Handsome Smith Boys and The Favorite Aunt

The Smith boys are growing up! I haven't taken new pictures of either of them since last December, so we ventured out for a photo shoot during the fall leaf change - General Conference weekend. Aunt Maria was a big help, and we got some good photos of her with and without the boys (the ones w/o aren't included). I'm really pleased with how they turned out, just wish I could've gotten some pregnancy photos of me... maybe soon? (though I realized the reason I don't ever have many is because of how awkward I feel taking pregnancy photos..). Then again, the ones after the baby is born are so much better :)

Family Learning - Prophets & Birds

  For family night tonight, we learned some about President Thomas S. Monson, in preparation for his birthday celebration on Friday (that Austin and I will attend live). I'm inspired so much by his love for others and willingness to serve. I hope after learning more about him and celebrating his birthday this week, it will stick with me. We took some of our ideas and facts from this month's Friend magazine. I have really grown to love this children's magazine! It has given Cadence and I countless activities on Sunday and great stories to read together as a discussion point for values and making righteous choices.
 After learning some about President Monson (Cadence told us a story for the lesson), "Kory" taught everyone the verse to "Follow the Prophet" about him. One interesting fact that we learned was he raised pigeons. So, for the activity, it was off to the Aviary. It's also our attempt at making more regular family outings that we usually save for vacation (because with Austin's schedule, vacations just don't happen as they have in former years).
 The boys had a blast at the Aviary and we learned so much! I was surprised how much Kory enjoyed it! Usually, it's hard to tell he's really enjoying something until it's over. These birds seem to bring out the excitement in him! I was grateful for the photo-op! It's so hard to get a photo of him and his cute expressive face! 

Duck - Kory's favorite

Pelican

Peacock

King Vulture

Kory's actually getting visibly interested!

Cadence's map skills ("the owls are this way")

An Emu egg

Now he's really getting excited!

A little Macaw of our own (he thinks he's an owl)

This is the awesome, typical face of an interested Kory - finally caught it after months of trying!!

Getting some energy out

Learning how birds eat (with sand which ended up all over him)

Most handsome bird I know, perched on a tree stump watching the young.

The bald eagle, successfully brought from only 2,000 remaining to now being off of the endangered species list!

Mommy and Kory

More mapping skills (at this point, there was no interest in birds - just the map)

"Ducks I can touch!!"

"Hello little duck!"