JOHNSON RUGRATS

Thanksgiving

2011-12-19T21:40:00.000-08:00

Little pilgrams at their music class, they loved the hats!

Amelia's favorite food-BUTTER!

We had a relaxing, warm Thanksgiving break. We spent the weekend hiking and running and swimming with my parents in their new home at the base of Snow Canyon. Heaven on Earth!

Thanksgiving--St.George Style

2011-12-19T21:26:00.001-08:00

FALL FUN

2011-12-19T21:18:00.000-08:00

Enjoying our traditional "Dead Man Meatloaf" Yum Yum

Miss Alice in Wonderland at mommies and music class

If you are wondering about the costumes? Brig is Dave in his raquetball attire, Olivia is Fancy Nancy, Charlie a banana? and Sam a gorilla.

We loved the weekend Haloween celebration! We were able to do all of our favorite traditions. We spent a beautiful fall day at Cornbelly's at thanksgiving point, picked out our favorite pumpkins at the patch in farmington, girls shopping trip to see the witches at Gardner Village, and of course the Allen crew always goes trick or treating at my Dad's office. Another highlight is the neighborhood pot luck before trick or treating. I love seeing everyone's cute costumes and eating something healthy before we start the candy frenzy. Happy Haloween.

Olivia and Amelia with cousins Kate and Blakely at Dad's office

Cousin Mania, I don't think there was candy left after the Allen's whizzed through the office.

Cornbelly's to celebrate Cousin Elle's first Birthday

Amelia picking her favorite pumpkin

School Begins

2011-10-15T21:06:00.000-07:00

Charlie's opinion of school on the first day! Luckilly his teacher Mrs. Hart is not as mean as she threatened last spring. She actually told me "Charlie is an athlete so he hangs around with those kids, but he's smart and stays on task so he's a great example to them, and I love having him in my class." Music to his mama's ears. Char is playing piano and above pic is how he feels about practicing. I am also making all the kids take Spanish lessons, they'll thank me someday when they can "habla espanol." And Charlie is an animal on the Offensive and Defensive Football Line. His coaches call him "Moose." His bike is broken but he has no qualms cruising around on Olivia's pink saphire bike. Geeze I love that kid.

Sam, the 8th grade stud muffin just got his braces off and with his Hawaii tan and his football jersey, how can the girls resist? The only problem is I don't think he's talked to one yet. This is his first year of football and loves working hard and improving each game. He lectured me when I tried to complain about how long his practices were, "Mom, if you want to be good at something you have to be willing to put in the effort." Why does advice only sink in when it is not said by your parents?

Millie is my little buddy with all the kids in school. We have music and me classes and tickets to the Gateway Children's Museum. We have some serious quality time. She loves to sing the ABC's, carry her binkies, play with her best friend/cousin Blakely and try to hold all the babies in the gym daycare.

Olivia is surviving the social drama of first grade girls, I don't know if I will. She is taking creative dance from my talented sister, Emily. I told her Emily was the nicest person in the world. She told me Emily wasn't, then who is? "Duh, Mom, Mary, the mother of Jesus." She had me there.

Brig loves being the king of the school, especially since he has the best teacher. They have already had a hot air balloon launch (his caught on fire, so cool), Egyptian market day, and bagels, blankets, and book day. He made a touch down today in football, too bad it got called back due to a made up penalty. Who paid the ref's? It is hard to believe my sweet boy is almost 12(except when he teases his sister.)

We are busy, but so happy and grateful for our wonderful family and countless blessings.

Beautiful Oahu

2011-10-15T19:44:00.000-07:00

First Day of School

2011-09-20T13:19:00.001-07:00

Brighton

2011-09-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

We had a pot luck dinner up at our cabin in Brighton yesterday, built by Heber J Grant, it is such a treasure. Almost every time we walked around silver lake we saw a moose this summer. It is spectacularly beautiful and such a great place to spend time with my favorite people, my family!

We have found Paradise!

2011-09-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

We decided to take the kids to visit Dave's parents, Pam and Wynn who are teaching at BYU Hawaii for a year. I attended school there 17 years ago and not much has changed in sleepy little Laie, it was heaven, Best decision ever!! If we hadn't left Millie home with my sister Whitney, I think we would have a found a way to stay. The weather was perfect, the waves were calm, the water warm, Dave's parents welcoming, snow cones delicious, Polynesian cultural center entertaining, mangoes and pineapple yummy, hiking and jumping off waterfalls exciting. Need I say more. The only negative was the obnoxious birds under my in-laws porch who mated noisily all night long! But the views of the ocean from their porch were worth the sleepless nights. I am already strategizing a return visit.

Amelia's Summer Adventures

2011-08-24T21:46:00.000-07:00

The best part of summer was Millie got a new BFF, her cousin Blakely moved to Bountiful from Calgary and they are in heaven. Only 5 weeks apart, they hug and kiss and wrestle and copy and sing together all day long. She has been busy showing Blakely her favorite places to visit, Bear Lake, Brighton, Edgewood, the park, the pool, kangaroo zoo, her brother's football practices and sister's dance performances. Millie tried to show her how to shop, but climbed into the window display and grabbed a $139 necklace and pulled the clasp apart, we had to buy the unwanted article and that activity has been kept to quick Target jaunts. We are so happy Millie survived summer without any serious diseases. I can't decide which is worse, drinking out of the rivers at Liberty Park on the 24th of July just after the parade ended or licking ice cream off the floor of Orange Leaf. We love our sweet, mellow little one.

Miss Olivia growing up so fast!

2011-08-24T21:29:00.000-07:00

It seems like yesterday Olivia was dancing and tapping in her creative dance performance and graduating from Kindergarten. How can she already be starting first grade without a backward glance. She loves school lunch and all her new friends and has not blinked an eye about the longer days. We rented Soul Surfer and Olivia watched it twelve times. The other day I caught her trying to recap the toothpaste with one arm behind her back, she told me she was practicing in case she ever lost an arm. My little Gidget in the making!

I heart them.

2011-07-03T09:24:00.000-07:00

My Boys

2011-07-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

FAMILY PICTURES AT WHEELER FARM

2011-07-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

2010 ALLEN BABIES

2011-05-20T17:21:00.001-07:00

Caroline, Amelia, Blakely, and Elle

All my mom wanted for mother's day was a picture of her 4 adorable granddaughters all born in 2010! My talented cousin Annie took these pics at Wheeler Farm. I think they are amazing considering we were managing three toddlers who kept walking away and a baby who can't yet sit up. I know I'm biased, but could they be any cuter?!

