Lanee's Legacy

We went to a benefit breakfast in Queen Creek to help support the making of memory boxes for those who have had an infant pass away before birth or after. We received one of these boxes when we were in the hospital delivering Elizabeth. The box had different things in it to help us remember our baby girl. We also were able to put special items in it like the dress she wore in the hospital, locks of her hair, some pictures, a blanket, her id bracelet, copies of her foot and hand prints, and a few more memories we received from people. I cherish the box because it has helped me remember her and helped me cope especially when we were grieving. We were excited to hear about this event and support this non-profit organization that will allow other families cope with the loss of an infant. The mother who started this organization is the one who made the box we received in the hospital, DeLanee's mother. She donates these boxes to the Banner hospitals. I am grateful for her and her willingness to help other families. It was nice being around people that you knew had a similar experience. We hope to continue to help this organization out when we can! Here are some pictures of some of the activities.

Dean realized that he did not like the bouncy house so he started to cry.

They had balloons for those to write the name of their infant and release. Dean just liked holding the balloon and eventually let go not realizing it would fly away.

Water Fight

Even though there are almost 9 years difference in age Noah and Dean still find ways to play together. Wednesday night they were playing outside and this is what I found a water fight. Dean was trying to spray Noah and Noah was throwing water at Dean with the cup. Dean got soaked and Noah due to his size was able to avoid getting as wet. They had fun and what a great memory for us all. Dean was sick with a fever, cough, and runny nose but he found the strength to have fun with his brother. The pictures are pretty much the sequence of how I found them.

What cute Smith boys we have!

Dean is 17 months

Dean is learning so many new things each day. Some of his new words are please, thank you, cookie, cracker, Noah, Barney, no, bye bye, car, park, juice, and down. Of course they don't sound that clear but we understand him. He is talking so much more this past week. He has also started to try to hop or jump but he can't get his toes off the ground. It is so cute to watch. He loves it when Noah is home and gets so excited when we tell him he is going to see him. He loves going outside every morning shortly after he gets up. Now that the weather is starting to get cooler this week he loves going to the park. He loves looking at books or having me read them. He loves watching Barney and when we mention the word he gets so excited. Church is starting to get hard during Sunday School and Relief Society so we are counting down the weeks until he can go to nursery. He loves all his family but especially lately his Grandpa Cardon and his Uncle Scott. He loves being chased by his daddy and running around. His new things this past week were to climb on the chairs and put his toys in the fish tank. We quickly fixed that situation so now no more chairs next to the tank. He is getting better at holding my hand when we are crossing the street and likes to help me get the mail. He also is great at helping me bring in the groceries when he goes to the store with me. It is so cute to watch him help. He loves his baths and still is great going to bed around 7:00. I am still getting him to take 2 naps but have to make the morning nap short. He loves waving to whoever is home when he goes to bed and he blows kisses. He loves being around the older kids meaning even teenagers, especially boys. He loves playing with any kind of ball and is great at throwing. We love him so much!

Visit from Brianna (Chelsea and Brian)

We had the opportunity to watch our 20 month old niece Brianna for a week while her parents Chelsea and Brian went on vacation. They drove from Cedar City and spent a day with us before leaving for Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. It was fun for Dean to have a playmate for the week and learn to share his parents more. For us we got a little taste of what it would be like to have twins since they are only about 3 months apart. Overall it was a good experience! I think Dean has started talking more because Brianna knows so many words. Thank Brianna!

Some of the activities we did were play outside, go to the park, go to the mall and ride the carousal which they both enjoyed.

Dean was having so much fun riding. He usually has been a little nervous but not this time.

Brianna had just as much fun!

Dean and Brianna were on the same pooping schedule in the morning. Since they would play outside in the morning Brian thought it would be easier to spray the two down with the hose. They of course loved it! We have pictures but decided not to post them. What fun memories we will have to share when they are older.

Family Visitors

A couple of weeks ago my brother Andrew decided to come and visit from UT since he had not been here since last Christmas. We wondered why his wife Michelle could not come but they said she had work. Well little did we know that Michelle and our sister Rachael decided to surprise everyone and come a couple of days later. What a fun time we had visiting and all being together. We also got exciting news that Michelle and Andrew are expecting their first baby. this is most of the Cardon family except a few that could not make it that night for dinner
All of my siblings from oldest to youngest: Christin, Becky, Emily, Andrew, Rachael, Scott

Lucky me got to be on top since I am the pregnant one!

Almost Home

So our trip home started early but not until 7:00 am. Dean was more cranky probably because he was tired from his long trip. I was so grateful Brian was with us because it made it better for me. During our layover in Seattle Brian and Dean came across this play area for kids. Too bad I did not know about it on our way to WA.

Priest Lake Idaho

The second week of our trip we went to Priest Lake and stayed in a Lake House that Brian's parents rented. Most of his family was able to come for part of the week. Brian was able to join us on Wednesday which was wonderful. Noah had started school so he was unable to join us. The trip was fun with many adults and children in a small space. It was quite cozy at times. The only downside of the trip was that most everyone got sick with a 24 hour flu bug. No names but it did come from Utah. Thanks Nonny and Papa for the great memories!

Two of our nieces Annalee and Kiya had the opportunity to get baptized at the lake. It was a wonderful experience and what a great memory for the girls.

Steve, Annalee, and Megan

Jenny, Kiya, and Dave

The girls rode the waverunners with their fathers to the baptism site while everyone else rode on a big boat to the destination.

Dean, Connor, Lincoln, Cougar, and Cooper

Me recovering from my day of sickness

Brianna, Lily, and Dean