Happy Baby Day!

This is the day that Cameron found out she was pregnant, so of course we had to celebrate.  Little did we know at the time that we were celebrating not one, but TWO babies in that belly.  Lord help us all with two more Smiths on the way!  I’m thinking pink real hard!!!!!!

With so many of us past the baby stage, these are going to be two spoiled little bambinos. 

Just Paddling

Daddy takes advantage of every high tide he can.  As you can see, he often has a first mate.

And now a second mate.  Daisy did not want to be left our of this fun.

The Greenbrier

James’ firm retreat was held at The Greenbrier in West Virginia and, of course, the girls and I tagged along.  The Greenbrier is a beautiful resort full of tradition and history.  It has hosted many presidents.  It even has a bunker that was to be occupied by the US Congress in the event of a war in the 1950’s. We enjoyed roaming the grounds, swimming in the pool, participating in afternoon tea, kids club, and relaxing.

One afternoon we went on a carriage ride to view the grounds.  The scenery was breathtaking.

Afternoon Painting

It was just a simple afternoon of painting…on paper.  Leave it to Sarah Ellen…

New Do!

Strawberry Picking

Sarah Ellen’s preschool went on a field trip picking strawberries at Ambrose Farms.  It poured down rain the night before making for super muddy conditions, which the kids LOVED.

One of the teachers that lives on farm brought along a baby dear that they recently rescued.  It doesn’t get much better than that.
I see some strawberry shortcake in our future!

Lily’s First Soccer Game

Lily was very excited to start soccer this year.  She was relieved to learn that two of her classmates are on her team.  She has really enjoyed practices and was excited about her first game.  I came ready with two cameras, neither of which had an SD card in them.  Figures.  The pictures below were taken with my phone. 

Say Cheese

These days when I look through my phone, I never know what pictures I will find on there.  Sarah Ellen LOVES to take pictures.  This one was taken as we were waiting in the car to pick up Lily from school.  We always arrive early and hang out in the car.  I usually knit and Sarah Ellen plays in the car.  This day she was playing with my phone…

Washington D.C.

Finally Friday arrived!  James had been attending seminars all week and actually moderating one on Friday morning.  By lunchtime, though, he was done and free to play with us.  Lily has become quite a fan of history lately and was begging us to go into DC to see some historical sights.  Being so close, how could we possible say no.  Once we arrived in DC, we headed straight for the Mall.  We pointed to how far down the Lincoln Memorial was, but she was determined – she wanted to see it.  Sarah Ellen was not so determined and required a lot of coaxing and carrying to make it there.  Along the way, we saw The Washington Monument, the WWII Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, the Reflection Pond, the Capitol Building, the Smithsonian, and the White House.
This is the pond that we went ice skating on last Christmas.
Doncie gave the girls each five dollars to buy something while on vacation.  We found a little gift store and Sarah Ellen was set on buying the little stuffed animal she is holding in the above picture.  She named him Pandi and he quickly became her best friend.
Lily bought a watch!  Poor child couldn’t even hold up her head after all that walking.
An afternoon simply is not enough time to see this amazing city.  We were in awe of the architecture and beauty of the buildings.  I look forward to going back when the girls are a little older to explore more.