Family Reunion! Missourah Part 2

*Photos by Michelle Wilkins Guerra
The Family Reunion began at the Willard, Mo. Independence Day Parade. Flint loves parades and I think this picture by Michelle captures the moment beautifully. We were able to reconnect with our extended Lavard Wilkins cousins this night. It's crazy to see all the cousins my age with their own little children running around, it was crazy yet comforting to know that I am in the same place in life as so many in my family.

The Darwin and Rosalie Wilkins Reunion started off with a bang! We feasted upon fireworks the whole time we were there. For my children it brought out their inner pyro. I laughed so hard watching them blow up bottle rockets, roman candles, and many other mystery fireworks that one can only obtain in a state like Missourah.

I love this picture of Tommy and I. He is being the clingy koala bear that he always is. Uncle Roy's Farm really brought out his true colors though. He spent most of his time on the four wheelers, tractor, and in the back of the pick up truck. If not doing that then he was busy following Royce, Cody, Dallin, Ethan, and Mitchell around. I've never seen him so content hardly any whining yeah!

*Photos by Sheena Riesner and Shannon Holm thanks for capturing the funny bits!
Talent night was like the Gong show meets America's got talent. Many wonderful talents shared as well as many funny ones. Ethan, Kyra and the crew entertained us with a very lively lip syncing routine to "Don't stop believing". Ethan went for an awesome air guitar solo and totally got the worst rug burn I've ever seen. However the air guitar solo was magnifique--well done Ethan!
The girls and I doing a little Tahitian. Tommy even joined in on the action! Shakey, shakey, shakey!

After the talent show the kids stayed up past midnight playing basketball and capture the flag and who knows what else. They really loved it!

Wilkins golf tournament 2010 did not disappoint. Aunt Becky brought her "A" game. Apparently so did I. Who knew I could golf? Who knew mowed lawn in a cow field makes a great golf green? Who knew Ethan names all his golf clubs Geraldo? Who knew Kelsie has a killer swing (if you don't believe me ask Ethan he had the black bruise to prove it)?

Cliff diving at Stockton Lake was soooooooo fun! I can't do it justice. I was a wimp and went off one half this size. But the kids were crazy and went off this one. Those dare devils!


We had the most wonderful Devotionals each night. I feel like we all got to reconnect with one another and realize that there are so many people who love us and wish us well in this life. How wonderful for my children to know that so many people care for them! It buoys me up and helps me remember who I am! Thanks family! I love you!

Smith Summer Adventure--Missourah part 1

I can't believe the summer is almost over! Time flies when you're having fun and awesome stuff like that.
Our little summer adventure started in Missourah.

Land of my youth, home of my homiez, and food that I love.Land of my youth:

Spending time at Adventure Oasis in Independence.
When did Independence get cool? Maybe it's not and maybe people there think this place is LAME, but I was loving it. Think water park meets city pool, except that when you people watch at this Missourah pool you shall NOT be disappointed. How I WISH I brought my camera to the pool.

Then I could have documented the classic Independence Missourah Mullet.--spikey on top and really long in back--we're talking Jan Brady long in back. I knew that 80's style is back in fashion but over 10 guys had this do, what's up with that? Ah nostalgia, gotta love it.

Paddle boating at Lake Jacomo.
Good times. We almost lost some children on that trip. Too much fun feeding the ducks. Which apparently is illegal or something. Also we were graced by a water snake upon boarding our paddle boats. There was a little freak out going on over that. We got over it thankfully.

Home of my Homiez.

Spending quality time with these nuttiez and also fellow nutcases Denny, Luke, and Flint.


Mom had everything ready for us when we got there--comfy bed, good food. Thanks Mom!
Ethan and I cleaned out her garage. We got out all of our pre-summer-season inner turmoil by cleaning the garage. Lots of aggression taken out on Abel's car parts, good thing he's on his mission or all that junk would still be there--hehehe, boy is he gonna be mad at us when he gets home--oh well. It needed to be done.
In one of his car parts boxes that he got from some other car fanatic we found a dead rat. Here's the kicker it was a Ginger Rat--yikes! I freaked out, Ethan had to prove that at 16 he's a real man by discarding of the petrified rodent (it was as long as a forearm and completely petrified!). Glad to report Ethan passed that manhood test.

Food that I love:

We went to my two favorite places in KC.

Rosedale's BBQ, YUMMY!

and the Farmer's Market.

It was blistering hot that day so we bought the kids some bubble tea, which was soooo good. We missed getting there early so it was a little crowded, but I always enjoy trying out new yummies the Amish people bring to the market. I love their cute German accents and the little boys dressed like Fritz from Sound of Music.

Our stay with Mom was pretty short, but we enjoyed ourselves.
Next installment.......The Reunion!