A New Smith

Our old friends the Smiths welcomed a new addition in the spring, so they now have three little boys, Mason, Vahan, and the newest, Oliver. We were invited to Oliver's baptism a couple of months ago, and everyone had a blast, which is what always happens at the Smiths, who live on a large plot of land north of Fort Collins. Going to the Smith's always reminds me of being at my grandparents where the fields are wide, the air smells like dust and hay, and the fun is found in getting dirty and exploring.

We started the day out at a church called St. Joseph's in Fort Collins, which is the first church Chris and I ever attended together.

Then it was off to the Smith Homestead, where Vahan and a couple other boys brought out the John Deer to cruise around in. Addie followed it all around the property, waiting patiently for her turn to ride.

She even got up in the action when the truck got stuck in a rock pile and had to be pushed out.

And then, finally, her turn came. Vahan is a pretty good driver for a three year old, if I do say so myself.

Meanwhile, Emily found a little firetruck to ride and then spotted the cows off in the distance.

Em was so excited to watch those cows!

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 And then...the moment every mom fears, her daughter is behind the wheel and her other daughter is in the passenger seat.

It's tricky to drive a John Deer truck, though, and after several failed attempts, I asked Vahan to take back over. He gladly took Emily on a ride.

Elizabeth took a little break from peeking in at the hens to sit on the firetruck for me.

Amanda and her youngest, Paxton, Chris with Elizabeth, and Denise

Addie, Mason, Porter, and Emily

Addie checks out Oliver's teeny toes

Proud Mama Denise

Noni, the sweetest little Italian Grandmother I have ever met, who spoon-fed Addison her mac n cheese saying, "eat up!" the entire time.