Samuel's Baptism in Mesa

What an exciting day for Samuel! Baptized by his father!! One of the really special things they do in this ward is to take a picture of the child being baptized in front of the Mesa Temple early in the morning of the baptism. That way they can always remember the special day along with a goal to go to the Temple.

We need a picture of the two brothers.  This totally reminded me of Don and Mike!
"Time to settle down."

"Boys- dad needs a picture!"

Finally, a good pose.  How long do you think it will last???

Good-looking family.

Us with the baptism boy.

Ben and Amelia Come To Phoenix

Ben and Amelia came to Phoenix to visit Ben's sister Ali and her husband Travis and baby Emma. Emma had been born 3 months early and had gotten meningitis in the hospital. This caused brain damage and Emma was put on hospice. Ben took the opportunity to come and visit while Emma was still here. Ben was so nice to come out to the Nay's house for a family dinner, and Ali and family also came. 
Amelia had fun in the doll room.  I guess it doesn't matter how old you are to enjoy this room!!!

Everyone enjoyed the chance to catch up with Ben and heard all about the Relief Society drama that Rachel was a part of and heard about the new house the Smiths are buying.

Alissa wrote that she was anxious to hear what Don's big news was and also Ruth's- it does look like that. Even this does look like a "fireplace moment", some people just sat there to visit.

And the cousins loved the chance to play. It was fun to lock each other up in the chicken coop! One of the really fun things was to see Amelia just relax and enjoy being with her cousins!

Savannah's Concert

We got to go to Savannah's closing concert for the year in both strings and choir. It was an excellent concert and it only lasted one hour! Brenley was so caught up in the music that she pretended to play the flute.

And Evie got caught up in the Disney music- "Someday My Prince Will Come"!

And then there was the star of the show. Savannah was narrator for the choir Disney section. She had lots to memorize and did a great job remembering her lines. She also sang in a small group and then played the violin for the strings part! Wow, what a girl!!!

Trip to Virginia To See Smiths

After seeing Mark's family in Dallas, we traveled on to Virginia to see Rachel's family. Rachel had been so nice to wait for Chloe's blessing so it would be at the same time as Amelia's baptism. We got a 2 for 1! When we travel, we take little presents for kids, and one of the big hits with the Smith girls were the little pillow pet lights. They used them every night!

Amelia got to take treats to her school class for her birthday. Since her special day is on May 5th, which is also Cinco de Mayo, Rachel and Amelia made "tacos"- but they were really sugar cookies with candy.

Rachel is sooo creative- here she is with her "tacos".

And then on Saturday was Amelia's big day- her baptism performed by dad. You can tell Amelia is super excited by the big smile!

Time for a family picture.

And then one of the 3 girls.

Rachel spoiled Amelia with a special birthday cake- that was on her list for a "perfect birthday"! We went to Chick-fil-a to open presents and have the cake since the house was being inspected for the sale.

On Sunday was Chloe's blessing- here is Camille, Amelia, Rachel holding Chloe, and Lily.

Jim and Maggie Smith and Mooey and family also came for all these events so here are the women/girls in the family.

And then here is the beautiful Ben Smith family- one guy with all those ladies!!1