Fishin' and Kayakin' on the Wapsi

We got adventurous and took the kids on their first kayaking trip for 2016 a few weekends ago. This was also the first time the boys got to go fishing with Grandpa and try real fishing poles!

The boys were SO excited to try their new fishing poles from Grandpa.

Madison loved showing the boys the worms.

Grandpa was such a trooper and got all the kids poles ready and baited.

Madison loves fishing.

Tucker.

Carter.

 Tucker watching Grandpa

 Cooper

Each li'l guy got to go for a kayak ride with Dad.

Carter

Tucker

 Carter LOVED fishing. Eventually we took the hook and bait off the poles, and the boys had a blast just casting their bobber out and reeling it back in. Carter did this over and over and over for a really LONG time.

Cooper with Dad out in the kayak.

Madison got brave and climbed this tree.

Finally, Grandpa got a little bluegill so the kids could see the boys could see their first caught fish!!!

Carter

Cooper

Tucker

Madison enjoyed her ride with Dad, too!

It was a fun day for all!

Madison stole my sunglasses and thought it was funny.

Josh had basically drag me out to enjoy the outdoors, but luckily for my kids, I love them so much that I was willing to do it. And, of course their smiles and reactions to everything made all the work we had to do worth it. The kids really enjoyed the fishing and kayaking and being outside all afternoon! Thanks to Grandpa and Grandma for coming along, too!

I am sure this is was the first of many kayaking/fishing trips for the Smysers!

Learning the Family Trade

At the beginning of April, Josh took some time to show all the kids a little bit about tuckpointing. The boys loved being out and about around the tools and other fun stuff, and Madison had a great time practicing some tuckpointing.

Madison was showing Carter and Tucker a worm.

Watching Dad mix up some mortar.

Josh and Madison doing some tuckpointing.

She loved doing it, and completed quite a few courses. I had to take the boys in for lunch, and she opted to stay outside with Dad to keep working. Love watching her focus and practice new skills.

Love these little people!!!

Josh and I both look forward to involving our children in our family business as they grow up!

Ladybug Picnic - Madison's First Dance Recital!

On Saturday, Madison performed in her first dance recital. She'd been taking ballet/tap classes since last August. We were all SO excited to see her on her big day!

Her first picture request was one with her brothers!!! This was the best we could get. Haha.

With Great Grandma and Great Grandpa

Carter wanted his picture, too!!!


 Grandpa Dave! I love this photo.

One of her on her own...

And of course...Carter...lol.


Grandma Tracy!

The three of us.

She wasn't too overly smiley for pictures after her performance because she was a little upset that she couldn't see us from the stage while she danced because it was so dark.

We all went out to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings afterwards.

Here are a couple candid shots from picture day of M with some of the girls in her class.




And, I LOVE this photo courtesy of PhotoFROG.

Madison truly enjoyed dance class, and her teacher Miss Jenny. We are taking a break this summer, and will decide in a few weeks if she'd like to sign up for classes again for next year. She is growing up SO fast! I think I had my first dance recital around age 6, too. It's a lot of fun for me being a 'dance mom' now. :-)

Going Out in Public

When you see this picture, you probably focus in on my 4 little cuties. I see Josh...and I smile to myself because I now remember that he's a good 15 minutes into a conversation with some strangers about our children and having triplets. For once...I let him handle all the nosy and annoying questions that I usually deal with. lol.

This took place about 9 months ago. We decided to be brave and venture out with all 4 of our kiddos to an indoor play area at South Park. I am pretty good at avoiding all eye-contact and giving short (but sweet) answers to stranger's questions/comments. Josh usually is, too - but at a place like this, if you get stuck by someone, it can be harder to get away. I was glad I got to chase the littles around.

Here we are all headed to the mall.

Now, I realize that triplets are a rare sight, and I know that comments and looks will happen. I do dress mine alike (and in public, it's actually easier to keep an eye on them this way) so that brings more attention. The majority of the time, I am okay with it, and try and answer most questions as gracefully as I can. However, many of the questions we get are often very personal and sometimes even hurtful. So, if I seem guarded or unfriendly in public, it's because I'm also just wanting to go about my business like everyone else, or I'm worried about what some stranger is going to say about my children or me.

LOVE Target carts for 3. C and C had their feet up for the end of the ride.


On the flip side, of course the majority of comments and questions are all very positive and sweet. So, I try and remember not to let a few bad apples ruin the whole bunch. However, if I had a dollar for every time I heard the phrase, "Wow. Your hands are full!" I'd be rich!!!

Cooper, Tucker, and Carter are TWO

I can't believe we have two-year-olds!

The boys turned 2 on January 22nd. We had a small celebration at home with just the grandparents. It was nice and simple. I plan to have a bigger party next year for the boys.

During their nap I decorated their cakes and hung a few decorations for their Paw Patrol family celebration!

 Carter

Tucker

Cooper

They loved exploring their decorations.

They received a special gift from a fellow secret sister triplet mom.

They bombarded Grandpa and opened their gifts immediately!

After dinner - it was cake and birthday song time. Tucker wasn't feeling the best.

Carter

Cooper

Dad and his boys.

Madison with Cooper as he opened his gift from her.

Madison and Carter.

Madison with Tucker.

Here are the boys a day later with their gift from Great Grandma Bevy and Great Grandpa Louie.

They are two. TWO. I have three TWO-year-olds. Now they are already a quarter of a year to their next birthday. Ayi-i-i!!!