This is what you get during boredom at the Doctor's office

2011-03-20T17:37:00.000-07:00

Millie's one year check-up, Sam's wrestling physical and sick kids, this was our 5th visit to the pediatrician in as many weeks, are we having fun yet?

My Little Cheerleader in the Making

2011-03-20T17:27:00.000-07:00

Since I can barely do a cartwheel, am a graduate from Bountiful High's rival, and trip even when trying to run a straight line, it is amazing that my sweet six year old is such a dancing queen. Olivia had a great time at the cheerleading camp and performing cheers with her friends at a basketball half time.

Future Models in the Making!

2011-03-20T17:20:00.001-07:00

Amelia's stylish grandma Pam bought she and her cousin Lila these matching faux fur zebra coats from Costco and check out the head band wigs. I saw them at Brats, but I guess the store got the idea from the Ellen show. Have you seen two (actually 3) more adorable girls?

2011-03-20T17:06:00.000-07:00

We spent Presidents' Day weekend in St. George. There was one day of beautiful weather before it rained and snowed the rest of the time. On our one fine day we hiked in Snow Canyon (our favorite white sands trail), swam, played at the park, and even ate al fresco. I went on some great rainy runs with my Dad and we found the Washington rec center which was fun until a snickers bar cleared the pool. Dave and I had to admit snow in Snow Canyon is spectacular! Anyone want to join us in hopefully sunny St. George for spring break?

Happy First Birthday Amelia Grace!

2011-03-09T13:38:00.000-08:00

I feel like it was yesterday I brought my precious newborn home on Valentines Day. How can she be turning one? Yet our family cannot imagine life without her, we were not complete until she joined us. Yes life is busy chasing our little "drunken soldier" as she walks around (my earliest walker at 11months), climbs up the stairs, and puts everything she shouldn't into her mouth (I'm convinced her favorite food is dirt). But the chaos is worth it for her smiles and kisses and snuggles. She is a sweet heart and a great sleeper, she loves her binkies and her brothers and sisters, and especially her Daddy. She truly is the love of our lives. I kept her party simple with grandparents and my sis Whitney and kids, a cake from Dicks and some balloons. Poor Millie had double ear infections, but that didn't stop her from putting on a show. She ate her cake with complete style, she would even stop to wave and smile periodically. As you can see from the pictures, she definitely entertained her adoring fans. We took her to the Gateway museum for the first time and she LOVED it.

Birthday ManiA

2011-03-01T08:32:00.000-08:00

Olivia turns 6 with a Safari Party. My cute neighbor made an amazing cake.My sweet Sam and sis Whit displayed their artistic talents by face painting. My mom helped string crepe paper to look like vines, Adrien was busy cooking chicken, rice, and fruit, and Brig and Charlie organized a fabulous "I SPY" safari animal games. Note the cute zebra headbands, this was a craft we did as well as animal puppets. Thanks to the group effort, the party was a hit. It was also wild and crazy. My little social butterfly invited all the girls and a few boys from kindergarten, primary, and of course her cousins. Liv loved all her presents, especially her matching pillow pets. My sweet angel is now six, and I'm plum tuckered.

MEET TEIGUN, he is Charlie's little friend from Highland. Despite meeting tons of cute boys in Bountiful, ALL Char wanted for his birthday was to spend time with Teigun. Just one tiny PROBLEM, I cannot find a way to contact him. Using all my detective skills his mom finally called me back at about 4 on Char's birthday. Unfortunately by this time, Charlie had crawled into the linen closet and was crying that this was his worst birthday every. I guess the breakfast in bed and private time out to lunch meant nothing! We ended up keeping Teigun for 3 days and he is about the cutest kid I've ever met, I want him to come to my birthday party. Teigun got to come to our end of football celebration at our house. I hosted 20 8 and 9 year old football stars and their families. The awesome coaches ordered trophies for all the boys since they took 2nd place and two BYU football players came to talk and give autographs. Dave was tolerant and let them in our house. Too make up for Char's disappointing bday, I painted his room Ute red, put up some vinyl ute signs, and got him a red bedspread, what more could a new 9 year old want?

All dressed up with nowhere to go!

2011-01-10T16:54:00.000-08:00

The Girls dressed up for church, note the pillows that I sewed for my front room, don't look too closely.

Olivia performing her tap routine at the Johnson Family Christmas talent show.

Millie received this darling dress as a hand-me-down from cousin Lila, when I saw an exact match for Olivia in the window of Brats, of course I had to buy it. Too bad they wouldn't cooperate for the photo shoot.

Millie's First Christmas

2011-01-10T16:46:00.000-08:00

We had a happy Christmas. Lots of family and friend gatherings, a fun ski day, exciting presents, and the true Christmas spirit.

Cousin Mania at Kangaroo Zoo

2011-01-10T16:42:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving

2011-01-10T16:22:00.000-08:00

We went to St. George for the Thanksgiving holiday with my sisters, Adrien and Whitney and my parents. As you can see every day was an adventure.

We rode horses and Charlie looks happy in the picture but the dang horse tried to buck him off, scarey! We also had tractor rides by the old farmer and saw the baby new baby calf born on Thanksgiving day. We went hiking in the narrows and to the top of the hill behind our house.

We celebrated Sam and Brig's birthdays at Pirate Pizza and went golfing and running and swimming. And of course we ate turkey and stuffing and sweet potatoes and pie with my aunt Dru and her cute family and my grandma Goose and Harv. We are so thankful for all our many blessings, too many to count!

Winter Fun

2011-01-09T17:55:00.000-08:00

Olivia, our ski bunny

Twilight sledding at Mueller Park JH

Greatest Snow on Earth!

2011-01-09T17:36:00.000-08:00

This Holiday season we had a great time skiing. Dave was super manny for Amelia while I had a great ski day with Sam and Brig and my nephews Scott and Brock. The best part of the day was when Scott drank soda out of a used cup and straw, we couldn't stop laughing. Check us out in front of Milly Express, so cool. We had a fabulous family ski day on Christmas Eve, we got to ski with both the Allens and Johnsons and even Santa Claus. The weather was perfect, no injuries, and Olivia loved her first try at skiing. Olivia has been begging to go again, so yesterday Charlie and Liv and I went to Brighton. Liv proved once again that Girls rule and Boys drool as Liv cruised bravely down every run, while Charlie was whining and even shed a few tears. We had a great time!

