Aloha-
All is well here with the Kerry Smith's... The days are quite warm, but we are managing getting this humidity back into our systems after a dry heat in Idaho.

Since our return from our recent trip, things at church have kept Melissa quite busy. Preparing for the Pioneer Activity Day up in the Astoria area, Sharing times, Preperations for the Faith in God Program to be launched in our ward, Meetings...endless meetings, and friends many little friends. Kerry has taught the gospel principles class and did quite well-everyone likes him in his class.

Audrey and Ryan have entertained Riley and Parker Short (Pres Gayle's grandchildren) and we seem to be the cool friends who eat popcorn, draw beautiful murals in sidewalk chalk, have blueberries in the wild :) and our endearing personalities. Today we went to Burnsridge Park for the weekly Picnic in the Park. Only 5 of us showed up with our children-which was nice for a change. Usually the little park is overflowing with activity to the point of chaos...but today we were able to enjoy Perfect weather and really talk. It was great! There are great people in the Aloha 1st ward. We think that Abbey Bruno and Audrey seem to get along...but Audrey tends to look for boys to hang around as opposed to girls...hmmmm

Sunday, as we were sitting listening to the Sacrament Prayer...Ryan couldn't contain himself and whenever the voice would come over the microphone he would look heavenward and his mouth hung to his chest as he had heard what he thought was an angelic being. We are still trying to encourage him to not shout "AMEN" at the end of prayers and etc. However, how or why would you discourage one's enthusiasm at such a young age? We are just happy when he makes it through an entire prayer arms folded, eyes closed, and is actually listening to know when to say amen.

Another funny incident occurred as we were watching a Matinee last Saturday afternoon as a family. It was "Finding Nemo" and all I can say is that Ryan has mastered whale-language. Those who have seen this portion of the movie know exactly what I am talking about. With all the moaning and groaning he was making during the show, we are certain people thought the surround sound was quite realistic. We thouroughly enjoyed the flick as did Audrey and Ryan. Maybe our next pet should be a humpback whale. Booker wouldn't be so lonely surrounded by the racoons and cats in our neighborhood that taunt him. - he he

The update on Jeff...is that he is on VACATION for the week. He and Peter are in Eastern Oregon enjoying and the sites you can see in that neck of the woods. Work seems to be same-o same-o for him. He has good days and bad days with his health. We feed him when we see him...and even from time to time tempt him with brownies and cookies and other fattening things in this life...but he still doesn't put on any weight...so feel free to send other fattening food to him in care packages when you have a chance. I don't know how he does it. We are trying to get him to eat all of Mom and Dad Peden's food storage in their absense...I don't think this will chage his figure at all. Pray for him...he can always use our prayers.


posted by Anonymous at 5:31 PM