Easter

When we planned our trip to Richmond, the best week to go happened to fall over Easter weekend.  Sunday ended up being kind of cold and rainy, but we still had a great day.  We went to church, had a delicious lunch, and then an indoor Easter egg hunt.  The kids found all but 3 eggs, and the grownups couldn't remember where else we had hidden them, so I suspect my sister will find them someday.  Then we put some cheerios in bigger eggs for Mr. Baby and hid them in the middle of the room.  He loved it!  Of course, he was more excited about shaking them to make fun noises than opening them to eat the treat, but that's okay.  Plus he got a big chocolate bunny which I graciously volunteered to eat for him.  

My niece was coaching me on model poses during outfit picture time.  I think I should listen to her advice more often, because I look SO COOL.  

And then I convinced her to join me.  It wasn't very hard.  

And then we lured everyone else out (except my brother-in-law) for some more pictures.  

Cousins!

Girl picture

Smiths

My dress is from Bella Gravida.  It was definitely my most favorite item when I was adding things to my wish list, so I was pretty excited when I got the notice that I'd be receiving it just in time for Easter.  It fit kind of weird up on top, but nothing too noticeable.  I was hoping it would be perfect and I could wear it to my other sister's wedding in May, but alas, it was not.  My search for the perfect maternity dress continues.  It's frustrating, because you can be tall, or you can be pregnant, but good luck if you are both!  

Cardigan: JCF
Dress: ASOS via Bella Gravida

Shoe: Old Navy (similar)

New Mexican Christmas

Most of the time, when I say I'm going to "New Mexico," people just hear "Mexico."  Then they are kind of disappointed when I explain that I'm actually just going to the Southwestern United States, and not some amazing beach resort.  But New Mexico has been kind to me over the years, so it's all good.  I mean, the beach resort sounds nice, too...

Anyway, a quick Christmas recap!

Usually we end up wearing sombreros in Los Alamos

John and I flew into Albuquerque on the Saturday before Christmas.  His grandparents from Northern NM picked us up and took us back to Los Alamos.  We spent a few days there, mostly relaxing and eating at all of John's favorite restaurants.  I don't like Mexican food, so I mostly subsist on quesadillas and sopaipillas.  This is fine by me.  On Monday, the boys ventured into Santa Fe for some errands, and John's grandma took me shopping to buy exactly one million new outfits for my baby.  (Okay, maybe not that many, but I sure felt spoiled!).  That evening, we met up with John's aunt and uncle for dinner.  On Tuesday, John and I went to check out the science museum in Los Alamos.  I kind of think I'm a nerd sometimes, but when I end up at a science museum I am just bored.  I was more interested in the history of Los Alamos in respect to the nuclear bombs.  The museum was more interested in all the different science applications for nuclear research.

Christmas Day

On Wednesday, John and I drove all the way to the opposite end of the state to the other side of the family.  We had fun catching up with his aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. We ate plenty of food, played games, built gingerbread houses, opened presents.  And that was just the first day.  On Friday, we were all scrambling to get everything set up for the big 50th anniversary party on Saturday.  It all came together beautifully, and the party went well!  Then John and I had to leave early Sunday to fly home.  And that was a whole whirlwind of the week.

Almost the entire Smith side at the anniversary party - The camera obviously blurred me since I'm the newest Smith

As I always end up saying, I didn't do a very good job of taking pictures, but we did have a great time with everyone!

Weekend in Des Moines

Friday after work, John and I hit the road for a weekend away.  Since we prefer a short drive, our destination of choice was Des Moines, IA!  My most difficult task - trying really really really hard to not sing "You really ought to give Iowa a try!" all weekend.  (Where my Music Man fans at??)

We rolled into our hotel around 9:30, and there just happened to be a Sister Hazel concert on the green space right next to it.  We listened to them for a bit, and then went looking for a coffee shop, or (let's be honest) dessert.

