The Smith Family: 2008

Time for a bigger house...or a minivan.

Guess what?! Ivy is going to be a big sister! It's okay to be shocked, we are, but we're really excited, except I was NOT ready to be sick again this soon. So I think I'm due around August 1st, but I actually haven't been to the doctor yet, so I don't know for sure. Well, this is my second Christmas in a row that I'm pregnant...weird. I guess I fit right in to the Smith family.

A day at the park

Okay, so I know everyone goes to the park all the time, but since she's grown, Ivy actually had fun and enjoyed it this time. Luckily I had my camera to prove it.

Well, I helped her go down the slide. I'm not brave enough to let her go down by herself, but she probably is.

Ivy LOVED riding in the swing, and she just laughed like crazy when Brooke pushed her.

Happy Birthday Nonna!

On Wednesday, the 19th, we celebrated my mom's birthday by going to eat at Fat's Aisian Bistro. It was pretty good, just don't order the chow mein, it was like a top ramen biscuit, but probably not as good as that would be...maybe.

Congratulations Diane & Art!

We just celebrated the marriage of my aunt, Diane, to her love of 5 years, Arthur Dunn. They treated everyone to dinner at the very fancy, Serrano Country Club.

Uh, who made that leaning tower of cake? Definitely not one to be proud of. At least it tasted okay.

My grandpa with some of my cousins.

The blushing bride with 3 of her kids.

Oma with my parents.

Cute little chubby cheeks

While William was gone to LA for a few days, I decided to be crazy and cut some bangs. It's been 16 years since I had bangs. I'm not totally sure if I love them, but I guess it's too late now. The picture doesn't really show them well. I mostly just wanted to show Ivy wearing her cute little hat and the sunset was beautiful in the background.

Hurray for Halloween!

Storytime at the library

Our friends from church

Smith family and Bonny's friend, Rosanna, after walking down Main Street. William thought Ivy looked better with her cat shirt on instead of the big ladybug. It was for the best since Wendy had a way cuter little ladybug dress.

One of my favorite kids from church, Maya. She's dressed as someone from the Clone Wars, I think. She's awesome. One time I taught her class and out of nowhere she did a great imitation of Darth Vadar, saying, "Sister Smith, I am your father."

Our latest family picture

Oops, somebody got a new car.

Okay, it's mine. Yes, my car had too many problems to deal with and just wasn't dependable enough for the 3 children and me to drive around in. It was just a little too embarrassing when I had to call my boss to say I was going to be late because Ivy and I were walking to her house with my car dead a mile away. Yes, I was pretty frustrated with it when I found this shiny thing calling to me. It is quite luxurious, reminding me of my dad's old BMW, but definitely without that price tag. I actually got it for less than I what I paid for my old Honda. I feel pretty fancy in it. The best part is that my wonderful dad got his friend's son to buy my car in all it's glory. I didn't even have to smog it or anything, and I only feel good about it because I gave him a pretty good deal. Hurray, I won't be stranded again (hopefully!)

Ivy and Wendy

We all love it when Ivy and Wendy get together. Wendy is Ivy's cousin (Russ & Bonny's baby) and Ivy is very interested in Wendy and all her enthusiasm.

Wendy is usally quite smiley and always looks right at you with those big blue eyes. She also is a wiggly one and goes crazy when you give her any attention at all. She is so fun and entertaining to be around. She's definitely going to be a popular little social butterfly.

Ivy has gotten a lot better at sitting since this was taken (which was about 2 weeks ago).

Ivy and her grandpa. William loves her in that bunny hat.

Dillon's Beach

Dillon's Beach!

Back on October 9th, we took Ivy on her first trip to good old Dillon's. Our ward goes every year, so thanks to my mom for letting us borrow her car, we were able to go.

This is what Ivy did pretty much the entire time.

William did put her feet in the freezing water, and of course she wasn't too thrilled.

We finally pried Ivy's hand off her hat and out of her mouth for a quick picture with the beautiful ocean in the background. We're obsessed with that fluffy face.

William said if I looked a little more appropriate and if Ivy's face was showing, this could have been our Christmas picture. I guess he looks good, but usually does, and why couldn't I wear my Nacho Libre shirt in our Christmas picture?

So, my lovely mother likes to make me feel bad because I don't really ever see my little bro perform in the Bella Vista Marching Band. Since this is his last year, I thought it was time to see him in action and see how good the band really is (since they practice morning, noon, and night, literally). They were good, and of course, Nick was the best. He plays the drums and is actually the drum leader. Ivy was loving it, unless my grandma (Oma) held her, sorry Oma.

So, William, the photographer, told us to do silly faces. Obviously the Albanos aren't too great at this, but Ivy's definitely got her dad's talent.

Nick actually put his hand on my shoulder! We have come a long way. Even though I sometimes make fun of him, Nick is quite a cool kid and I'm proud of him and all his accomplishments. He especially has really managed to stay out of trouble, since most don't.

We just went to Emerald Bay in Tahoe to hang out for the day and visit Rustin, Suzi, Maya, Skye, and Winter. It was a perfect day to go, but we wimped out and didn't stay the night. That was probably a good idea, though, because Ivy hasn't figured out how to be a happy camper yet.

This picture is mostly cool because of Joe's floating stick trick.

William and Ivy in front of Vikingsholm. It was pretty fancy. It gave William some inspiration for our next house.

Cute cousins: Winter (the water dog), Emma, and Gloria (the bonnet head)

Ivy and Grandpa and the always entertaining and talented Carl.

This is just a cute picture of my baby rabbit.

So on Friday, we finally took Ivy somewhere exciting...to Apple Hill! It was pretty fun, mostly because lots of Ivy's cousins were there too. We always love a visit from the Beatty family (and we miss them already). This time I got a first ever, a caramel & cheesecake apple. I'll be back very soon.