Birthdays and School Days

We celebrated Kiersten's birthday on Saturday and had a great time. Kiersten invited five friends from the neighborhood and five friends from church, plus a few friends for Austin and Brandon to keep the peace. We headed to the neighborhood pool for pizza, cake and swimming. The kids were great and it was a really hot day, so the pool felt extra nice. Check out Marci's handiwork on the cake - the ladies at Sam's Club better watch out for their jobs.

Kiersten and her friend - Aislinn

I can hardly believe that Kiersten is six! Of course, it seems just like yesterday that we were bringing her home from the hospital... Kiersten is a sweet little girl and really enjoys life. Her party was a hit.

Uncle Franklin and Aunt Amber made the trip up from Charleston for the party, adding to her delight.

For some reason, Marci did not want a pool party, and didn't even want a cake! The kids first day of school was present enough. We went to dinner tonight to celebrate another start to school and to celebrate Marci's birthday. The kids were wiped out from the day, so we called it a night shortly after dinner.

Austin started third grade this year and Kiersten is in first. Brandon will start preschool next week, going two days for half a day. We met the kids' teachers last week and they both are nice and appear to be competent. Kiersten is nearly as tall as her teacher, and I suspect by year end will be as tall as her.

Our neighborhood has grown over the past year and we now fill three or four buses! The kids survived the day and even had a little homework. The 6:45 a.m. bus time is a killer and we are all already tired.

We are planning to visit Jared and Tracy and will update next weekend.

The Smiths

August 2007

August 10th we left for Guntersville, Alabama to see our friends - The Drapers. They recently moved from our street/ward in Charlotte. Saturday we spent the day in their new boat on Guntersville Lake. The lake is huge and we had a great time.

Kiersten and Brandon on the boat. Notice Kiersten has no front teeth.

I am trying out the Wake Board - not too bad! I got up but I was sore for days after!!

Kiersten was not too sure about the tube...she did great and I think she even liked it!

Austin diving off the back of the boat - he doesn't sit still long enough for a picture!


Matt and I were spoiled this trip. Amy offered to watch the kids and I went on a business trip to Chicago with Matt. He had meetings in the city on Tuesday. Our good friends, Cory and Lori White moved to Chicago from Lexington last December. They also got a babysitter and came and stayed downtown in the same hotel. We had such a great time shopping, eating, sightseeing, shopping and eating!! Did I mention we ate well! Chicago has such good food!


After I flew back to Alabama, Amy and I took 7 kids to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga. It was a beautiful aquarium and the kids had a blast petting the sting rays, holding butterflies and seeing all the fish!


All the kids!

Timberlee and her orange butterfly.


Kiersten hanging out watching the fish - her feet were tired!The largest turtle shell on record!



Well that was our send off of summer - Kiersten's birthday party on Saturday and school starts on Monday! More updates then!

Love you all! Marci

Sunday Afternoon on the COUCH!

There is no better place to be than on the couch on Sunday afternoon. It is SO hot and humid that you can't imagine even going outside unless you have too!


As you notice all the kids are under a blanket? Obviously we are keeping the house too cold but it sure feels good! I hope you all have a much cooler week than we are going to have - disgusting!!

Marci