I highly suggest Java Joes, if you are ever in downtown Des Moines.  They have ice cream AND board games.  We played Scrabble, because that's what we do.  It was an epic game, with FIVE seven-letter plays.  It was crazy.  At the end, we realized that the set was missing the J and X, so that really changed the dynamic.  Okay, I'm talking about Scrabble too much.  Moving on...

On Saturday, we went to check out the Farmer's Market and then walked down to the sculpture park.  It was a little warm out, but the park was really cool.  And I did cliche poses, because that's what bloggers do!

After hiding inside for a little while in the afternoon, we got cleaned up and went to dinner here.  (We tried to go here, but the line to even put your name in was out the door, so we abandoned that plan pretty quickly.)  Then we were on a mission to find some live music.  The internet wasn't helpful, but we noticed some guys setting up sound equipment and went to check it out.  Success!  They were a cover band, and played an assortment of stuff, but mostly 90s alt-rock, which we were happy with.  Then we may have gone back to Java Joe's.  Because what's a Saturday evening without board games? 

Sunday was my favorite.  A little backstory - I can't ride a bike (Or really do anything that requires balance, like skating, or you know, walking without frequently tripping).  But I really love the idea of going on a bike ride.  During our walk around the lake last week, we saw a guy on a recumbent trike, and I decided that would be the perfect solution!  I've heard of the Trestle Trail, and wanted to try it out.  So we rented trikes and had the best time!  The weather was absolutely gorgeous, so that helped.  And now I want a trike!  So if anyone is looking to get me a very expensive birthday present, there's a hint.   

After that, we were starving, and ended up at Jethro's BBQ.  Amazing!  I would eat smoked turkey every day.  Then we thought a movie would be fun.  Lucy started out cool, and then just got really weird and boring.  So, I don't recommend it.

Then we drove home.  It was a really fun weekend!  Des Moines gets my stamp of approval for an easy weekend away.   

Cars and Art

Tuesday of the Family Reunion was for Indianapolis field trips.  One of my nephews couldn't decide between the Indy Speedway and the Art Museum, so John and I figured we could take him to both.  We went to the Speedway in the morning with the big group.  There were 24 of us, so we got a whole tour bus to ourselves. 

John and I had been there before, but this time we did the big tour, which meant we got to get out on the track, and actually go into some of the buildings.  It was much cooler.  

Nephews by the bricks

Dad and Uncles in front of the pagoda

Thomas and me posing by the trophy

After the tour, everyone else spent some time at the museum, but we split off for a quick lunch and then headed to the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

First, we wandered around the Hundred Acre Park, because I wanted to see the Funky Bones.  

jumping off the ribs!  

On the way back, we saw all these signs, which I thought were pretty cool.  First, I wanted to stand by the human sign.  I'm apparently also "natural" and a "thing."  So many signs!

Then John made me stand by the pretty sign.  I didn't feel particularly pretty on such a hot day, but I'll take the compliment!

Anyway, it was a fun day.  If you're ever in Indy, I'd recommend you check out both the speedway and the art museum!

Top: Gap
Shorts: Old Navy (exact)
Shoes: Sperry (exact)
Purse: Dooney & Bourke (exact)

Vacation Recap

I spent most of last week on the Ruby Princess.  It was fantastic!  When I started reviewing pictures, I realized that there aren't many.  I may get fired from blogging, but I'm okay with that.  Sometimes, it is better to just enjoy life, instead of worrying about making sure I document it for the internet.  Right?!     

On Easter Sunday, we went straight to the airport after church.  We arrived in Ft. Lauderdale late, and got checked into our hotel, and then immediately went to walk along the beach.  It was so nice out!  I just love the ocean!  But it was late and we were tired after the long day of travel, so we didn't stay out too long.
 

