A First Encounter with the Easter Bunny

We were excited to take Kate to see the Easter Bunny for the first time. However we weren't sure how into it she would be, so we didn't want to spend a bunch of money at the mall getting her picture made there. Luckily we were able to go out to Benton Farm in Walton to see him and take our own pictures. Kate really didn't know what to think of the whole thing. She had the same stoic look on her face the whole time we were there... with the Easter Bunny, the petting zoo, all of it. Then we got home and she decided it was time to ham it up, acting like a goofball in her chair where we got tons of funny pictures. Never a dull moment with this kid. She is the coolest. :)

Looking back at the Easter Bunny, in disbelief that she just sat on that thing's lap.

This right here is what my family likes to call the "Smith look". Not exactly a compliment.

We can blame Nick's lack of a smile on his recent mouth surgery. He was smiling ear-to-ear on the inside. :)

Daddy is Home!

Nick and I know we are so blessed to have the jobs that we have, but one of the negative aspects of his job is the dreaded foreign trip. He is required to take one or two a year and they are usually 2-3 weeks long. They are always difficult, but this trip was the first one since Kate so it was particularly hard for both me and Nick. So it is always a GREAT day when Nick returns from one of these trips! I was looking forward to taking Kate to pick Nick up from the airport all day. I even pushed her afternoon nap back so that she would be awake for his arrival. I told him that we would just pick him up on the curb so I wouldn't have to get Kate out of the car, but we surprised him by meeting him at baggage claim. However, as you can see, she still didn't make it and Nick was greeted with a happily sleeping baby. But when she woke up later that evening and saw that her Daddy was back home, the grin on her face was priceless.

For lunch the next day - Miyako! A tradition after Nick returns from a foreign trip.

Fun with Grammy and Pawpaw

It is so hard when Nick is away, but it really makes the time go by faster when we have visitors! I was so thankful that my Mom and Dad came to stay with me and Kate for a few days. 

We had so much fun!

One of my favorite pictures of Kate ever! In the cap that my Dad got for her.  Pink camo and it reads "I Hunt for Hugs".

7 Months Old

7 Months Old! We are sitting up without any help and playing, playing, playing all the time!

6 Month Pictures

Here are Kate's 6-month pictures that Brooke took for us! Nick said he didn't want to be in any pictures this time around. Party pooper, I know, but I do love how our mommy/daughter pictures turned out! :)

Baby Giggles

My favorite sound ever...

Sunny Days!

So, Nick has been out of the country now for a little over a week. We miss him so much but Kate and I are keeping busy! Luckily there have been a few beautiful days here and there so we have been able to get outside. Kate absolutely loves taking walks. It feels amazing to get outside again. Between pregnancy, bed rest, and a newborn, I feel like I have been locked up inside forever. This Spring and Summer are going to be wonderful! It won't be long until we get to start taking trips to the pool and the zoo! :)

Before Walk...

... After Walk.