Just another crazy play day at the Smith's.... anything to be creative. Ian and Sydney compete to see who can go the farthest in the tire.

This one's for you, Mom!

Way back in the early 1900s ... a young lass sailed across the sea from a beautiful land to an unknown harbor... this brave girl was Anastasia Murray Mithchell, our grandmother. In honor of her, and the many other Irish family long gone from us, we eat, drink and dance around like silly fools celebrating the day of the green. Here's how we celebrated in the Arroyo household...i know, Arroyo, not so Irish..= ) We did a few irish jigs, sang Oh, Danny boy... ate green jello, and looked at photos of grandma Mitchell and the pics of our trip to Ireland in '99 (robert & me). This was our little party...we're having the real deal, corned beef & cabbage & irish soda bread ...my version, of course, this sunday with all the family...can't wait!

Our Playset has morphed into a Pirate's bird nest as Wade added a 3rd level. No need to worry about Syd or Dec, they have become natural monkeys!

Amelia really got into the superbowl this year. For some reason it did for the rest of us also, just not as crazy as her!

Check out what is writen on her right arm. (it reads "go cradinals".)

Her knuckels read "Matt Lienart"

Last but not least, Amelia's reaction to the final few seconds of the game.

OH well, there is always another season:-( GO Cards!!!!

Here is some of the gold we found at our house under the rainbow.

Sydney in all her girly glory and Declan fighting off scurvy with oranges after his long pirate voyages.

Ian prepares for Winter Olympics 2014 snowboarding event!

(Boarded up window courtesy of our new basketball hoop in driveway.)

We do AMAZING things when we're united!

Do you want to look like this when an emergency happens cause you're not prepared??!! ... and have mom give you THAT look?
No way, so this is the first in a series of monthly posts to take our families from wanting to be prepared to being totally ready.

We've all heard the counsel to have a 72 hr kit and food storage for our families... and you know it's nagging you but you don't know where to start. Here's what you do.... AND I MEAN DO IT!

I'm going to follow up with every family each month to see that you've gotten the item of the month (or in this case ... that you've gotten your 72 hr kit completed). Since it can seem a little overwhelming here's where we're going to start..

You can purchase a 72 hr kit for a family of 4 by going here
a 72 hr for a family of 4 is ON SALE FOR $108.95 (it was $195.00)...it even has a cell phone charger!

Or follow the suggested list below and put the 72 hr kit together yourself.
You will also want to have a backpack with a change of clothes for every member of the family...including shoes. Don't forget to pop some fun things in there to help entertain you. It's great to include coloring books or something for little children too. Remember during an emergency anything that is distracting will help and comfort you.

Our deadline to have our 72 hr kits is by FEB 28th, 2009.
Love you guys!

72 hr Kit
(4) ER Food Bars - U.S. Coast Guard approved. 3 day supply for 4 people, 5 Year Shelf-life.
(12) Water Boxes w/ Straws - U.S. Coast Guard approved. 3 day supply for 4 people, 5 Year Shelf-life.
(4) Thermal Blankets - Designed by NASA to retain body heat! Lightweight and compact. Fits in your pocket!
(4) Ponchos with Hoods - Don't be caught out in the rain without shelter. One size fits all.
(1) Tube Tent - Comes with rope and instructions. A quick and effective shelter.
(1) Solar / Hand-Crank Powered Light, Radio, & Cell Phone Charger
(50) Water Purification Tablets - To purify unsanitary water. One tablet purifies one liter of water.
(12) Sanitation/Toilet Bags - Maintains sanitary conditions! Use with container as portable toilet.
(1) Package Toilet Chemicals - Maintains sanitary conditions! Use with container as portable toilet.
(1) Snap-on Toilet Seat (optional) - Use with container as portable toilet. Maintains sanitary conditions.
(3) Lightsticks - 12 hours of bright green light at the snap of a finger! 4 year shelf life formula.
(1) Lightsticks -12 hour Super Bright Yellow 6” Lightstick
(5) Emergency Candles - Each candle lasts 5 hours! Provides light and warmth.
(1) Box Waterproof Matches - 50 matches; light after getting wet! Unique non-toxic formula.
(1) 52-piece First Aid Kit - Comprehensive first aid kit in plastic case. Compact and easy to use.
(4) Tissue Packs - Help maintain sanitary conditions. Multi task sheets.
(1) Safety Whistle - Blow loud for immediate rescue attention! Comes with lanyard.
(4) Dust Masks - Prevents dust and germ inhalation. Reduces risk of inhaling toxins.
(1) Pair Vinyl Gloves (in 1st aid kit) - Protects hands from infection. Maintains sanitary conditions.
(1) Pair Work Gloves - Heavy duty with leather palm. Perfect for any work situation.
(1) Roll of Duct Tape - Great for various applications! A must for any kit.
(1) Plastic Sheeting - Shelter-in-place for protection from contaminants. Easy to follow instructions.
(1) Gas Shut-off Wrench - Protect your home from gas explosions. A truly lifesaving tool.
(1) Nylon Cord - 50 feet of heavy duty nylon rope. Perfect for any number of uses.
(1) Multi-function Swiss Army Knife - 5 function folding knife. A must for any survival kit.
(1) Can Opener - Easy to use GI style can opener. Small and effective.
(4) Out-of-state Contact Cards - Keep track of loved ones with these! Effective and easy to use.
(1) Survival Guide - Complete guide to surviving any disaster! Comprehensive and easy to read.
(1) Packaged in 5 Gallon Air Tight Container - Easy to carry!