Halloween Festivities

2010-12-06T18:14:00.000-08:00

We had a great halloween. We celebrated all weekend. No school on Friday, instead we went trick or treating at my Dad's office and struck the mother load with the hundreds of cubicles. Saturday despite the rain we had a great dinner party with neighborhood friends and got plenty of candy, the rainboots and umbrellas didn't detract too much from our costumes. Sunday after cousin Andrew's blessing we had a Johnson family halloween party. Dave bought silk outfits for the girls in Hong Kong, we tried a wig to cover Liv's snow white hair, but eventually settled for black hair spray, she loved it. Millie was content with a pair of tights for her hair do ( I remembered my mom doing this for my sister Adrien when we were little girls, pretty clever.)
Anybody need any candy, we still have bags and bags left!

Thats my BOY!

2010-11-09T16:48:00.000-08:00

Charlie's Bountiful Red Gremlins Team has made it to the championship game. He has had a great experience with his first year of football playing right guard with awesome coaches and friends. Cheer for him on Saturday. Do you love this get-up, my cute sisters came up last Monday night for dinner and we got a little wild and crazy. Love that kid!!!

Go Ragdlls!

2010-10-31T20:17:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I ran the Las Vegas Ragnar with two of my sisters, two of my favorite highschool friends, my cousin Sara, and 7 cute new friends. We had so much fun, the scenery was surprisingly gorgeous, the company stupendous, the middle of the night dance sessions kind of scarey, the no sleep for 30 hours exhausting, with a little running mixed in. Anyone up for the next Ragnar in California? Wow, I came home after only three days and Millie was crawling tons more than when I left, she is getting her two bottom teeth, and sitting up in her crib, how can I slow time down to enjoy every second with my precious baby girl!

Fall Sports

2010-10-31T20:05:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a crazy fall, it has taken Dave and I every last brain cell to coordinate our Saturdays with Lacrosse games for Sam and Brig, and football for Charlie. All three boys have great coaches and fun friends on the team. Liv and Millie were darling cheerleaders. I agreed to be team mom for Char's team, (no one warned me), but we have had fun and even made it to the play offs. And come on, is there anything more adorable than that bum in football pants?

October Festivities

2010-10-31T16:08:00.000-07:00

We decided to spend conference Sunday in Brighton enjoying all the fall glory, too bad a million other people had the same idea! Luckilly we had our treasured cabin as an escape from the crouds.

Charlie missing one of his front teeth, since then he's lost another! All he wanted for Halloween were some teeth.

Check out my hunk of burning love hubby who is turning 40 this week!

My beautiful Grandma Pauline (Goose) at her Birthday party, 10/10/10, pretty cool

We had a great time hiking our favorite trail just above the temple. We had a spur of the moment hot dog, marshie roast, can't think of a better Sunday dinner. But this picture is a perfect look for this week. Every member of our family has had the flu and some came down with rashes and Dave didn't get an elk or deer on the hunt. Hopefully November will start on a brighter note.

Blue Eyed Girl!

2010-09-24T20:42:00.003-07:00

Amelia, Caroline, and Blakely (Adrien's baby girl #4 is due any moment)

I heart them!

2010-09-24T20:32:00.000-07:00

My little 5 foot 10+ inch baby boy started junior high this year, how can this be? He is doing great, no swirlies yet. His favorite class is playing clarinet in the band (apparently band is now cool?). Poor guys broke his ankle at the growth plate on labor day, so LAX is on hold for the moment, of course right after we splurged on a new helmet, wish him a speedy recovery.

Family Pictures

2010-09-24T20:24:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a great crew, considering there was a rain storm that evening, not bad, Judd and Emily were here visiting and we just had to get a group shot, missing them already!!!

School Days are Here Again. . .

2010-09-24T20:15:00.001-07:00

We had an incredible summer, but fall is in the air, (kindof) and we (me) are ready for a little more routine and free time. Brig is in 5th with Mrs. Davis and Charlie has the coveted only male teacher in the school, Mr. Cassler. Both are loving their classes as much as you can love school. And miss Olivia started Kindergarten this year, wow, she is so adorable and is already making friends and having so much fun. Olivia had her assessment the first week and I was biting my nails as she kept passing on the questions, then she came to get me and I was shocked to see her eye goopy and red ( I swear she had looked great when we started 10 min previously), just as I was offering to be room mom, Amelia spit up, splat all over the floor. As my friend said, "we can only go UP from there." We are loving life at the Johnson household and feeling so blessed with our five healthy (except for the pink eye) children.

Summer Countdown

2010-09-12T14:43:00.000-07:00

Fat Cats with Chris and all the cousins
Charlie our football star

Last Day of Summer at Cowabunga Bay

The three August birthday girls and Olivia

Thank Heaven for Little Girls

2010-09-12T14:16:00.000-07:00

Sam and Millie Grace

We had an amazing summer of fun. The highlight for all of us was watching Amelia grow and develop. She is such a joy and everyone fights over holding our chubby little happy girl. She is sitting and rolling and eating fruits and veggies. She loves to smile and coo at everyone and bathtimes are a hit, she especially loves trying to grab the water out of the spout.

Brig and "Happy Mill"

Liv and Millie (check out those chunky thighs, don't you just want to take a bite?)

We loved sitting out on the back porch of beautiful Brighton this summer.

Dave went to Asia for nine days in August and we went on a whirlwind adventure to finish all our summer activities on the to-do list. My sister Emily and brother Judd were here visiting with their families and it was fun fun fun. Dave had to come home and make us slow down. My little toe head dollies.

Oceanside California

2010-08-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

Dave's generous parents took the entire Johnson clan to a beach house in California, lots of sandcastles, wave riding, dolphin watching and a day at lego land, it was dreamy.

Bear Lake

2010-07-23T13:16:00.000-07:00

Bear Lake was as dreamy as always. Thanks Dave's grandparents for letting us stay in their beautiful cabin by sweetwater. The cabin was looking tip top after some remodelling, the only negative was a new big screen tv. My favorite thing about bear lake is escaping the hustle and bustle and slowing down with games and beach fun. The good news is we did plenty of those things as well.

My sisters came up and we had lots of cousin bonding time. The girls now out number the boys in our family, crazy.

I couldn't resist a couple of new suits for Amelia, here she is modelling one. She loved the hot tub!

Allie came up early with us and she and Olivia were delightful. They are displaying their general store purchases, little divas in the making.

Another swim suit, the only time a chubby belly is adorable!

Summer Races

2010-07-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

The joggin broads, I love these gals and we had an amazing race. Ill miss these speedy warriors next year when we do a family team with all of Dave's brothers.

