Some things to be THANKFUL for

Mason Robert Hadley

Mason Robert Hadley was born Nov. 5th at 4:45 PM and weighed 6 lbs. 12 oz.
He is an absolute joy. Milo adores him, almost too much. We are all doing well and are so in love with this new little man.

Less Than One Week to Go!

I can't sleep and can't wait to have my new little man in my arms. He should be here by Nov. 5th so the days are numbered. I know that having two will be a big change but I can't wait for this little guy to get here. Wish me luck!

Ride for the Children

Come join our “Ride for the Children” on October 10th 2009 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at This is the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City, Utah. Ride for the Children will benefit World Peace Parents Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity.
Ride for the Children is a Bikers Family Festival! That’s right…a family festival for bikers of all ages, sizes and shapes. Here is what you will enjoy:
 Unique biking events for all ages.
 A bike parade
 A family bike ride in, through and around the Heritage Park Pioneer Village.
 Competitive bike races
 A biking treasure hunt
 Giant blow up jumping castles and slides.
 Live music and Entertainment
 Food and drink provided by Red Robin
 A benefit raffle.
 Heritage Park train ride
 A tricycle obstacle course for the little ones (under age four)
 Four hours of action-packed family fun with or without your favorite bike. For the serious cyclist this is a time to share the love of biking with your family.
Admission only $5 for parking; Entry fees for access to all biking contests is $8. Enjoy the train ride and carnival blow ups all day for $10. Entertainment is included in your admission. Food sold per item. Children under 3 are free.
So please come and spend time having fun with family and friends, get a tax deduction, and help in the effort to empower The Family at our “Ride for the Children” event!

For more information visit our website at http://www.beginwiththechildren.com

“If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children [and] we must become the change we want to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

Kissing Cousins

I went to Denver to visit Annie and her new baby boy Beckett. Milo came with me to play with cousin Tate. Milo loved playing with his cousins. He was so darling to the new baby, I couldn't get him to stop kissing him and trying to hold him. It made me feel good to see his reaction because we are just a few months away from our little new born's arrival.

Maui

Daddy and Milo having fun at the pool. Milo had no fear, which made me a little fearful.



We took Milo to the Aquarium, he just loved it.




We got to experience Maui from a Helicopter. The view was lovely, we had a great time but poor Jen got a little sick.







Milo fell face first in the sand when he was still wet from swimming in the ocean or "Oceay" as he calls it. We were laughing so hard, what a silly boy.

Father's Day

Powell

We live at Lake Powell for weeks out of the year thanks to my parents amazing house boat. Milo absolutely adores the water, which scares me because he just dives in, you really have to be right there! He is a great little water baby, he can blow bubbles and kick so well. He is just a joy to be with down there.

Hadleys come to play

We had such a great time with Geoff's brother Andrew, his wife Dee and their three kids the past month. They came and stayed with us and we just had the best time. That is one of the perks of living so far away is that when family comes to visit they are on "holiday" (as the Aussies call it) mode and just kick back and have fun. It sure was hard to see them go. I don't know who cried more, me or Milo.

England

Geoff and I got to enjoy a second honeymoon as we went to England for 5 days. My cute parents and sister Jenny watched Milo for us. I hated leaving my baby but it was the best thing as the trip was going to be so short and the jet lag would have really messed with him. We had a wonderful time at the Rotary International Convention in Birmingham and got to enjoy some of lovely London. This world is so full of beauty. We did the following:

1. Hiked up the geometric staircase at a St. Paul's Cathedral tour.
2. Visited Trafalgar Square
3. Strolled down Whitehall.
4. Visited the Big Ben.
5. Set our sights on the beautiful architecture at Westminster Abbey.
6. Window shopping at Harrod's in Belgravia.
7. St. James's Park.
8. Visited the Buckingham Palace.
9. Experienced the changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
10. Strolled down The Mall, a road that leads to the Buckingham Palace.
11. Enjoyed the scenic nightlife in Piccadilly Circus.

Fun News!!!

All Smiles and Giggles

This boy laughs and smiles almost all day. He has such a playful personality. We just love being his mates.

Milo at the Park

Spring is finally here! Milo wants to go to the park every single day. He adores feeding the ducks and playing with daddy. Geoff set up a swing in our front yard and we spend hours each day out there. Milo is all boy, with more energy than this pregnant mommy can muster... thank goodness for daddy.

Thailand

Stop in Paris

On my way to Thailand I had a 9 hour layover in Paris. It was fun to see Paris in the Spring time but it sure made an already gruelling flight that much longer and harder. Here are a few pics from the day.

