Candid Photos

A few weeks ago we had planned on taking pictures for Eva's first birthday.  Due to weather our plans fell through. But, the other day Eva and I visited our good friends, an amazing photographer Jessica and her wonderful daughter Everdeen.  Jessica is so talented she was able to snap a few candid photos while at the park.  They capture Eva's spirit perfectly! I'm secretly glad our first photo session didn't work out, these are perfect!

More great photos

Jessica,
Thank you once again for capturing our family so wonderfully.  We truly appreciate your talent.  We love and cherish each photo session we get to share with you.

Love,
The Smith Family

ick...no more kisses

Big Weekend Away

Chris and I traveled to California a couple weekends ago for a dear friend's wedding.  We made the tough decision to leave Eva here.  Although she wore my mom out I know they had fun.  I'm also glad they got to spend some time together and bond.  Eva just loves her Grandma, Grand-daddy, and Uncle Zach!

We missed Eva terribly, but we enjoyed our kid free weekend.  We engaged in some quality time with friends while wine tasting.  Feasted on a great Sushi dinner date night, where afterwards we watched The Sandlot and went to bed at 8:30.  On Saturday, I got a much needed and relaxing manicure and pedicure (I was long overdue).  Then, we hit up the wedding festivities.  The ceremony was breathtaking, the food was delicious, the photo-booth was awesome and the dancing was incredible.  It was such a great day for such a wonderful couple.  On Sunday we headed down the Pacific Coast Highway to take in the beauty of the coast.  We enjoyed some beach time and walked the Santa Monica Pier.  It was a great trip, but we were definitely ready to come home and see our sweet baby girl.

When Mom's away Baby will play

Uh-oh, caught red handed! Over the weekend Eva had quite the adventure at the neighbors house in Pueblo.  She got into the fridge...and well, the rest is history!

*Pictures are illusions, Eva did not eat butter or drink beer, just funny shenanigans!

Pumpkin Patch

This past weekend we ventured to Ft. Collins.  We met our friends at Bartels Farm pumpkin patch.  It was a great time.  Eva was quite quiet and reserved. And she was spitting-up A LOT (good thing I brought her a change of clothes, bad thing I didn't bring a change for myself!).  I look forward to next year when she is walking and can be a bit more excited about the pumpkin patch.  I can imagine her running around, stumbling trying to pick the perfect pumpkin. It was also great to see my friend Jessica.  It just hasn't been the same since she made the move from Denver to Ft. Collins.  Last year I really missed seeing and talking to her everyday at school.  It was definitely an adjustment.  But, when we do get together it feels right.  After a bit of catching up we pick up right where we left off.  The time seems to go by so fast that before we know it, it is time to say goodbye again.  We are only an hour apart, but with kiddos that hour is a bigger deal than if it was just us.  I hope to make our little trip to the pumpkin patch a yearly tradition, this way we always have something to look forward to!

*some pics courtesy Jessica Wolfe!

Independence Day

The 4th of July, also known as Independence Day, is a favorite in the Smith household.  Other than celebrating America's Birthday, Chris loves the loud booms and dangerous fireworks and I enjoy time with friends and family.  This year was a bit more special because it was Eva's first!  She partied like a rock star. Since this is favorite holiday I splurged and bought Eva a darling outfit that said "Little Miss Cutie." On Independence Eve we enjoyed the fireworks from the Home Depot parking lot in Glendale, Colorado. We grubbed on pasta salad, fried chicken, and crack corn (aka Clinton Kelly's Sticky and Sweet Popcorn), enjoyed lots of family time, and watched the fireworks.  Other than a little startle with the first big booms Eva didn't actually watch the fireworks this year...she slept.  Everyone else spent their time starring at her!!!

Gran with Eva admiring Uncle Zach

Great Aunt Karen and Eva

Great Auntie Rochelle and Eva

Uncle Tom and Eva (she took a mild break from crying in order for me to snap this picture!)

On the actual fourth we headed to the Highlands and participated in the People Parade.  It was fun seeing all the American pride!  Lots of red, white, and blue.  All of the kids were adorable!

Even this Little Lady!

We then headed to our friends house for good ol' BBQ!  It was nice and relaxing.  The boys went shopping, prepped and cooked all of the food, and even did the clean up!  In the meantime, Rachel and I enjoyed a glass of wine and adult conversation.

After a day in the sun and good times with friends we were all ready for air conditioning and quiet time!