Don't you love Speedo man

Thanks to an awesome husband and a baby who takes a bottle, way to go Amelia, I had a great time riding the little red bike ride. It was so fun and gorgeous and had delicious food. I got to ride with amazing women like my aunt Dru and great friends, I can't wait for next year.

Jackson Hole

2010-07-11T20:05:00.001-07:00

The stripey girls relaxing at Teton Village.

Dave and the boys tried a canoe down the Snake river. It was lovely except Charlie said "we are going to die" about 100 times!

Olivia and Dad go for a little ride down the river.

Our family's favorite vacation spot is Jackson Hole. It is so nice to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy nature. We have a tradition of riding the boat across Jenny Lake and hiking to the beautiful Hidden Falls.

Ok we still had to yell at the kids to put down their DS and look at the beauty. Charlie wondered what was so great about String Lake, in his words, "Its just a bunch of water." But he got really excited about this moose we saw and took about 20 pictures. Our prodigy National Geographic photographer.

Fourth of July

2010-07-11T19:41:00.000-07:00

Sam just got back from a week at Scout Camp in Island Park. We missed him so much we even made him a welcome home poster. I was worried about him alone out in the wilderness. But he did awesome, he earned 6 merit badges, including wilderness survival and had a great time. Is he possible he grew even more while he was gone, Dave is wearing his hand me down shoes!
We spent 4 th of July weekend in beautiful Providence and boating at Cutler. The kids rode the water weenie, death tube, and knee board. Our lttle daredevil Livvy even tried wakeboarding. After I figured out which foot I put forward {I need a tatoo} it felt so great to be skiing again after taking a break last summer.

Amelia in her holiday finery at the weenie roast at the edgewood firepit. Could life get any better?

Charlie, Chuckles, Chuckwagon, the Chuckster

2010-07-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

How do I describe my little character. All of you who know Charlie are well aware of his split personality. When he is cheerful, he is a delight. Aunt Whitney and he have a special bond and the other day I was asking him about her and he said, "Oh yeah, Whit is my homey!" Last week we babysit a neighbor baby and we couldn't remember his name. Charlie kept making up silly names for him like Napster and Rico and was a darling little helper. He brought home a cute "All about Me" poster from school listing his favorite things. In the picture he is wearing his characteristic "Max Hall hates me" t-shirt and his contagious grin. Tonight he whipped me up his specialty, strawberries and cream, yum. I sometimes forget he is only 8 years old because he blends in with his big brothers and their friends so well. But when Charlie is off, we like to describe him as Spiderman with venom, watch out!

My little Monkeys Graduate

2010-06-22T19:05:00.000-07:00

Girls Rule Boys Drool

2010-06-22T18:34:00.000-07:00

We have some serious girl power in the Allen Family grandchildren now with only 7 boys and 9 1/2 girls. Millie had so much fun playing with Blakely when she came for a visit the end of May. Then Dave and I and Amelia had the chance to visit my brother Judd and his family in St. Louis and see precious 3 week old Caroline Whitney for the first time. Do you love their matching car seats. Sorry about the red eye, I'm a musk.

Amelia is growing up so fast. Does anyone know a secret to stopping time? We are enjoying our little angel so much. Everyone is clammering to hold her and talk to her and play with her and give her binkies and bottles. Even Dave and I arm wrestle to get our hands on our sweet little girl. She is very social and loves to smile and talk to us. She is my first baby to take a bottle and I still have a little celebration every time she does. She was a champ for Dave when I left all last weekend for the Wasatch Back race. I can't believe she is already 4 months old, she is laughing and grasping objects and is the delight of our family.

Fall Sports

2010-06-22T17:56:00.000-07:00

Charlie our Defensive Powerhouse

Brig was a dominator on the soccer field

Daddy Dave, the best coach ever!

Sam really stepped it up this season playing defense for his LAX team

I wish I was a better photographer to get some action shots of the boys playing fall sports. Our neighbors Dusti and Erik coached Charlie's soccer team with a cute group of 8 year olds in the neighborhood and they had a great time. Brig's coach lost steam mid way through the season and Dave stepped it up and saved our team. And Sam had so much fun playing lacrosse on a great Bountiful team with cousin Luke. We are looking forward to the fall!

Olivia's Dance Concert

2010-05-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

Olivia takes modern dance from the Creative Arts Academy, she loves her teacher Miss Becky from England

Olivia has fun dancing with four little friends from our neighborhood, I know, I know, she is so tall! Dave is convinced her father is really a Scandinavian Giant.

My beautiful baby girl, the concert was "I dream," and Olivia got to dream of being a princess. She did a great job, but was behind the teacher throughout the routine. I videoed the performance and then couldn't find my video camera. I was convinced it was stolen and called the lost and found a million times, until yesterday when I opened the cuppord in which I keep the camera and it was right there! I am very nervous about my mental status, I should definitely stay away from heavy machinery.

Amelia's Room is Finished, see www.mydesigndump.blogspot.com to see my decorater Autumn's amazing work!

2010-05-10T10:20:00.000-07:00

Adorable Amazing Amelia

2010-04-27T18:53:00.000-07:00

Easter Pictures

2010-04-27T18:47:00.000-07:00

The girls looked adorable as they posed at the park across the street from the Mt. Timpanogas Temple, but with two babies and two toddlers it was quite a trick. Hopefully Adrien got a better shot.

Cousin Mania

2010-04-27T18:33:00.000-07:00

Charlie playing in the sand on the white rocks hike in Snow canyon, we went here twice during spring break in St. George with different fun friends and cousins.

Cousin Claire and Olivia making it big in tickets at pirate island pizza, with about a gazillion tickents they bought lots of cheap junk.

The future Junior High boys playing it cool,

The Divas in their new hats and sunglasses.

Heroscape anyone? Over spring break Whitney and I had so much fun taking care of 9 children and some extra cousins here and there. Often we felt like we were literally feeding an army, especially after a hike or a swim. But the kids were great, they spent a ton of time playing heroscape and play station, when they weren't shooting hoops and playing kick the can. Summer we are ready for you.

The cousins partying at Amelia's blessing.

Kissing Cousins

2010-04-18T18:47:00.000-07:00

Aunt Adrien holding Amelia and Blakely.

My youngest sister Emily came to visit from Calgary with her daughter Blakely who is 5 weeks older than Amelia. We had so much fun together and we miss them like crazy! We were able to bless them together, a memory we will treasure. Afterwards we celebrated with a wild party with all three families at our house.

