Ella is 7 months old

This girl just is growing so quickly it is hard to believe. She has been practicing her sitting skills this past month and had gotten it down pretty well BUT she is still a little rocky. IN fact - the boys like to play a little game with her where they sit her up and then wait to see her fall over (and they try to catch her). They laugh their heads off! She has so many white bumps in her mouth but no teeth have popped through quite yet. She is smiling and laughing and just being such a doll. She grabs everything in her reach (and everything not in her reach). I can barely do anything with her in the sling anymore because she no longer just sits in there - she reaches for everything (including hot pans while I am cooking). She loves to pull herself up to a standing position. She rolls and scoots but no official crawling yet. Just don't leave her alone on a bed or couch - she will scoot off. Her hair is a little thinner but still crazy. Her eyes seem to be a combo color of brown, green and gray? Who knows what they will be - either way they are beautiful. She loves to bounce in her jolly jumper and sit in the high chair and play with toys. She loves holding big carrots and trying to gum them (getting those teeth closer to the surface). Cooing all the time.....she lights up when any of her brothers pays attention to her. She is still a little in love with her mother though...I can't be in the same room and not hold her now. (who can blame her). We love you Ella T!

Miles' first pinewood derby

Pinewood derby...that means Miles is in cub scouts already. It is hard to believe. The first cub meeting Miles came home from, he got out the den mothers' van and when I asked him how it was he excitedly yelled, "it was awesome!" I hadn't seen him that exited about something in a while. Within a few weeks of joining cubs was the annual Pinewood Derby (which Jeremy had to run because he is cub master). Miles and dad didn't have any powertools to shape his car so they hand chiseled it! But that was ok because Miles wanted a hummer type look (nice and boxy). Well - even though he came in near last every race - he still had a great time and won the "silver bullet award". He had a great time none the less!

Uncle Ed and Aunt Rhonda in Utah

We had such a delightful visit with Uncle Eddie and Aunt Rhonda while they were here for the weekend for Miles' baptism. We drove them out to the Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island where we saw all sorts of Bison and such, took a little hike and enjoyed some spectacular views and great family time. They were so kind to buy all NINE great nieces and nephews some Chicago apparel. We had a great time with them and hope to do a southern Utah trip with them soon! The most classic question was asked my my friend Natali when she saw Uncle Ed for the first time..."Who is the mini Jack?" We loved that one. Thanks again for coming to support Uncle Ed and Aunt Rhonda! We love you!

Smolevitz family photoshoot

9 kids + extremely cold temps = you get what you get!

the group

mimi and poppy plus grandkiddos

all the grand kiddos

the original 5 (before we exploded into a circus)

The old gang again

the big ladies - meaning older of course

all the little ladies

adults only (that doesn't sound good). yes - Jeremy IS on his tip toes.

the littlest Smolevitz

Miles gets baptized

What a glorious day! Miles was baptized on April 10, 2010. He and his cousin Tessa were baptized together at our ward in Centerville. It was a beautiful day and a very special baptism for two special kids. Miles and Tessa recited a couple of the 13 Articles of Faith, Tessa's mom (Tracia) spoke, Miles' grandma (Mimi) spoke, Miles' grandpa (poppy) spoke, a lot of the cousins Aunt Janell and Mom sang "I am a Child of God." Miles was baptized by his dad, Jeremy and Tessa was baptized by her older brother Austin. We had a lot of family in from out of town, so after wards we had friends and family come for a picnic at our house (with delicious food of course thanks to everyone). We are so proud of Miles for taking this big step and becoming a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.