his day with having a yummy breakfast of pancakes, eggs and bacon and opening presents. Spencer got lots of Minecraft legos from Benjamin and mom and dad, fabric from Andrew, Snackeez, goldfish and Gatorade from Sarah, money from Nonnie, Grandma and Grandpa and a trip to Portland with is dad.
He spent the day with cousins, Auntie Jayna and Nonnie at the pool and got to have ranch chicken for dinner.









Nathan and Spencer left Friday morning and traveled to Bend. They went and saw the movie Minions and shopped around the Mill District.
They left early Saturday morning and drove to Portland. They first went to the Saturday market and did more shopping. Spencer had his portrait drawn and really enjoyed that experience. Then later they headed over to the quilt show and enjoyed seeing all the amazing quilts and trying out a high-tech sewing machine. Spencer was able to keep the bag that he sewed. On their way back to Bend they went to see the Multnomah Falls.
















Eleven things about Spencer...

...he is amazingly kind to EVERYONE!

...he is a great piano player.

...he's a fish in water.

...he is pretty artsy!

...he is very good at quilting.

...he loves Minecraft!

...he's very helpful when the dishwasher needs to be emptied!

...he enjoys playing with legos!

...he's happy 97% of the time!

...he loves having his own room!

...you'll often hear him say, "How can I help you?" and he means it! He's always wanting to help others because he has such a kind heart!

HaPpY BiRtHdAy, sweet Spencer! We hope you have many, many more! Love you tons!

July

Nathan did a little decorating to make our home look patriotic for the 4th of July.









We celebrated the 4th at home beginning our day with watching our neighborhood parade. Our boys got to walk in it in their scout uniforms. So proud of them!







We had a BBQ and lots of swimming at the Woodard's home and then did fireworks with the Ramey's. It was a fun and long day!





Andrew spent a week at Scout Camp and worked hard at getting some merit badges complete. One badge that was especially fun to complete was the water sport. Nathan was able to go up for the last two nights and three days helping with the cooking merit badge.











We had an awesome down pour one evening.





We played at the river. Be sure to watch the videos - I have some pretty daring boys.























Andrew was invited to participate in a lacrosse tournament and did really well.



We had us a lot of shave ice.



Sarah worked A LOT!!!



We all started on quilts and some of us finished them.



















Spencer and Benjamin participated in a swim meet and did fabulous!







We got to know the goats at the barn. They are so cute!













Sarah spent several days on BSU campus attending BYS (Boise Youth Spectacular) and loved everything about it!!







This summer was our summer for our Smith Family reunion with Nathan's parents and siblings. We look forward to this time with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. We did so many amazing things and our week was jammed packed full of adventure and fun.



One afternoon we had a talent show and the only picture I have is Levi enjoying his cousin, Jackson's magic tricks. I love that everyone shared a talent and to see the amazing differences of talents in our family.



We drove up to the Crouch area to stay for the week and stopped for ice cream. Then we played in the river.








We went ziplining one day. Everyone LOVED it! It was something on my "bucket list" so I was pretty excited to go!

















We celebrated everyone's birthday with an afternoon of games, face painting, cake and opening presents.











We went white water rafting. Benjamin fell out during a rapid and it was pretty intense but he handled it like a pro!

















The last night we went to the Starlight Mountain Theater. We ate a delicious dinner, enjoyed visiting and then watched Calamity Jane. We LOVED the play!! Benjamin got his picture with the main actors.













We stayed in three different cabins because we were such a big group. Sarah stayed with the girls in one cabin and the rest of us stayed in the "boys cabin". It was a wonderful week of adventure, visiting, eating amazing food, and so much fun! We did so much more than what I've included and maybe someday I'll get more pictures posted. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for a fabulous week!!















Sarah made a video of our reunion and all the fun we had together. Enjoy!