Growing Up!

We just wanted to share some pictures that we got taken of the kids for Brenna turning one year old. This first year has flown by, and it has been so fun to see Brenna grow and see what her little personality is like!

Buhay Pa!

"buhay pa" means "still alive" in Tagalog, and I'm posting this as our blog title because it has been SO long since I've written on here- too long! So yes, we are STILL alive and well in the Philippines! I will do my best to give a bit of an update on the last couple months- the first update will be very easy...

June- the biggest reason you maybe didn't hear from us, is because everyone (but me, Megan) was sick for the whole month just about. Since living here in the Philippines our bodies have really had to adjust to our new environment, which also means that our bodies aren't really at their best when it comes to fighting off "bugs." So everyone had a cough/fever off and on for that month, and it took a long time and much rest to kick it!

July- we visited the island of Palawan! Our family has really been desiring to have a short break from our language and culture study, so we went to the island of Palawan (here in the Philippines) and relaxed for a few days, and also got some time in visiting a couple tribal locations. We had a great trip, and found out that Kaden is MADE for living in the tribe! That kid absolutely loved being out in the wide-open, and able to run around, play with animals, and do what boys do best, get dirty!

We are so thankful for those of you who faithfully keep in touch with us via our blog, and we will continue trying to keep you updated!! We miss you all back home and send big hugs!!

Until next post,

Megan for the Smith's :)

Kaden's favorite part of the trip- flying in the airplane into the tribe!

A family shot before we take off from the tribe.

Brenna hanging out at the pool we visited :)

Pizza Night! Home-made style...

Well after getting a whopping 10 pounds of mozzarella cheese that I ordered (and I actually split half of it with another missionary- cheese is sometimes hard to come by here at a good price so we bought bulk...) I decided to make some home made pizza to use some of it up- yummy!

Our chicken BBQ style pizza at Andrew's request- and the fact that we couldn't find any pepperoni or ham in any stores (sorry, the picture rotated against my will...)

Brenna was a little perturbed that she didn't get any pizza...

... but ended up being happy with her chicken and mango dinner anyway ;)

Buddies

I just wanted to share some pictures of Kaden and Brenna playing- they are growing so fast these days I can hardly believe it! Brenna just turned 9 months old and Kaden is already 3 1/2 years old! It is funny to think despite the almost three year age difference, they play together so well! :) We'll see how long it lasts... :)

Kaden asked me to make a "fort" for him with the pillows from the couch, and then right after instructed me to get Brenna in there with him by saying, "Brenna sit, Brenna sit"

Kaden really likes getting right up into Brenna's face- and since she can't get away from him very easily when he does it, he finds that pretty entertaining...

But she doesn't seem to mind since she loves being in the middle of the action so much! :)