Mike Will Welcome Another Utahn to Beijing

Mike thought it was pretty cool when it was announced that Governor Jon Huntsman will become the Ambassador to China. During Mike's work at the Embassy, he'll likely rub shoulders with him now and then - and also sometimes at church. There are three LDS branches in Beijing, and Bri said all 3 branches get together for combined activities often. Apparently the Huntsman family will live in the city on the Embassy grounds, but Mike and Bri live out in the suburbs, so they are in different branches. There are about 30 families in Mike and Bri's branch, most who live in their little gated community. They were excited when they found out their backyard neighbors are the Sevy's from St. George. It really is a small world.

Triathlon Party House

We had a really fun time last weekend. My brother, Brent, and most of his family came to St. George for the triathlon to watch Brandon and Brady compete out at Sand Hollow. Shellie and George came too, to watch their friend, Derek. We had bodies everywhere sleeping at our house, and it was really fun. This picture is at the Parrot Head Island Broiler, where we ate and hung out for a LONG time just talking and catching up. We don't get to see Brent's family real often, so it was a treat. And of course, its always fun to have Abby and Caynen to hug on. As far as the competition went, Derek had the fastest time, followed by Brady and then Brandon (is that what married life does to you Brandon?). We all went to church Sunday morning - and you should have seen all the teenage boys and young adult girls who approached me afterwards wanting to get to know those cute single Barretts. Kirk and I sure love having family around!

My Own Blog Books!

My kids all gave me a great Mother's Day gift - they published my blogs! I got these two hard-bound books, one for all my blogs in 2007 and one for 2008. Now, I'll get my blog printed at the end of each year and have a good record of the Smith family comings and goings. The comments from each blog are also listed in the back of the book - so anything any of you may have said, is now in print FOREVER!
For Mother's Day, I also got some really nice cards, flowers from George, a plant from Scott, a greeting card collection from our triathlon guests Brandon and Michelle, and Kirk even got me a gift card to Cafe Rio (he hates it - so this was a totally selfless gift). And, I got to talk to and SEE Mike and Bri's family in China and Kenny and Christan's family in Virginia - all on Skype. Its amazing that we can see grandkids dancing and singing and showing us their latest drawings, and missing teeth. It makes the separation a little easier.