Amelia's Blessing Day

2010-04-18T13:42:00.000-07:00

We blessed Amelia Grace on the 21st of March. It was a beautiful day and Dave gave her an amazing blessing. She wore the dress that Dave and all his 5 brothers wore on their blessing day. She was a perfect angel and even had a little smile on her face as the blessing finished.
Proud grandpa Charley

Grandpa Wynn and Grandma Pam

Sleep deprived, but happy parents

Beautiful Millie

2010-03-24T18:37:00.000-07:00

2010-03-07T13:08:00.000-08:00

Lovely Grandma Pam came for a little visit.

Our attemps at a family picture.
From braces to babies, I am a mom of all stages.

Amelia truly is a gift. I have no doubt she was supposed to come to our family and I am forever grateful we listened and obeyed the spirit. She adds such a joy to our home. The other day we went to the pediatrician for Amelia's 2 week checkup (weighing in at 7 lbs 7 oz), Olivia's kindergarten assessment (> 95% in heighth) and Sam's junior high shots. As is evident from the pictures, he also got braces this week! Fun times!

Our Little Gift from Heaven!

2010-03-07T12:59:00.001-08:00

Our

2010-03-07T12:59:00.000-08:00

Sibling Bonding

2010-02-20T11:59:00.001-08:00

Olivia

Brig

Charlie

Sam

Amelia Grace has arrived!

2010-02-20T11:30:00.000-08:00

Amelia was born on Valentines Day and she is truly a love! We delivered at Ogden Regional and it was a wonderful experience! I got an epidural before I was even in pain, my midwife and nurse were awesome! Amelia is a beautiful, precious spirit. She makes the sleepless nights and nursing woes worth it. The boys and Olivia are loving their new sister. We are using gallons of hand sanitizer and praying she stays healthy. She was the runt of the litter, weighing only 6 pounds and 9 ounces, 20 inches long. We are in heaven with this bundle of joy.

Glad January is Over!

2010-02-07T13:02:00.000-08:00

We had the worst luck in January. First I had a tooth infection over Christmas vacation. I don't think I have ever experienced anything quite so painful. Just as I was recovering from a second root canal, Dave had knee surgery. We were told it was a torn meniscus. He ended up with a lateral release and a prognosis of ending all running sports or needing a total knee replacement soon. Depressing! He is off crutches but it is still swollen and painful. We decided to have Charlies tonsils and adenoids removed the following week. Char was brave and Primary Children's was awesome, but he experienced a great deal of radiating ear pain and missed a week of school. In my guilt of watching him suffer and in a moment of temporary insanity, I rewarded him was a guinea pig. We named him Ralph and he is pretty cute. We took him on a play date with our friend's guinea pig Ozzie, we quickly learned Ralph is actually Ralphina! Finally I was driving home from dropping my mom at the airport to visit Emily and her beautiful new baby, Blakely, when an oil barrell fell off a truck right in front of me on the freeway. My new car was in the repair shop for 3 weeks, the only good news is the oil company paid for the $3000 repairs. We are praying for a more cheerful February!

Charlie's Baptism

2010-02-07T12:52:00.000-08:00

Charlie lost his second front tooth the day of his baptism, I am sure he will never forget that detail! We had a great day. My mom and Sam and Brig gave talks. The 25 cousins sang, "The family is of God." The cousins played the piano and we wrote notes to Charlie while he changed. He looked so handsome in his new suit Grandma Pam bought him (even missing his two front teeth.) Dave gave a beautiful confirmation blessing. We celebrated afterward with a wild pizza party, Charlie's request. We are so proud of him and really felt the spirit during this sacred ordinace. He is such a smart spitfire of a boy and we love his great personality.

Happy Birthday Charlie!

2010-02-07T12:44:00.000-08:00

Charlie turned 8 on the 14th of January. We celebrated with 5 friends at Boondocks. The boys were in heaven with 3 hours of laser tag and race car driving. Brig, Olivia, and I joined in on the fun and barely survived the 7 hour extravaganza. Charlie also started scouts and was awarded his bobcat at the first pack meeting, go Char!

Olivia turns 5!!

2010-02-07T12:22:00.000-08:00

Ms, Char, best preschool teacher ever!

February 3rd was Olivia's "Fancy Nancy" birthday party. Note to self, don't plan a party when nesting. I went a little overboard. I should have taken more pictures of the decorations and crafts. My sisters were sweet to run the beauty salon where nails were painted and fairy glitter was applied. My mother-in-law helped the party girls bedazzle pink felt purses. We also decorated butterfly placemats and cupcakes. Parfaits were our fancy snack. The boys were banished to Kangaroo Zoo with my mom so the they would not disturb the girly atmosphere. The twelve little party guests were in heaven with tiaras, sunglasses and necklaces. Olivia is a joy. We love our precious daughter, during the party she kept saying, "This is the best party ever." I am glad it was a success!

Christmas Family Fun!

2009-12-27T10:07:00.000-08:00

Sam and his new biggest fan, cousin Tyler

Dad pushing the sledders at Eaglewood on Christmas Eve.

Livvy bowling with Uncle Judd, taking a break from med school in St. Louis

Happy Birthday Grandpa Wynn!

California here we come!

2009-12-27T10:00:00.000-08:00

Dave and I were able to slip away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas for a weekend get-a-way to Santa Barbara. We enjoyed an amazing drive along highways one and Dave surprised me with a night in a charming bed and breakfast in Santa Cruz. We met Dave's brother Pete and his wife Kristen and darling baby Sidney before heading home. Oh and Dave visited a few clients along the way. I loved the chance to take a breather and reflect upon all our many blessings. Sam just received the priesthood and both sets of loving attentive grandparents were present. Charlie will be baptized next month and we can't wait to meet our new little girl in February. Could life get any better?

New Clothes for Livvy

2009-12-27T09:54:00.000-08:00

As a mother of six boys, grandma Pam can't resist pretty girl clothes. We love being the recipients.

Christ is the reason for the season!

2009-12-27T09:43:00.000-08:00

There is no better way to feel the Christmas spirit than by visiting the live Nativity in Alpine. My sisters introduced me to this unique event last year and I was enchanted. The experience starts with a hay ride up to their propert where you meet shepherds, they instruct you to follow a lit path where we encountered roman soldiers on horses. We arrived at the barn where in addition to lambs and swans we met with our favorite camel, Max. Kind volunteers dressed in biblical clothing showed us bread making, basket weaving, and leather work. The highlight was walking to another stable with live music and Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus, the spirit was so strong! It is the highlight of my year!

Christmas Village

2009-12-27T09:33:00.000-08:00

One is never too old to sit on Santa's Lap.

