Grandpa's Keys

We're back from a terrific week at Lake Tahoe with all the family. With all of us scattered all over the USA, it is a real treat to get everyone together and what a beautiful place to do it!!! Lake Tahoe holds fond memories for the Smith family. We spent many vacations days when we were ALL younger at the Lake camping, beach going and just having fun.

We all took a lesson from Grandpa this year on how to keep track of our keys -- so we followed his example as shown in this picture thanks to the siblings and their spouses.

At Last An Update

I thought it was about time to do an update to this blog.

Dave and I have been called to the YSA Ward. Dave's in the Bishopric and I am the advisor to the Activities Committee. We feel 10 years younger (we wish). We party nearly every weekend. We had two baptisms this last Saturday and Sunday and we're in the mist of a Statewide YSA Conference in August. There will be several different site for this conference, but all on the same days and doing the same thing. Our's will be at the Interstake Center and they hope to get about 1800 YSA's to attend. Needless to say we are getting used to all this activity after "laying low" for the last few years.

We went to Tyler's 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony last Friday. See the video. Alyssa also graduated from 8th grade. Since they are in Virginia, we weren't able to go, but we hope to have pictures soon. Congratulations to Tyler and Alyssa!!!

Just A Little Update

We have taken everything out of our storage unit. Thank goodness for Karrie who was here when we started. (She and Holden visited for a few days.) Keep in mind that this stuff had been in storage for over two years - so we obviously didn't really need any of it, however, I was still having issues with what to give away and what to keep. Karrie gave us four choices-throw away, DI, garage sale and keep (for special items). Over the past few weeks we single handedly filled a DI trailer, numerous garbage cans and had a very successful garage sale last weekend. It feels so good to have it all gone!!! Thank you Karrie for getting us started!

We visited the animals at the zoo with the Belmont Smith's while Karrie and Holden were here. (I'm referring to the Lion behind Holden and Jarrett, not Holden and Jarrett.

All is well on the homefront. I'm really loving retirement and Dave is counting the day. For real, he will retire the end of August. We're checking into several options for the Fall-Mission, Cruise, a trip across the United States or maybe all of the above.

We Had A Terrific Holiday!

Yes! We wore them out!!!

Jarrett doing a trick!!

The Tractor Ride!!

I was really fun having Kevin, Amanda, Ian and Megan here for Christmas. Christmas is always more fun when little ones are around. Here are a few pictures.

Grandpa, Ian and Megan on the Golden Gate!

We were able to get together with Brian, Wendy, Tyler and Jarrett several days which was also a plus!!! It's nice having them close enough to see once in awhile.

Christmas 2008

Merry Christmas to Family and Friends.

Here is a brief run down of where the Smith’s are at the close of 2008. (and we will be brief, we promise).

Troy, Tammy and children (Alyssa, Madison, Justin and Callen, 13, 11, 7 and 3) are in Gainesville, Virginia.

Brian, Wendy and children (Tyler and Jarrett, 13 and 4) are still in Belmont, CA. (about 15 miles south of San Francisco).

Kevin, Amanda and children (Ian and Megan, 3 and 2 in Jan.) are in Sandy, Utah.

Brayden, Karrie and children (Parker, Bailey and Holden, 9, 7 and 3) are in Wilmette, Illinois.

Jason, Carolyn and children (Jeremy, Autumn and Eliza, 6, 3 and 8 months) are in Anchorage, Alaska.

We won’t go into detail with what they are all doing, only to say that the Dad’s are all working (which is a very good thing-due to the poor economy) and the Mom’s are all busy being at-home Mothers, which keeps them on their toes 24-7. All their families are doing well.

We are still in Concord and plan to be here until the housing market improves, at least a little. I retired from the school district the end of September and Dave will retire for a second time (first from Pacific Bell and second from Contra Costa County) in August 2009.

As we look back on 2008, we have much to be thankful for. We frequently think of the friends we’ve had over the years and what a blessing they are in our lives. We appreciate the impact they have had on our family over the years. We are grateful for the part you have all played in our lives.

We wish you a joyful holiday season and may 2009 bring happiness, growing experiences and peace of mind.

Our Love, Dave and Carol

Mom and Grandma Hurn's Excellent Adventure

Grandma and I had a terrific time. The best part was hearing some of the memories of Grandma's childhood and watching her and Aunt Beth together. They really do enjoy each other. Here's a picture of them trying to stay warm in Grand Junction. Not an easy task!!!

We spent the first night with the Utah Smith's and got to visit with the grandkids. The next day we traveled to Vernal and Grandma Hurn treated Dan and Kay, their wifes and me to a steak dinner and we had a wonderful visit with all of them. We spent the night in Vernal and traveled to Grand Junction the next day where we got to see beautiful scenery. Uncle Gordon took us on two siteseeing excursions-such spectacular mountain views. We really enjoyed visiting with Aunt Beth, Uncle Gordon, my cousin Ethel and her husband Steve.

We headed back to Sandy and spent another night with Kevin, Amanda, Ian and Megan and were thankful for their gracious hospitality. Grandma Hurn bought the Great Grandkids new cozy P.J.'s.

Signing off for now

Graditude

The events of the last couple of weeks have been difficult but also reassuring. I am so thankful for my family and the way everyone rallied to express their love and concern for Kevin and Amanda. The gospel can bring peace and comfort during difficult times. Comfort from our Heavenly Father if we but turn to Him for help and Peace in knowing that our families can be eternal.