China and Hong Kong Again

So after Europe I had to fly to HK and China for business for a week again. It was a good experience and certainly was hard work. Being away from Milo and Geoff was the worst part. International business is hard on your wallet, your body, and your family. I just have the deepest appreciation for my father for all the years he slaved away for us and for over 100 trips to China to give me the life I have had. I love you dad. You are my hero! This picture of me picking up three peanuts with my chop sticks is in honor of my old man. I was at dinner with his business partner and he told me my father is the only person he as ever seen do that... so I worked on it (a little longer than I'd like to admit). Following in your footsteps pops.

France

I haven't had time to edit and post my photos of France but here are just a few until I can get some more up. I have concluded that Travel is addicting.

Switzerland

Great Cheese, Chocolate, Yogurt, and the Freakin Swiss Alps... what more could you ask for?

Lausanne, one of the most breathtaking places I have ever been!


Chateau De Chillon













LUGANO










My old man absolutely LOVED Migros yogurt while he was a missionary. He said he ate a pint a day. It was a blessed day, the sweet reunion of Migros and Elder Smoot!!!

Italy

We just took a trip to Italy, Switzerland and France. We went with my parents and my sister Jenny and her husband Steve. We didn't even bring bubby with us. It was my first time ever being away from him and it was really hard for me to say goodbye. It was best for everyone that little kids didn't come and we had a lovely time. My dad served his mission in Northern Italy and Southern Switzerland and hadn't been back to his mission yet. It was an absolute joy to following him around and have him tell all his mission stories. He was like a giddy kids at Christmas. His Italian was fantastic for having been gone for so many years. It was a trip to remember!

LAKE COMO




FLORENCE














The Vatican









Me asking in Italian, "Is there a discount for being beautiful?" It always worked in Spanish so I thought I'd give it a try...

We miss Milo. Thanks Annie and Jeff for taking care of him while we were away!

ROME
My beloved Trieve Fountain

Rock On!

Geoff and I are total night owls. Our poor baby gets to bed late because of it... like 8:30-9:00PM each night. Now with the time change it is too late. His night life has to stop. Any suggestions?

I just realized how cute I am

Trying to escape

First Time Around The Sun

Milo just turned one on Jan. 22nd. What an amazing year for our little family!!! We can't express how rad we think little Milosh is. He is a "Bloody Legend" as Geoff says. Happy Birthday little man.

Milo started his day his favorite way. He had a bath and then played with his beloved blocks.


We all enjoyed the food (thanks Jen for helping me)

Practiced walking with uncle Joey, and was obviously so proud of himself


Enjoyed his Pool Ball birthday "cup"cakes that Jenny and I made with the help of Rachel, Robbie, and Linny. We made them since my parents just got a new pool table and we encouraged everyone to play a couple of games.




Ate his birthday "cup"cake


Opened presents


He loved on his family.




He ended his day with a messy dinner on grandma's tiled floor. What a wonderful boy and a wonderful first year. We love you sweetness.

FIRST STEPS

Milo just started walking a day or two before his 1st birthday. We were so excited for this walking event, but not as stoked as he was.

First Chrissie

Milo's first Christmas was simple but perfect. We slept over at my parent's new home and got to spend quality time with the fam. For some reason I just loved these shots of him... so silly with that cheesy grin.

Milo, Ashley, and Tatum

We love you Laura for taking these fun photos for my parents for Christmas. Cute Smoot grandchildren... we are looking forward to more in 2009 (yeah Annie and Jeff).

Mr. and Mrs. Tim and Kellie Rancie

Kellie was one of the most beautiful brides I have ever seen. She is so lovely inside and out, it was so great to be there for her big day. Tim is a great guy and we wish them all the best in this new adventure called marriage. Weddings are so fun and they always make me reflect on how in love I am with Geoffrey.


Geoffey's big brother Ben was there, it was a so nice to see him.


It was so hot, but a wonderful day for Kellie and Tim.

OZ

Milo got to see his Brisbane family again this year.What a treat! He adored playing with all of his cute cousins and his aunties and uncles. Andrew really got him giggling. These photos are so funny because some how the angle that I shot these Milo looks like he is almost Andy's size. So funny!

Singapore

Malaysia

We traveled to Kuala Lampur and we really enjoyed that city and all it had to offer tourists, it was so green and lush. We then took a 5 hour bus ride to Singapore, Milo was a champ.