The Smelker Kids Together
Last night was my parent's final night in San Antonio and I asked my father to take some shots of the kids in front of the Christmas tree. I can't remember when we last had all 5 kids together - no I remember, it was 4 years ago back in Michigan - pretty sad isn't it that it has been so long since they all stood together for a photo!
Garrick is on the left, Hayley is next to him, Teagan is next to Hayley and Carson is on the right. Warrick, obviously, is in the back.
We also managed to capure one with Warrick and his girlfriend Natalie. She didn't want to have a picture taken, so he is hanging onto her to make sure she didn't get away! Natalie is a wonderful girl and we love her and her family dearly.
Labels: Carson, Christmas, Garrick, Hayley, Teagan, Warrick
Thanksgiving and Beyond!
For the first time since February 26 1994, both sides of the family were together for a holiday. My in laws drove from Dallas to join my folks who had flown in from England. We had a full, busy but happy house for the duration. Although we didn't take any posed pictures we have some candid shots that show the camaradie of the weekend. (Also note, for those northeners among you, we sat outside because the high on Thursday was 84!) We barbequed the turkey as well, and everyone agrees that it was the best turkey they had ever had.
On Friday we continued our tradition of putting up the Christmas decorations and the kids were so excited as we pulled out the tree (pre lit!) and started up the Christmas music. I love this time of the year, particularly the warm weather as I grew up accustomed to having Christmas on the beach in the middle of summer.
Today we took the kids to a small street fair around the corner from the Alamo, where the kids had fun, and the adults spent money. It was another warm day, perfect for a stroll past the Alamo and the statue honouring David Crockett.
Labels: Lennon family, Smelker family, Thanksgiving
Pottery Lessons
Yesterday my parents accompanied Teagan to her pottery lesson. Teagan was excited to share her skill with them (she was even more excited because yesterday was the first time she got to glaze her own pots!)
Her instructor Doug is bending over to help her cut the finished pot from the wheel. He has opened his store up and included another 4 wheels and offers lessons on a continual basis and I highly recommend him if you're local!
Labels: pottery, Teagan
Grandparents are fun!
Well the Smelker children will get a double dose of grandparents this week as my parents and my in-laws will both be here for Thanksgiving.
I have a couple of photos here with my parents. Carson is hamming it up with Grandad and I am on the bench with my mother. (It is cold right now in San Antonio, but should warm up soon!)
Labels: Lennon family
Family Coming In
With Thanksgiving on the horizon I am sure many of us have family coming to visit. Tonight my parents come in from England (they are in the air as I type this) and next week we will be invaded by Terry's extended family, so a busy time is anticipated here in the Smelker household.
Having being raised in a British home in South Africa Thanksgiving was never something I celebrated, until I moved here to the USA, now it is one of my favourite holidays, and I can truly say I am thankful for so many things - my relationship with God, my husband, my kids, and my friends. I am also thankful I live here in San Antonio with the warm weather as I am definitely not a snowbird!
Labels: God, Lennon family, South Africa
Sharks and Sunsets
As I mentioned in the Mac photo album, Carson insisted we go into this store - the one with the shark jaws. We walked inside and Garrick with his great sense of timing said, "Oh look. The shark's having a sale"!
Terry took this photo as we were coming from the Dolphin Watch cruise.
Labels: Garrick, South Padre, Terry
South Padre Memories
Well, Terry and I think Pastor Theo should start a church in South Padre Island, and for the sake of the gospel, and certainly sacrificing everything, we would move to this tropical island and start a beach ministry!
We had a blast! The kids loved the ocean as did we. Hot summer-like days, balmy evenings and relaxing afternoons spent on the beach have made us all tanned and immensly relaxed.
I will post photos as soon as I upload them to my iPhoto.
Labels: Pastor Theo, South Padre, Terry
Leaving on a jet plane - well not quite...
We will be out of pocket for the next week as we leave tomorrow for a week's vacation to South Padre Island - a week of surf, sand, windsurfing, dolphin watching, fishing, sand castle building and just spending time with the kids.
South Padre is five hours south of us, and is a tropical paradise so we are looking forward to some tropical beaches, warm waters and long lazy days...
See you all when we get back next week!
Labels: South Padre
Picture of my Owls
Here are my Owls from left to right - Teagan, Garrick and Hayley (standing in front of my newly painted panelled walls!)
Unofrtunately I didn't use the flash on the camera (can you say, 'never take pictures!') so the focus is not as sharp as if Terry had taken them. But, I am willing to learn...
