500 Days...er... Pictures of Summer

Our AC unit has been off for 20 consecutive minutes and I no longer get instantaneous 3rd degree burns from the steering wheel. Summer must over, or at least winding down. We went on quite a few adventures this summer, and have oodles of candids to show for it. If you enjoy looking at us as much as I do, then this post will not disappoint!

We started off our adventures with Mickey and Minnie! Side note- taking a Disneyland trip sans anklebiters is divine! I highly recommend it. It is then, and only then, that it becomes the happiest place on Earth! Period.

We had to wait our turn for a chance to get a pic on the "C".


Yes, this is what you think it is- a picture .... of a picture. We're that cool.

A Disney must- Splash Mountain

The best ride no one is talking about- Tower of Terror!

Another picture... of a picture. Can you tell who enjoys the coasters more? Waiting in line for Peter Pan (always seems to be the longest line). Fortunately, we were able to eavesdrop on the two gay guys in front of us debating about who should play the role of Tiger Lily in the upcoming Peter Pan 6, and comparing Disney ring tones. No joke!

You can really see me five-head in this one (most people have a forehead, I was blessed with a fivehead) . Gravity is so unforgiving on roller coasters. Girls, you know what I'm talking about!

Best thrill ride on the West Coast! No contest. Metallica blaring in your ears as you swoosh through a loop of fire. I probably wet myself. Twice.
A visit to the Jelly Belly factory!

A sunflower field on the side of the road.

A San Francisco Treat! We don't have these so-called "flowers" where I come from.

Only in San Fran would you get to see this kind of demographic at 7 am.

Let me take you back to a family vacation - circa 2000. We spent a day in San Francisco, I wanted to go into the Gap. We didn't. I suffered. My parents are still suffering. 9 years later I have my retribution.

Alcatraz!

Could we look any more like tourists?

Clam Chowda and Sourdough bread bowls!

Adam wanted to try each and every bread bowl we could find.

Now, this is more my style!

As good at Ghirardelli was, it was way to congested for my liking. I'll take my local chocolate eateries over this square any day!

Our souvenir from China town!

She's the "un-Chinese-china doll"

Meanwhile, back at the ranch... Hannah had 13 puppies. Ouch!

Again, I say, OUCH!

Talk about a dog pile!

Holly's annual Birthday bash at Bucca. Unfortunately, Bucca did not perform. They've gone corporate, and their "better than sex cake" well... isn't!

Rhett was baptized! Way to go little man.

Another attempt at a Smith family portrait. At least this time our photographer didn't take us to a gay beach. true story.

Sofia turns 1 The meat and the man behind the meat!

talking to her peeps

Mia found a sucker. Dad laughed. Mom cried.

James is tuckered out from all the fun. He puts up with me and my randomness like a pro.

The girls got to go see WICKED- 3rd row!!!! While the boys had all you can eat at the D-backs game. We definitly got the better end of that deal. I heart everything about this musical, and so would you. I garuntee it. In fact, I'm leaning towards Elphaba for my firstborn. It was that good.
Gary napping with the giant PLASTIC golf ball.

Now James gets a turn.
At yet again. We find James sleeping...with the giant plastic golf ball. This thing seems to be getting more action than me!

Sofia is ready for the 12 hour drive to Utah! First long road trip for the tike! It went well- mainly because we didn't travel with her.

Smith family get together. Volleyball, softball and food!

Can you tell which one is our strong suit?

And that we're Ute fans?

5th of July fireworks...because we can!

This is my gorgoues cousin Natalie. She's amazing and one day I hope to be just like her. I'll date everyone in the state of Utah, be addicted to diet coke, and somehow manage to live out of a closet that was originally intended for a baby flea. I have so much to work on!

A visit to the U of U bookstore. It seems we can never escape SLC without a detour here. My parents eyes start welling up with tears and we all have a moment of silence and pay tribute to the U of U gods. It's sobering.

A visit to the 2 newest temples in town. Share the wealth, Utah! Seriously! Breakfast at Little America. This is the only "blog-worthy" pic from breakfast. Imagine a pack of hungry elephants trying to feed. That was us. The food was great.

It's time to say so long to Elder Smith.

The proud parents

Curb side drop-off is the way to go!

Off to Canada!

At snowbird- yes, that's snow! in july.

Riding the bull. I think Ethan's exact words were "I'm going to make her my B". 18 seconds later he was on the ground, reeling in pain- after he pulled a muscle in his groin.

Dinner with the Harris cousins!

Aren't they beautiful (the breadsticks, I mean)

What summer is complete without an X box party? Yes, that's a sheet we use for our projector screen. We go all out.

Yes, that's my husband. Wearing a headset. Don't mock- you know your husband does it too.

If it can be fried, it was, and it was delicous!

Happy Birthday to me! Carne asada tacos made by real Mexicans!

25 was a tough one! My body changed. Over night. No warning. However, the dirt devil, ultimate ward cookbook, antibacterial soap, dishwasher scubby thingy's with replacement heads and 3 food processers made for a much smoother transition. Honest to blog! The weekend stay at the buttes, massage and shopping helped quite a bit too! Thanks mom, dad and James! You, along with my new cordless vacum keep me sound!

Well, there you have it bloggers and stalkers! I warned you about the copius amounts of snapshots. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! Sometimes I wonder how in the world I ever have time for teaching when school comes around. I am far too interesting and busy to have a full time job!