Hummingbird 2011!

It was Hummingbird weekend again for the Smith family. This year it was just Aaron and that works out great because we officially had a legitimate excuse to take pictures of him. Aaron does not like to pose for his mother's camera these days so he's rarely on the blog. You all probably wondered if he'd moved out. (Actually sometimes I wonder that myself. Every afternoon, I can count on getting a phone call saying that he is with his friends at Taylor's house and he'll be home later.) Aaron claims band camp was lame and that he had a horrible time, but I will just say that last night he updated his Facebook status from "single" to "in a relationship" - so you be the judge.

This was Sam's fourth year at Hummingbird and he is now a pro. Technically, he could be a chaperone for the next ten years if all of our kids choose to play in the band. Oh who am I kidding? They don't actually have a choice. :)

Chad looking out at Soda Springs. We have a tradition of visiting Soda Dam on the way home from the Jemez each year. Chad was glad to make the trip up to Hummingbird but says he was grateful not to have to stay for the whole weekend for the first time in three years. His big band trip this year is to Anaheim. Things sure do change going from DRMS to LCHS.

Exploring the caves Of Soda Dam.

Two tired camping warriors.

Checking out the falls!

Aaron crossing the springs. The girls were furious that we wouldn't let them do it. Sadly, they are not quite as agile as Big Aaron and we knew such a feat would inevitably end in tears and wet clothing.

Addicted!

It's been a long time since I added a post and now you know why.  I bought Sam the above puzzle for Christmas, but it was me and the girls who became addicted to putting it together.  It was 1000 pieces and took us two weeks to finish but what a lot of great entertainment for $10.  The girls were really mad when I took it apart instead of gluing and preserving it (does anyone know how to do that, by the way?), but it was taking up half of the dining room table so it had to be done.

To appease them, we got this puzzle and spent the last week putting it together.  It was a little bit easier because of the more dramatic design and color contrasts, but still a ton fun.  The girls, Sam & I stayed up way past our bedtime trying to finish this last night but eventually had to call it quits.  I promised the girls I wouldn't finish it before they got home from school today so I'm going to have to remove a few pieces before 3:30.  Shhh!  Don't tell!

For Jeanne F

Here are pictures of the Hurst family from last Christmas.  It's lucky I like you Jeanne.  It's not just anyone that I will post make-up free pictures of myself for. :)

Back to Business

I have to admit that I was not looking forward to the end of Christmas break.  Two glorious weeks during which I didn't have to worry about a single homework assignment or test and my only stresses were deciding what movies to watch every night and what goodies would best complement each movie (ah, good times!).  But it is kind of fun to be back on a schedule.  We took this fall off from all sports.  Nobody did soccer or baseball.  Our Saturdays were pretty much completely free.  Sam loved it.  Me - not so much.  So, hallelujah, basketball season is in full swing and our weekends are once again full of delicious sporty drama.

And, not only that, but we had the added bonus of getting a visit from my Uncle Len and cousin Evan this Friday night.  What fun.  Above is Amber snuggling with Grandma Great. 

Evan is going to be a famous movie director in a few years and he has promised me that I will be his first date to the Oscars.  My mom's cousin is Marg Helgenberger from CSI and she has yet to invite me to the Emmy's.  Whatever!

Uncle Len looking quite fit and trim.  He had a couple of tumors in his kidney this fall and had us all quite worried.  Now, though, he has been given a clean bill of health.  Right on!

 The hornets at their first game. 

 Miranda did a great job and even scored a basket.  I thought she'd be a little bit timid based on her past soccer experience, but she got right in there.  Miranda thought it was pretty funny that she had to guard her good friend Brynn from the other team, but they were both total professionals.

 Here's the post game pep talk for the Yellow Jackets.  As you can see, Bethany worked hard. :)

Bethany actually had a great time.  I don't know why she looks so grumpy.  Maybe I should have waited to take a picture until after the cupcakes were handed out.

We had the C-Team dinner here this weekend.  You would not believe how much pizza twelve 15 year old boys can consume, or how loud they can be on a trampoline.  Chad would barely speak to me Saturday night because I got the wrong kind of pizza (teenagers!) but he admitted to me at church on Sunday that the party actually went better than he had anticipated.  So, score one for mom!

Chad has a Web Page!

How fun.  Chad is on the internet.  Here is their team picture.  And, if you click on the Title above, it will direct you to his individual picture.  Go #44.

Amber Quote of the Day

"Mommy and me are getting married.  We've got in love." - Aunt Rebecca asked if she could marry us too but Amber said she couldn't afford that many rings.

Fun in the Snow!

 We decided to brave the cold on one of our last official days of Christmas Break.  It was about 70 degrees below zero, but we stuck it out for an entire hour before heading off the mountain for hamburgers.

Miranda froze her heiny off the entire time we were there but she was a cute little snow bunny.

Our cousin Collin came with us and he is quite a dare devil.  Aaron was really cranky with him for always being on "his" sledding trail though.

Bethany could get that sled rocking.  I think she went farther than anyone else.

Chad had to try out his new snowboard.  This was his first official biff.

Aaron going down "his" slope.

Miranda thinking about that nice warm car.