Monday was spent entirely at Ft. Lauderdale beach.  It was gorgeous there!  The weather was perfect, and the ocean provided fun waves to play in.  I'm basically a little kid when you take me to the ocean.  I love playing in the waves!!  I also forget to re-apply sunscreen when I'm having so much fun, and end up slightly fried.  Oops!

On Tuesday, we went to the beach in the morning, where it promptly started to rain.  So we took cover at a little coffee shop nearby, and at least looked at the ocean while we ate breakfast.  Then we checked out of our hotel and headed to the cruise port.  First order of business - taking a photo on the balcony!  

Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday, and Friday were all boat days.  These days consisted mainly of sleeping in, eating breakfast, and then heading out to the pool area.  I'd sit in the sun reading until I got too hot, and then get into the pool until I got too cold, repeat, repeat, eat lunch at some point, repeat, repeat, until it was time to get ready for dinner.  Then we'd get cleaned up and head to dinner. 

After dinner, we would go back to our room and build a precarious tower to set the camera on, and get some pictures.  Then we'd head back out to the various entertainment options that the cruise ship offers.  One night, we went to a game show called "Majority Rules," where they ask subjective questions, and everyone submits their answers, and you get a point if you had the most popular answer.  We were very surprised when they announced the winners!  Team 18 = John and Andi!  Whoo!  Apparently we are good at guessing what a roomful of senior citizens will think!     

Thursday was my half-birthday, and we celebrated by going to Grand Turk!  It was probably my best half-birthday ever.  The taxi driver was super nice and gave an informative tour on the drive to the beach.  The beach was beautiful and not too crowded.  I got a nice little spot in the shade, and wore my towel like a superhero cape.  I looked really cool, trust me.  Other than the overpriced lunch ($18 for chicken tenders, what?), it was a perfect day at the beach.     

Another one of my favorite things to watch was the karaoke.  They do this "Princess Pop Star" competition, which is supposed to be like American Idol.  This makes me so uncomfortable, but I can't look away!  I don't know who tells these people that they are good at singing.  The most awkward moment was a guy who sang a song with several f-bombs in it, and then he paused during the musical interlude to witness to the entire crowd.  Dude, if you are going to share the love of Jesus, you might try picking a song without so many cuss words!  In case you are wondering, he didn't win.    

We were asked a handful of times if we were on our honeymoon, and people are shocked when we say we've actually been married 6.5 years.  At dinner, we sat in the same table, next to the same people each night.  The woman sitting at the table next to us said she was surprised that we aren't newlyweds, because we are so attentive to each other.  I'm not sure what that means.  Should we be ignoring each other by now??

 

Speaking of marriage, another fun/awkward cruise program is The MARRIAGE GAME!  It's super awkward but quite hilarious.  They have 3 couples on stage, and ask them questions to see if they give the same answers.  Some of the questions are very personal, so I don't know why anyone would volunteer for it.  I'd die of embarrassment.  So if you ever go on a cruise, you've been warned.  Don't volunteer for the marriage game show!  

I'd say it was a pretty successful vacation!  I read a lot, slept a lot, and spent almost every minute with my favorite guy.  So yeah, excellent week!  I'll leave you with this pretty sunrise picture that John took from our balcony.  I was fast asleep, but look how pretty!  I just love the ocean!  

Geometry and Botanical Gardens

Today I am killing two birds with one stone!  It is Third Thursday Threads time, and Bri really stumped me this month with Geometric Prints.  After being out of town over the weekend, and then just generally uninspired this week, I was going to pass.  Then I started organizing my St. Louis pictures and realized this tank top is perfect!  Weird shapes are totally geometric!  

Anyway, these pictures are from Saturday at the Missouri Botanical Gardens.  This is the #1 item on TripAdvisor's list of things to do in St. Louis, and I am so glad we spent the afternoon there.  I'd definitely recommend it!  I imagine it is even more beautiful in the spring, so I'll have to go again sometime!  

Top: Gap
Shorts: J.Crew Factory
Purse: Dooney & Bourke
Sandals: Havaianas