Meet the Smith Family: Marc and Reci Smith and their four wonderful daughters: Ann, McKenzie, McKinley, and Aurora. This family of six is a high-energy, close-knit group who genuinely loves spending time together, whether they’re exploring a new hiking trail, cooking up something fun in the kitchen, or settling in for a video game competition or board game night. 

The Smith family moved to Waco in December of 2024 and they are so excited to be back in Texas. Marc and Reci both grew up in the DFW area and attended Baylor University. They met just after Reci graduated and had an instant connection. A year later, they were married and spent the first several years of their marriage in DFW. In 2018, they moved to Boone, North Carolina, where they lived until returning to Waco. 

The return to Waco was for Reci to fulfill her dream of working for Baylor University. Ever since her sophomore year at Baylor, she dreamed of returning someday as a faculty member. That dream came true in October of 2024 when Baylor offered her the position, and the entire family was thrilled to make the move. The transition has been smooth, and Twin Rivers has been an amazing place for them to live.

****pull quote*** "So far, Union Grove has been our favorite place to eat out. We also love Sip City, and for special occasions, Butcher’s Cellar. As Baylor grads, Common Grounds is special to us, and now we’ve also fallen in love with Slow Rise."

Marc, the dad of the crew, keeps them all laughing with his quick wit and goofy humor. Reci is usually behind the planning, trying to make their time together intentional and fun. Whether they're traveling, walking the neighborhood, or just hanging out at home, they are all about connection, laughter, and making memories together. Reci is a lecturer in the English Department at Baylor while her husband, Marc works at Samaritan’s Purse in the IT Department.

Ann

Ann will turn 16 in October and attends Midway High School as a 10th grader. She is part of the Ignite Studio dance company, where she performs ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, and other styles. She has been dancing for eight years, and it is truly her passion. Ann brings a calming vibe to the Smith family plus a love of art and a great playlist. She’s basically their in-house DJ and music scout.

McKenzie & McKinley

McKenzie & McKinley are twin sisters who recently turned 14 and are 8th graders at River Valley Middle School. McKenzie’s sharp wit keeps the family on their toes and constantly cracking up, while McKinley brings fierce (but fun!) competition to every game or challenge they take on as she always reminds them that the goal is to enjoy the moment. Both are competitive and school cheerleaders, cheering for Heart of Texas and River Valley Middle School. 

Aurora

The youngest, Aurora, is 11 years old and also attends RVMS as a 6th grader. Like her older sisters, she is a competitive cheerleader with Heart of Texas and loves being part of the team. Aurora is the wild card. She keeps things fresh, surprises them all with her creativity, and makes sure they never take themselves too seriously.

They recently decided to join Harris Creek Church and are looking forward to becoming members and finding a life group. The kids have been attending Harris Creek’s youth group and are excited to make friends there.