Maggie Valley

The Smith Family takes the first weekend in Dec each year to gather and fellowship. The last couple years have been cancelled due to weddings and football games, but this year the trip was back on. We typically head to Gatlinburg or to Pigeon Forge, but this year we stayed in Maggie Valley. We did as usual and took over the place. Almost 60 family members all descendants of (or at least claimed by) Coy and Agnes Smith.

Evan & Aunt Vivian

Ellie & Louis

The weather was not on our side with this trip. Some Christmas presents from Aunt and Uncle Terry and Stuart were just what the kids needed to pass the time.

Our cabin was filled with South Carolina Gamecock fans, so we settled in to watch the SEC Championship game. The result was not what we were looking for. Charlotte was expressing her disappointment as she watched the game.

The fellowship area was a little crowded and the timing was not quite right, so the kids enjoyed meals at the cabin. Ellie wears her noodles well.

We got a dusting of snow the next morning and although it was cold they got to run around outside. They headed up the hill to see what everyone was doing. Aunt Donna was out walking her dog.

We had a great time and can't wait to do it again.

O Christmas Tree

I love to have the house decorated for Christmas. Jennifer is very good at it and this year she has started the process of passing down the skill to the kids. We have a real big tree in our living room. It took her a couple days (off and on) to decorated it. The kids watched from upstairs or from their play yard and seemed to enjoy seeing the different decorations. Jennifer even put up a small tree in their room. They helped put it together and decorate it. They used beanie babies as ornaments. They enjoyed putting them on and taking them off. Here's some pictures of them getting ready for Christmas.

Happy Thanksgiving

Turkey... Turkey... Turkey... Happy Thanksgiving from the Triple-Smith's!

We have had a great day today. We got up and watched the parade. They loved seeing the cartoon characters and the balloons. The girls even danced to some of the music. Jennifer and I let them run about while we cooked for lunch. Cousin Victoria kept them occupied and out of trouble.

Here's the kids eating lunch. A little different from last years jar food. They each had a favorite.

Evan loved the turkey.

Charlotte loved the mac-n-cheese.

Ellie loved the dressing.

They even loved it the second time around for leftovers.


Evan took some time out of eating to watch some football and play ball with me.

Last night they helped mom get the pecan pie ready. They wanted to help me fry a turkey but maybe next year (just kidding).

Me and the bird of the hourThis year the kids put away their head dresses and made some turkeys for their mom. It's never too early to start covering the fridge with kiddy art.
We hope you had a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving Day!!!

Big Girl

Several months ago we promised Ellie we would put her in a big girls seat on our Oct. beach trip. And yes, the promise came true. She was happy and so was I. I have been patiently waiting for this day. Here she is showing off her new seat.

Fall

Remember the dresses Jennifer made? Here are the dresses in action. Jennifer took them to a local park to play in the leaves and get some photos - of course. For all those concerned about Evan being left out, Jennifer made him a shirt with a built in tie that matches the girls. Here's the bunch playing in the leaves.

He was proud to show off his new shirt!