Life Friends, Friends for Life

We started a small group from our church a few years ago, maybe four years? At the time, we all had girls born within about three months of each other. Adeline (left) and Brynna (with 5) are only a day apart. Then, we all had second children, three boys and one girl, withing a few months of each other. We try and meet as often as we can with a goal of weekly. We are currently on hiatus since Brynna's mommy just had sweet Piper and Christmas and such make things crazy for everyone. When we do meet, we all gather at Casa Smith since our children don't sleep elsewhere and I am a garage sale crazy woman with beds enough for everyone.

I love having friends who are going through the exact same life stages we are. I love that my sweet Suzy has such wonderful families to share friendships with. We love each other, pray for each other, and support one another in a way I can't even put into words.

I've tried taking photos of the girls each Christmas. Some of my favorite, crazy group shots. This year, I bought green and red lollipops in hopes of getting another group shot. With Piper being born so close to Christmas, it just didn't happen. Then, Diana bought me a cool back drop as a thank you for taking Piper's photos and I found some fun ahem, "Valentine's" lollipops for 25 cents at Wal-Mart the day after Christmas. Gwyneth found some fun pink shirts at Target. Plans were made. What was I thinking? Everyone arrived within an hour of my monthly gift of a professional house cleaning. Within minutes, I began to realize I would be spending my evening vacumming and wiping off sticky sugar. ;) Ha! Still, I do love these shots. And more importantly, I love these families. Suzy prays for these friends every night. When you ask her "Who loves you?" She will list our family, God, and these sweet friends before anyone else.

I can't believe our babies will be going to Kinder next year.... I love the feet here.

Katie absolutely cracked me up.


An attempt to get a photo of all the girls. I like this one. Piper, you have lots of big girls looking out for you!
I like this photo. Even if little brother is in it. I think that makes me like it even more.
I like how Brynna is looking at her baby sister. I also like how Suzy is looking on. Suzy adores Piper.
It really is even sweeter with this crop, sans Suzy. But, I'm in charge, so I can have it both ways.
An attempt at a sibling session. Fail!
Ten children five years old and under. Wow.... we have grown up a lot!
Small group, I love you to the moon! I thank God for your friendships and involvement in our lives. I'll try and post some of the boys and their toss back little lollipops soon. :)