Family

A rare photo of me with all three of my children. Maybe someone could have told me my clip was sticking out?

Marc's twin sister, her daughter and of course my two girls. Notice how much Quisha looks like her aunt?

The Smith Girls

The Coordinators

I say you can't find a more beautiful group of women anywhere like the Smith granddaughters!

Happy Birthday Girlfriend

In the midst of VBS, and the Family reunion my friend Cilla celebrated her birthday. Only she didn't realize it....her hubby surprised her with a beautiful party, yummy food, dancing and lots of fun games. Its been the first time the dress sale buddies have been able to get together in a while. Hoping to get the families together before the summer is over. The only person missing was Cass. We missed you girl.

Happy 4th of July

In all the rush of getting ready for Chicago I forgot to post about Independence Day! We spent 4th of July down at the oceanfront with my cousins Michelle, Chrystal, Rod and Nita. Ate some great food , and watched the fireworks on the beach. It was a great way to end our time together after the family reunion. Nicki got there late because of work but just in time for the fireworks and to take a picture of me on the water.

Dinner Bell

We celebrated my Cousins ( she is the one on the right hand side on the 3rd step in the dark pink suit ) birthday while in Chicago. After dinner we went back to the hotel to pack for the return trip. Before going up to the room we had a hotel attendant take a picture of our group. There were actually a lot more women on the bus, but we are all members ( actually this is my home church ) of the same church.

Sightseeing

We spent most of Saturday sightseeing in downtown Chicago, then did a little shopping before going to dinner that evening to celebrate my cousins birthday.

The Color Purple

We went to Chicago to see The Color Purple. The play was held at the Cadillac Theatre. It was a great play. My favorite part was the music. As soon as I find my mp3 player I plan to download a few of the songs. I stayed in a room with my cousins Pat, Trice and Babs. My mom stayed in a room with members from her church. We didn't get to see the version with Fantasia but the lady who played Celia could blow. My favorite character was Sophia which was played by Oprah Winfrey in the movie version. Michelle Williams part really surprised me ( well not just me ). Lest just say I missed a few things from the movie!

Chicago Skyline

Chicago






We had a great time in Chicago. Union Zion Women were on the run and having fun. Looking forward to the next all girls weekend. I did miss not having my girls with me, didn't get to see all we wanted to see so we are planning another trip to Chicago ( hopefully within the next two or three years ). I have also broke down and have decided to plan a New York trip after years of hearing the girls complain about not having been there before. I will post some skyline pictures in my next post.

Its not over yet people

Monday Cousin Rod spent a few hours with Nicki and I working on her portfolio. Later we went back to Chrystal's home and just set around talking. It reminded me a lot if the old days. 4th of July we are all headed down to the beach to spend some time together before I head out for my mom's home. It really has been a good week ( not sure where it went ). I feel very blessed to have the family I have. I'm taking my camera with me ...hoping I can get some good shots. Rod gave me a few tips here and there, I'm excited by the potential to take better photos and expand my hobby just a bit. Of course he has my dream camera, but I have been surprised by the pics my little baby ( camera ) can take. I will post more details of the last week ( including VBS ) when I get back from Chicago. These pics should be pretty cool. I have only seen Chicago through my mom's eyes. I never imagined a day when I would be able to take this trip with her. I remember as a child seeing her pics and hearing stories about her first trip to Chicago ( I was very young at the time ). I have always dreamed of touring Chicago with her....never thought the dream would actually come true though. Isn't God awesome. He knows the desires of our heart and provides for us and gives us grace even though we don't deserve it!

Family Reunion

The gangs all here ( well minus a few from California, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia ).

John, Mary and Richard

Uncle Richard's Crew

Uncle John's Crew

Mary's Crew

The family reunion was a great success. It was so much fun seeing family members I have not seen in years. It was especially exciting to hear about our history and hear the stories about my grandfather and the other members of our family that have now passed on. The most interesting part about the weekend for me was hearing about the similarities that our children have in common. I am hoping that this weekend has really made us think about the importance in staying together as a family and spending time together not only for our benefit but especially for the benefit of our children and in the future their children's children.



It has been decided by the family that our second bi-annual family reunion will be held in Georgia in 2009 and will be hosted by Rod. Further information will be forthcoming in the near future.



See you all in 2009 ( if not before).