On a cold Friday before Christmas our family ventured into down town Odgen to visit Christmas village and eat at good ole Javiers mexican restaurant. We not only survived the event, we actually had a great time!

Space Camp

2009-12-27T09:27:00.000-08:00

Sam turned 12 on the 30th of December and Brig followed on the 2nd of December with his 10th birthday. To celebrate we invited friends and cousins to Space Camp in Pleasant Grove. The boys had so much fun fighting pirates, flying their ship through space, and successfully completing their mission. A boys dream come true!

Thanksgiving Bliss!

2009-12-27T09:11:00.000-08:00

Dave's parents have taken an old stable on their property in Providence and remodelled it into an amazing house for their family to gather. All six of their children and 18 grandchildren stayed together and it was happy chaos. Even Great Grandpa Daines, recovering from heart surgery survived the event. My kids are so lucky to have so many cousins their age. A posse of boys roamed around the property walking across the shallow frozen pond, celebrating when they fell in, and playing kick the can in the snow. The highlight of the weekend was that the three older brothers beat the three younger in basketball. Go oldsters!

Halloween Fun!

2009-11-16T16:01:00.001-08:00

Johnson Family belated celebration, check out my in-laws, they are awesome!

Charlie the red ninja with his school chums at the Oak Hills parade.

Sam the gorilla, when are you to old to trick or treat?

Brigham, the half hearted Harry Potter.

Olivia, our beautiful bride.
I loved having Halloween on Saturday. We had festivities all week long. Olivia was able to wear her costume to dance class, preschool, trick or treating at my Dad's office, not to mention the actual Halloween night. The weather was perfect and we partied all day long. Pigs in blanket, blood soup and apple bobbing with my sister Whitney's family. Followed by a soup dinner with my new awesome neighbors. Can't wait for next year!

Cousin Pictures

2009-10-07T15:43:00.000-07:00

This July we had great intentions of a cousin picture my parents could treasure always. Honestly, the way the photo shoot went, I am amazed that our photographer Andrea Skidmore was able to capture any decent pics at all. We will need a new picture soon with three more little cousins on the way!

Its a Girl!

2009-10-07T15:08:00.000-07:00

It is official, the midwife confirmed that we are expecting a baby girl in February. We can't believe we could be so blessed. Olivia is thrilled to get a little sister, she is already picking out names and matching outfits. Dave bought a darling little number with hearts for our Valentine baby. We can't wait to meet her!!!

More NYC

2009-10-07T14:52:00.001-07:00

We have been so spoiled this year, NYC twice! Dave and I attended his cousin Paul's beautiful wedding to his wife Allison in July. The ceremony was in the NYC temple and then lunch and dancing at the Boat House in Central Park. We decided to take Sam on a vacation with just Dave and I before he turns into a teenager and won't talk to us anymore. We had the time of our lives! Sam loved his first subway ride, his first broadway musical (Shrek), his first trip to a NYC ER (asthma attack), his first stay in a pent house on Park Avenue (thanks Linda and Richard), his first gyro at a street cart, his first bike ride in central park, his first visit to the Natural History Museum (looked familiar thanks to "Night at the Museum"), his first view from the top of the Empire State building, and all of us loved our first visit to the crown of the Statue of Liberty. We had so much fun getting to spend so much "quality time" together. We can't believe Sam will turn 12 next month and become a priesthood holder. The other boys are already planning their private time trip and so are we!

NYC!

2009-10-07T14:37:00.001-07:00

August Birthdays

2009-09-01T09:50:00.000-07:00

We have had fun celebrating all the August Birthdays. First we went to tea at the Grand America to celebrate cousin Emmie's 7th, next it was lunch at Ruth's Diner and a hike to celebrate Whitney's 30th (always), we went to the beauty parlor for Claire's 6th, and yesterday Allie celebrated her 4th with a great princess party. No pictures, but we slathered uncle Mike with old people gifts for his 4oth. We missed Tyler, Ellie, Jonah and Dan who had parties without us, next time we hope to get in on that action as well. Can't wait for September.

2009-09-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

We cannot believe summer is already over. The boys are not thrilled to be going back to school. Especially leaving their previous school which HAD air conditioning to this hot old building where they have to meet all new friends. Luckilly as you can see in the picture Sam met Bryce over the summer as well as another friend James and they have been playing heroscape and air soft all summer. Brig and Char are still meeting new people. Char had a great play date after the first day of school where he got to ride an army jeep in the mountains and found 10 bucks so life is looking up for him. I am Brig's new Bear Den leader and we are going to have some serious fun. Wish them luck!

Olivia starts preschool!

2009-09-01T09:31:00.000-07:00

Today was Olivia's first day of preschool. Yeah I have a little free time to actually blog. Olivia is excited to go to school with her new friend Claire. We now have to differentiate between the "old Claire", Olivia's cousin and the "new Claire". One advantage of our moves every couple of years is adding great people into our lives. Olivia is attending Oak Glenn Preschool with Ms. Char. Ms. Char promises to teach manners and letters. Great because I have kind of slacked off in this department. A few years back my sister in law Jackie commented on Charlie's good manners and wondered if his mom had taught these to him. "No, he replied I learned manners at karate!" Hoping Ms. Char can do the same for Livvy. Actually Olivia has been a joy since the day she was born and we hope she always stays a sweet little girl.

Beautiful Bear Lake!

2009-07-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

Our first adventure of the summer was an Allen family vacation to Bear Lake. The water was freezing, but the skies were blue and we had a great time. It was especially wonderful to spend time with our brother Judd and his family visiting from St.Louis. The other highlight was watching my nephew Brock get baptized in Paris (Idaho).

Our Big Move!

2009-07-27T15:25:00.000-07:00

The first exciting news is that we have moved to Bountiful. Family and friends have heard Dave and I endlesslly debate whether or not to move for years. Dave finally decided the commute to Odgen was going to kill him, so we made the switch. We are renting our home in Highland and found a house on Vineyard Drive up by the temple which we feel was made for our family! The ward has been amazing and we are excited about our new adventure. The kids and I miss our old neighbors but over time I am sure we will make new friends. I really really want to live here for a looong time, I don't think we can handle another move and stay sane!

Joggin Broads Rock It Again!

2009-06-22T14:30:00.000-07:00

The Wasatch Back is one of my favorite things to do, I look forward to it all year and it never disappoints. Lots of fast running, gorgeous scenery, tons of silliness, very very little sleep, dancing and kick lines in the middle of the night, bonding with amazing women, and a third place finish. Can't wait until next year!

