Pictures of Russell, aka Elder Smart

This is the letter I got from Russell my brother serving a mission in Guatemala.

RENA,
How are you doing? How is Jared? How is your family doing? I am doing fine down here. Spanish is coming, but it is always a struggle to learn a little more every day. Just in case you didn't know, I've been called to the mission office, and might be leaving this next change. It is fun in the office, you get to work pretty closely with the mission president, and know the inner workings of a mission. But it is a little more stressful, and you don't get to spend a lot of time working as a missionary.

Guatemala is fine. The people here are really friendly for the most part. the members are really nice, and always welcoming. The food is good, sometimes a little bland. The main base food here is corn and beans. I rather enjoy black beans now, in fact last night, I was hungry and just heated up some puree beans. i was too lazy to cook myself anything bigger.

Thank you for the package that you sent a couple months ago. I really appreciate it, and thanks for the email. I love the pictures. You really seem to be enjoying it in California, but hopefully you do get to move a little closer to home.

How are Cordell and Nancy doing? they don't write very often. Every time they do write, it seems like a ton of things have happened, like Chris joining the National Guard, Mike and Megan getting married, Persephanie hanging out in Wellsville.
Thanks for the love you send, I hope that all is well in California with you guys. Congratulations with Miley. I am sure he a bundle of fun (Nate sure was).

Till next time,

Elder Smart

PS, I have filled out a little bit. I have gained about 10 pounds here in the mission. Don't worry, there is just a little bit more of me to love :D

You can email him at rusmart@myldsmail.net, I just thought those of you who know Russell might like to see him.

Chips and Bungie Bears

Miley loves to play with Chip bags lately and Nate's bungie bears. She is getting so good with her hands and being able to grab things and hold them while she looks at them and tries to put them in her mouth. Both items are ones I have to watch her at all times to make sure she is safe. She is so cute, curious, and fun. Nate and Miley have been so good while I have been packing and getting ready to move. I can't believe how fast time is going. We are on the last full week that we will be living out here in Salinas. We have had a lot of good memories and this has been our home for over 2 years. We love our ward and the beach. We sure will miss it when we are gone even thought Vegas is looking so good. It will be so nice to have a temple in the area and to be so close to family. Also living in a home and the cost of living will be such a blessing. We are so lucky. I just love my family and I am so grateful for the wonderful memories and the experiences we have had to grow and learn. I will miss our apartment and even the home we have built in it here in Cali, I will miss our friends, and the ward, but I can't wait to start our new adventure in our new home. Thanks to the people in Salinas that have been a part of our life and memories.

Well Elder Swallow did get transferred this last Sunday so we took our last look at him and said goodbye. It was good getting to know you. Thanks again for your service and friendship.

Our cute kids.

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Miss Miley Moo

Here is our little Angel sleeping. When I put her to bed every night she looks just like a little piece of Heaven...our little Angel....and I feel closer to my Father in Heaven and to the Celestial Kingdom as I gaze at her sweet face. I am so lucky to have the knowledge of the gospel, to have my wonderful Husband and 2 amazing children who teach me so much, and to know my Savior and how I can live with him and my family Forever. I am so Blessed.

Watching Brianne.

Nate and Brianne

We have been helping the Von Forell by watching their youngest daughter Brianne while their sitter is out of town. Brianne is 3 1/2 and is cute as a button. We really like having her here. We watched her last Monday, today, and we will watch her this next Monday too. Nate loves having someone to play with, to talk, to chase and to fight with. They are mostly good with each other. They are both very strong willed witch is the cause to some of the fighting or voice raising, but you can tell at the end of the day that they have had fun with each other. They have both been such big helpers with packing and taking care of Miley. We will miss our play dates with Brianne when we move.

Brianne helping feed Miley. She wanted to help with Miley in everything I did. It was cute. You sure can tell the difference in boys and girls even at this age.

The Girls!

This is a picture of Miley hanging out in her jump seat. She liked it as long as I was talking to her and playing with her in it. As soon as I walked like ten feet away she no longer wanted to be in it. Goofy little girl.

The Trailer For Twilight

Check this out it looks so good.

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=44288316

Or pause my music and scroll to the bottom to see it.

SWEET!