1,167,078

That is a very large number. Is it the cost to each family of the United States for the banking bailout? The number of unsold Ford's, Chevy's, and Dodge's on the car lots? Some goofy number connected to the "fact" of global warming? How about the number of times Obama uses the word "uh" in a press conference? Nope to all of the above. The number 1,167,078 in the total number of words the Noah has read so far this school year. WOW. That number will rise to almost 1.4 million when he finishes the book he is currently working on.
Here are some pics of Noah taking a break from all that reading last weekend at the dino park in Ft. Collins. Grandma and Grandpa Roth joined us for the day. It was a little windy, but otherwise a beautiful day in Colorado. And, no. The pink shirt he has on isn't a laundry mistake I made. It says "Real men wear pink."

Old Chicago

Sarabeth's preschool class took a big field trip to Old Chicago this week and I had the chance to tag-along. The kids got a tour of the kitchen, food-prep area, and dining room. Then we got to make our own pizzas! It was a great field trip to tie in with the 5 senses unit the kids are currently working on. Here are a few pics from the big trip.

Rock Band

We have some new rock stars in the Roth family. Here are exclusive photos of the yet-to-be-named band practicing in the family living room (the garage was too cold and had the camper parked in it).

Ears

My little girl is really growing up. Last weekend, Sarabeth, Jennifer, and Janet headed to the mall to get Sarabeth's ears pierced. She had been asking us for several weeks to get them pierced, and we explained how it was done, and that it would hurt. Really hurt. She persisted. As good parents do in a situation like this, we caved. After waiting in line for a few minutes, the "Ear Piercing Tech" marked her ears, then brought a helper over to do both ears at the same time. She had a sucker in her mouth, a teddy bear to hug, and both her mom and grandma there. Guess what? Not a tear. What a trooper.

New Year's Eve #2

After picking up our better halves, we headed to the Hobknober Tavern in Greeley for dinner and drinks. It was so much fun to hang out with such great friends all evening. After much merry-making, we stopped briefly at Blockbuster, then back to the Smith house for several crazy games of UNO Spin and a movie. It was a great way to end the year, and a wonderful start to 2009.

New Year's celebration #1

Happy New Year's to all my faithful readers. Had a great day yesterday and last night. Big Andrew and I started the celebration early with a trip to the world famous New Belgium Brewery in Ft. Collins. It was packed. I guess that's what happens when free beer is available. In the liquid room, once you finally find a seat, you receive a "menu" of beers to try. After you select four, they bring you an 8 oz taster of each. It was great. Made a quick stop at REI, before heading back to Greeley for dinner with our wives.