Announcing...

...the arrival of my newest niece Khloe LaRae Smart. She is welcomed by mom, dad, Colton, Kallie, and Cade. I served as babysitter/auntie extraordinaire at home with Khloe's siblings while Khloe's mom, dad, and two grandmas were at the hospital anxiously awaiting her arrival. At around 3:00 p.m. on November 18, 2007 we welcomed Khloe into the world. She was 7lbs. 5 oz. 21 inches long. Here some pics of her first moments in the world.

Khloe LaRae Smart

Big brother Colton

Big sister Kallie

Mom and her girls

Cade checking out "baby doie"

Khloe's Nana & Grandpa

Sunday Tradition

OK, so I know I promised more travel updating, but this blog just can't be put aside. I want to let all of you in on the weekly Sunday tradition that happens at the Smart household (where the mom & dad reside.) It usually consists of the following players: Me, Lindsay, Dave, & Annette. (For unknown reason Matthew mysteriously disappears during this hour of the night & won't join the crowd in the family room.) We gather at around 5:00 for the dinner portion of the evening and then we lead in to the family room for another rousing episode of "The Amazing Race."

I don't know how many of you are avid fans, or even a fan for that matter, but our family has become hooked in a serious way. Our game of Phase 10 was even pre empted for the show Sunday night; which to Lindsay's glee was not resumed (she was losing by a landslide.) Aside from the competitveness, humorous anecdotes, and world geography our father (aka Dave) proffers a commentary to be rivaled by the world's best orators. For example, during team introductions his commentary sounded something like this:

The hippie couple where the male is sporting a disgusting aray of dread locks:

Dave: "Oh yuck! She has no taste!"

The lesbian minister couple

Dave: "OH - THAT IS EVEN MORE DISGUSTING! I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY LET THOSE DIKES ON THE SHOW!"

The blonde girls that resemble Malibu Barbies:

Dave: "Oh yeah...those girls have nice bodies and good attitudes. Boy, I do like their attitude."

Oh yes, this is but a mere sampling of the lively, energetic narrative that explodes out of the mouth of my father. For those of you seeking an entertaining time on Sunday evenings from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. - you're more than welcome to attend. However, please know that you have been warned and that I nor my siblings accept any responsibility for offensive comments that make you feel uncomfortable. It's Dave - you just role with it.

The grandpa of the grandson/grandfather team decided to strip down to his unmentionables in order to give himself as much advantage as possible while pole vaulting across a canal.

Excuse #1

My second trek to Argentina as the international mule extraordinare was a success. Seriously, after 12 hours in plane rides, excessive luggage which required an additional $100 to be paid at time of check in, swarms of natives begging for money, and your taxi being rear ended on your way to your hotel was all made worth it by the first live site of the ever adorable Gabe. Don't get me wrong, seeing Adrianne after so many months always brings tears to my eyes, but let's face it - adults will always get trumped by cute, cuddly, smiley babies. Especially when their auntie's biological clock is ticking and can't seem to get enough.

The trip was amazing - as Adrianne has already mentioned in her blog. I however will break down the trip into more detail as she has left many anecdotes out (most of which include Mario. He seriously makes me laugh - in a good way.)

We started out in Buenos Aires where I continue to give the tango dancers props. In this trip I witnessed a woman dancing in the middle of the square in San Telmo all by herself until a kind, tango dancing gent joined her. I also send out snaps to the wrinkly, old woman who is not afraid to sport fish net hose, red pumps, and red lipstick well into what I can only guess is her late 80's. However, since I scouted Bs. As. pretty intensely my first visit, we only stayed about 24 hrs. and then took to the bus to Rosario to join the Reseks.

Sweet Baby Gabe

Heather peaking around to the front of our seriously overloaded taxi

Adrianne's pose in front of Mr. Estrada as the last name Estrada evokes joyous childhood memories of watching CHiPs (aka Eric Estrada who played Ponch)

The incredibly brave (or delusional depending on how you look at it) woman dancing solo in

San Telmo Square

You go girl...

My incredibly ugly, swollen, the dye rubbed off my jeans feet after our first day

Excuse Note

Dear Fellow Bloggers:

Please excuse Ashley from her long absence of blogging as she has recently beeng juggling late night visits from men in loin cloths, work travel to Utah, and most recently a 10 day stint visiting her sister and new nephew in Argentina. She is re-committing to her blog and will promptly bring her family, friends, and fellow sports fans up to date. If you have already "de-linked" her from your blog, she passes on no ill will but hopes that the blog break up is not permanent.

Sincerely,

Phantom Blogress

Kat, Me, and Page in UT

Dabrielle (co-worker/friend) & I posing on Main St. Park City