More Europe Pictures

2009-06-22T14:17:00.000-07:00

A few more pics before the camera battery went dead. Cinque Terre, views from a church in Geneva, and Mount Blanc. Wish we were still there!

Dream Vacation to Europe

2009-06-20T20:20:00.000-07:00

Dave was scheduled to go to Geneva for business and we decided it was now or never. We visited Italy (Cinque Terre and Bellagio), France (Paris), and Switzerland (Geneva and the Alps). Dave drove the rental car, I kind of navigated and we think we are ready for Amazing Race. The trip was magical, more beautiful, fun, and romantic than I could have imagined. Too bad I forgot to charge my camera battery. These few pics are from Dave's phone. Who wants pictures of themselves anyway, we have the memories.

Olivia's First Dance Concert

2009-05-04T06:15:00.000-07:00

I am sorry, but could those girls be any cuter. Olivia and her cousins Allie and Claire all take modern dance at Creative Edge with Marlo Anderson. They were puppets for the show. They were adorable!!!

Hiking in St. George

2009-04-26T16:14:00.001-07:00

Some moms complain about Spring Break (a week with no school as a babysitter.) To be honest, I actually love spending a week playing with the kiddos with no pressing deadlines. We went to St. George for the week and their favorite thing to do is hike the "narrows" with cousins. Unfortunately, it nearly gave the moms a heart attack as the kids go running full speed toward cliffs. Luckily everyone survived, even the moms and we're already planning our next adventure.

Bringing my Animals to the ZOO!

2009-04-26T15:57:00.000-07:00

The first day of Spring Break we found ourselves at the Zoo along with the rest of the state of Utah. It was a beautiful day and we had fun with my sister Adrien and her kids. The kids' favorite part was riding in the back of the truck up to my Grandma Goose's condo. Go figure.

Chocolate Bunny Anyone?

2009-04-12T22:28:00.000-07:00

Charlie and Livvy after Church, I think Char's mouth was full of apples.

Adrien and I organized an easter egg hunt at Grandma Suzy's, 12 eggs each and two could be redeemed for special prizes such as "Chocolate Bunnies." It was mayhem!

Sam loving all his loot. It was too cold to go outside for the hunt and we were trying to keep baby Kate away from the candy because she is allergic to peanuts, but we survivied.

Grandpa Charlie, the best grandpa in the world enjoying a hug from Emmie and Livvy. Happy Easter everyone!

Family Holiday Traditions are the Best!

2009-04-12T22:03:00.000-07:00

The second annual Johnson family Easter Pageant was a huge success. We missed Dave and Sam who were home sick (that hubbie of mine seems to catch anything and everything!) but managed to have a great time despite their absence. My mother-in-law Pam is an overachiever and this celebration did not disappoint. We reenacted the last week of the Savior's life with each of the grandchildren having a role. We even had a cardboard tomb. My father-in-law Wynn was Christ and at the end he came in a white robe and sang a beautiful song, the kids were transfixed. It is a fabulous way to really feel the spirit of the Resurrection of Christ. Dinner was delicious and very exciting when the oven caught fire. I am already looking forward to next Easter.

My sister Whitney loves St. Patrick's Day and her enthusiasm is catchy. We had green pancakes and eggs and milk for breakfast and a treasure hunt after school. Liv is a little frightened of the leprechauns because she is convinced a "midget" lives in a little door in my closet and it looks just like those treasure seeking leprechauns. Where do kids come up with these things? My mom had a fun St. Patrick's Day dinner, everything was a hit but the green chicken. Some things are just disgusting when they're green!

Oh the luck of the Irish, Charlie and Brock frolicking in the tire swing.

Solitude Ski Vacation

2009-03-17T19:13:00.001-07:00

I decided upon my retirement spot. We had the greatest weekend up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Thanks Grandpa Charley's boss for the free condo. Thanks Johnson cousins and Grandma Pam for skiing with us on Saturday and then scaring everyone out of the pool afterwards. Thanks Brighton LDS ward for the most reverent sacrament meeting we have ever experienced. Thanks Heber J for the fun sledding spot by your cabin. When can we go again?

Olivia's First Stitches!

2009-03-17T19:01:00.001-07:00

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon and I had bribed Brig to practice the piano. Olivia cheerfully came running into the living room and tripped on the rug. We watched her literally fly across the room and hit her temple on the piano bench. Oh, the blood and tears! Actually, Olivia was very brave. Dave and I took her to the Instacare, my parents were horrified no plastic surgeon was involved on their beautiful granddaughters' face. Maybe we should have taken her to the hospital because the PA that gave her 4 stitches looked and acted exactly like Juno. Olivia was so good she got a dum dum for all her trouble. Hopefully this is her first and LAST experience with stitches.

The Joys of Motherhood!

2009-03-05T20:52:00.000-08:00

The great family rivalry, Utes vs BYU

BYU vs. U of U B-ball Game

Olivia's new princess dress-thanks Grandma Goose

A few weeks ago I thought I was either dreaming or Mother's Day had come early this year, my kids were so awesome. It was a Sunday and they all got up and got dressed without complaining. (this is a big deal) Then Brig practiced the piano and Sam played the guitar, again without being asked. (this is an even bigger deal) They were sweet all day and I was in heaven.

Now contrast that with today. Dave has been out of town for a couple of days. We have been busy with work, school and lessons. Sam made it to the District Science Fair, exciting, but a lot of time. Olivia has a gaggle of little girls who love to play together every day. Today they were at mine and the crying and tattling was at a record high. I guess I am still getting used to little girls. I "politely" asked Sam to get ready for wrestling and 3 minutes before it was time to go he was madly rushing around trying to find his gear, which it turns out he left at wrestling. ( he has the Allen forgetful gene) I took the boys to get hair cuts. Charlie wanted the "one" buzz, I tried to secretly tell the gal to use a "two" otherwise he truly looks bald. Charlie overheard and was so upset he tried to run away. Olivia was crying, "Not our "toot" (cute) brother, "him's" (he's) running away." The other patrons were getting a good laugh. I am way past the point of being embarrassed, been there, done that too many times. Now they are finally all asleep, I'm ready to watch some mind numbing TiVo and be grateful for my four great kids who keep me laughing, it truly is the best medicine and the only thing you can do on days like this. Motherhood rocks!

Our Little Princess Turns Four!

2009-02-06T17:15:00.000-08:00

I have loved every second with this precious baby girl, she has been a delight. We invited 10 little girls to her princess fairy party because she gets along with everyone so well. I love spending time with her, she is fabulous at thank you and I love you. I was leaving this morning to take the boys to school and she had to kiss both my cheeks and give me a hug first. I only got one girl, how grateful I am it was Olivia!

