Camporee 2010

Girl Scout Camp 2010
Camporee!
Abbie's girl scout troop went camping for 2 nights!
The girls put up their own tents, made meals, built campfires, decorated their spot, participated in fun activites, and had a blast!

They decorated their area with recycled items...they won 1st place for decoration!

The troop leaders...my heroes:)
These women rock!!!

Los Angeles County Fair 2010

Fun at the FAIR!!!

This year we went to the fair with our new friends the Pond family!

Furry Dog Show

Flying Frisbee

Friends

Foot Massage

Friendly Farm

Friendly Farmers

Fried Fair Food
Krispy Kreme cream-filled doughnut with fried chicken sandwich...gross!

Fantastic Ride

Ferris Wheel

My Sweet Grandma Lois Arlene Smith

My Grandma Lois was the sweetest lady ever!

Here she is with Abbie...this picture was taken a few days before my Papa died 3 years ago. She was vibrant and full of life!

Again, this was a few days before Papa went into the hospital unexpectedly and passed away a few days later:(

A few years ago...she became a lot weaker after my grandpa passed away.

Just this past July

When I think of my grandma, I think about her home. I always LOVED going there. It was the home my dad was raised in, the home I spent many days in growing up and as an adult, a home filled with unconditional love, acceptance, and peace.
I will always remember her: knick-knacks, angels, sparrows (ordered from Crystal Cathedral:), tons of pictures, a bluish-greenish bathtub and toilet, jewelry, accessories, shoes, homemade hangers, sticky chicken dinner, and a painting that I now own...but it will stay hidden (ask me about it some time:).
My grandma had character, integrity, and love for the Lord.
She was grateful for her family, grateful for her husband, grateful for her Savior, and grateful for all of her blessings. I vividly remember her telling me many times how thankful she was for all of these things...I will never forget that.
My Papa and Grandma Lois were 2 of the greatest people I have ever known. Their love for each other and for Christ is such a powerful example for me. Aaron and I were married on their wedding anniversary:)
I am happy that my grandma isn't suffering physically and emotionally anymore. I am happy that she is with Jesus and Papa. I will miss her for now...

My Grandma's Memorial Service, Coalinga

This is the road leading into the small town of Coalinga...where both of my parents grew up! If you have ever driven on Interstate 5 through the central valley, you may have stopped to eat or get gas in Coalinga, but the actual town of Coalinga is off the freeway about 20 minutes.

The sign on the far left of the picture says Jesus is Lord of Coalinga! It has been there for as long as I can remember! So cool!

I love the town of Coalinga and I love their church! First Baptist Church of Coalinga (recently renamed Grace Church) is a wonderful group of people. My grandparents were very well-known and involved in their church. It truly is a special place:)

My grandma's friends Charlin and Pam with my sis Staci

Keith serving punch:)

My sweet kids

My cousin April, her husband Moses, Aunt Bonnie, Aaron

My amazing parents

My dad and his siblings: Shelley, Carey, and Dennis

This is the house my dad grew up in. I love this house! It has sooooo many memories for all of us!

When we pulled up to basically say goodbye to this house (it is for sale), there was one single pink rose growing among many rose bushes...just one beautiful rose...a reminder to us of my beautiful sweet grandma.

Baby Dax

This is the house my mom grew up in. Her cousin still lives in this house:)

Coalinga got a Starbucks!!! I couldn't believe it! It is really a small town! Only one traffic signal in the whole town. I remember when there were no chain stores at all. They have K-mart, McDonald's, and now Starbucks...but that is it!

There is a family that lives just outside of town that have buffalo!

After my grandma's service, we went swimming at my parents' hotel (Harris Ranch).

Cousins:)

Cousins:)

Cousins:)
It was so nice to spend time with my extended family. My grandparents were truly remarkable people. We are blessed to call them ours!