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.

The Great Race

Last week I participated in the Great Race at Dixie State College during "D" Week. I've worked there for nearly 20 years and never been on a team - but I bucked my trend and joined the Dixie Admin Team. My leg of the race consisted of running about 3/4 of a lap around the track, then answering three questions about school history, and then jogging another 1/2 block. It was so embarrassing to be huffing and puffing so much after that little bit of exertion. Its definitely time to get back to exercising! Our team took 29th place out of 30 teams. The only team we beat, dropped out of the race half way through! But, in our defense, our average age was at least 25 years older than the other college and high school teams. Can we use that for an excuse? Our college president even joined our team and did the basketball shoot. Here's a photo of two of my teammates, my boss, Steve (also shown in the mud pit), and our vice president, Frank—quite the motley crew. Mike ran the Great Race when he was at Dixie, and I'm pretty sure his team came in first that year (sorry I didn't carry on the tradition Mike). Did I mention it was so cold, and pouring rain during the race. It was Kirk's birthday, and he got cold hamburgers and stood in the rain waiting patiently for me to do my thing. And, we still haven't properly celebrated!

Its Hard to Say Goodbye

We spent Friday through Sunday in Bountiful and Ogden spending time together and saying goodbye to Mike, Bri, Trent, Garret, and Zach before they flew to Beijing, China to live for three years at the American Embassy. They were in the air 14 hours yesterday (what do you do with 3 active boys cooped up for that long?) We haven't heard from them yet (its 4:00 a.m. there right now), but we're anxious to hear how the flight went and about their first impressions of China.

Kirk and Scott and I took Mike's family to Antelope Island one of the days. It was a lot of fun to see buffalo, and to play at the ranch. Trent and Garret really loved roping!

Brian and Emily came up and Shellie and George flew to Salt Lake, too, so we were able to enjoy Mike and Bri's company before they left. They said goodbye to Great Grandpa and Grandma, we all flew kites at the park, and even had an early birthday party for Garret. Its tough, though, knowing they are so far away. But Kirk and I won't wait too long before we head there to see them!

Show Me The Money!

My Dad is a unique guy. At his 85th birthday party last Saturday, he gave each of his children $85 in honor of his years. Then he gave each of his grandchildren 1/2 of that — $42.50 and each of his great grandchildren 1/4 of that (since they have 1/4 of his genes he claims), which is $21.25. Since he has 30 grandchildren and 15 greats, that added up to a pretty penny. He handed out cash to each one individually, and they all had a great time. He wants to make sure they each remember him. I think they will anyway since loves to spend time with his family, tell stories about his youth, and take everyone on tours through the nooks, crannies, and hiding places in his house and yard. One of my favorite stories about my Dad that shows his frugal personality, is the time he tried to heat up cold french fries in a hotel room with the blow dryer (can't let anything go to waste!). There is always something fun with my Dad - he has been a great father, and provided all of us kids with a wonderful, secure, loving, gospel-centered home. Love you Dad!

Here's Zach, my Dad's youngest great grandchild, eagerly reaching for his share of the birthday pot!

Trent and Garret loved exploring Dad's Train Room.

























Mom and Dad loved seeing Abby and Caynen, too.

A Beautiful Weekend in St. George

It was a beautiful, sunny weekend in St. George and we got to share it with Shellie, George, Abby & Caynen. We rode horses at the Graf's farm (thanks Jon!), we played at Santa Clara Park (sliding wasn't Shellie's best sport), and George went 4-wheelin' with his friend at the sand dunes at Sand Hollow reservoir. Kirk continues to recover from his rotator cuff shoulder surgery. It hasn't been fun, but we think he's on the way up now.