JOY!

2009-02-06T16:51:00.000-08:00

I had the chance to speak in Young Womens about finding Joy in life. I have been blessed with the ability to overcome the adversary and adversity and turn negative events into positive happenings. I truly love life! I know that life deals some pretty hard knocks, but if we search, we find something for which to be grateful.

My family brings me great joy! I know it sounds cheesy and unrealistic, but I am best friends with my sisters, my brother and his wife, my parents, my kids, my husband, and in-laws. I would rather play with my family than anyone else. The Gospel makes me happy. I love the peace the knowledge of the Savior and the atonement give. I can't imagine life without this gift. I know I am getting old, its hard to accept, but having a healthy body that still lets me be outside enjoying nature rocks. This week I was able to run up suncrest on a gorgeous sunny day and then a few days later go skiing with Brig on another amazing day, could life get any better?

Happy Birthday Charlie!

2009-02-06T16:31:00.000-08:00

How can I describe our Charlie? Our passion child is truly a passionate child! My sister Whitney told Charlie he was her favorite nephew, a fact he did not keep secret. But he is really hard not to adore! Char was born with a sense of humor. He is a social butterfly and has made some great friend in his first grade class. He is realizing he is not 11 years old and he can play with kids his own age. The other day we were shopping and he borrowed my cell phone to chat with his budddies.

My Dad took he and his cousin Christopher to a BYU Basketball game. We had a great time! Thanks Dad. Charlie loves anything to do with BYU. For his Birthday party we went to the Bean Museum ton campus to check out the "creepy" animals and then to the creamery for ice cream. It was awesome! We love you Charlie.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2008-12-26T07:18:00.001-08:00

Christmas Morning, still in pj's at 3:00

Sam, our first time sledding this winter, we have been pounded with snow!

Charlie, singing in his school Christmas program,

of course 5th, 3rd, and 1st were the last to sing.

Brig and Olivia, more sledding!

Olivia and I have had so much fun singing Christmas songs. One I sing to her often to help her remember to be good, is Santa Claus is coming to town. Olivia also talks in third person and I think it is cute and shes the baby so I don't even try to correct her. The other day I heard her singing "Him knows when you are sleeping, him knows when your awake." Oh the sweet joys of motherhood, I couldn't stop giggling.

We had a wonderful, relaxing Christmas day. The boys asked for the usual heroscape, pokemon, star wars, and more legos to add to our collection of a million. Sam and Dave got air soft guns, watch out! And Brig hasn't stopped playing his new DS, red for the Utes, Santa knows. I gave Dave running tights and a blanket. I asked for a watch and he is taking me to Switzerland in May to pick one out! Yahoo. Olivia got a barbie house and I don't know who is more excited, Livvy or her mom. We feel so grateful to have family in town and to all be together happy and healthy (although my poor mom just broke her toe last night and was still bravely making pizzas). We are so grateful for our many blessings, especially the gift of the atonement from our Savior. Merry Christmas everyone!

Christ is the Reason for the Season

2008-12-07T14:47:00.000-08:00

We had an amazing experience last night that really helped us feel the true reason we celebrate Christmas. We went to a live Nativity in Alpine. We took hay ride (time machine) to a barn where we saw lots of animals and Charlie bonded with Max the camel (he even got a camel kiss!) Next we followed the lights to another barn, live music was playing as we visited a darling baby Jesus. We ended the perfect evening with about 5 cups of hot cocoa. Hopefully we can keep the spirit of the event in our hearts for the rest of the season. Sam said he was fasting today to find someone to help this holiday. I highly recommend this fun evening, I think it runs through Monday, so go!

Sam turns 11!

2008-12-07T14:34:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Sam is 11 and in another year he'll be taller than his mom. Sam celebrated his birthday with a few friends and cousin Scott at Space Camp. They got to go in a space ship and simulate a 3 hour mission, even though the aliens blew them up at the end, they had a blast! We also celebrated in St. George and at Grandma's house and brought donuts to his class. Sam has been a delight since the day he was born, we love his witty sense of humor and gentleness. We are proud of Sam for receiving his arrow of light recently. Sam's favorites include: Food-hamburgers (esp from Nordic Valley), Movie-Kung Fu Panda and Star Wars Episode I, Dessert-Nachos Dulce, Candy-Heath Bar, Book-anything in print, Restaurant-Sweet Tomatoes. We love you Sam!

INTRODUCING GODZILLA

2008-12-05T19:03:00.000-08:00

We have a new addition to the fam. Meet Godzilla our new/old leopard gecko. She is a hand-me down from a son to his mom (a school teacher), to her student (our cousin Taylor), to us (Taylor got a dog). Dave thinks she's disgusting, but the rest of us really like her.

2008-12-05T18:49:00.000-08:00

Cousin Annie and Emily

Cousin Sara and Whitney

The cousins getting Pedicures in St. George

Aunt Dru was our professional photographer

Check out those cute toes!

Friday after Thanksgiving was one of those days where everything is perfect. First I awoke at 7 and hurried over to Walmart for a little Christmas shopping. The parking lot was empty, a lady was holding the last Lego Castle and gave it to me, and miraculously, there were NO lines! I felt like the cat who swallowed the canary. Next my sisters and I went on a gorgeous hike, followed by aerobics with the kids in the backyard, very Dan in Real Life-ish. The boys played football and no one was injured, too seriously. We went swimming with Matt and Amy and gang and it was sunny and fun. To top off the day we went with my adorable cousins aunt for pedicures, we were the only ones there and it closed right as we finished. Can you say "the Secret."

ODE TO BRIG

2008-12-05T18:38:00.000-08:00

Brig turned nine on the 2nd of December. We have celebrated all week long! First we had a party in St. George with the Allen clan. The next day he partied with the Johnson crew. Then on his actual birthday mom brought him breakfast in bed, then checked him out of school and took him to Cafe Rio and toys-r-us. Also his class surprised him and sang to him and each classmember made him a card. As if that wasn't enough, Dad took him to see Bolt the following day. And to finish it off we played at Jump-on-it tonight. Can we say spoiled? He is just so darn lovable its hard to resist. Brig's favorites include: Food-noodles, Dessert-apple pie (which disappointingly we did not have at Thanksgiving), Movie-Transformers, Restaurant-Sweet Tomatoes, Color-Red, Book-Fable haven, Candy-Red Vines. Happy Birthday Brig, we love you!