funny boy

So one day I was watching Eli as he was very interested in Roxy's dog toy. And for about 10 minutes they went back and forth "playing" with this toy. Eli would try to retrieve the toy from Roxy's grasp.

And he would try to escape with the toy.

You can see that he became quite frustrated with Roxy.  Look at that face!  This went on and on.

So a compromise was made. . . "you get one end and I get the other!"  It was hilarious!

And yes, this boy is becoming a busy body!  He races to the fridge when it opens and empties the bottom shelf of dressings and chocolate sauce! Too funny!

nothing cuter than school uniforms

We now have all 3 school-aged children in the same school! Davis and Natalie have been attending for 6 weeks and Maren just began today. And so far. . . they love it! We have been so happy with our decision. Just thought we would show just how cute these kids are in uniform!

a teenager at our house!

Happy Birthday Maren! 

She is an official teenager!  What a beautiful girl she is!  We are so grateful to have her as a part of our family.  Being the oldest, she tends be to "overworked and underpaid" --according to Maren--oh, the life of the oldest!  She is a great example for her younger siblings (and parents). She is persistent, cheerful, and very witty.  She has a great smile, makes friends easily, and loves to bake. Maren is an awesome swimmer (year round team), an outstanding singer (completely on key and has been since she was 2 years old), and enjoys photography.  We are so proud of Maren--the good choices that she makes and the young woman she is becoming.  We hope you have had a great day, princess! We love you! 

FAMILY

I usually don't include videos in our blog, but this one really hit my soul. How grateful I am for the Proclamation that was given to the world by our Heavenly Father through a latter-day prophet. We live in such prosperous times--we are blessed with so much. Yet, in the end, the family--our family is what matters--ALL that matters. The world tries so hard (and is very successful) in tearing the family unit apart--literally. And now we are witnessing an attempt to try to redefine the family unit altogether. This video is a beautiful reminder of our Heavenly Father's plan--He is mindful of us and will bless us--I know this.

Birthday fun

Just thought that I should document Davis' birthday party since it was a few weeks ago. A few days before his birthday, Maren attended a youth fireside by the BYU Football team and coach. Gooooo Cougars!!  Maren took Davis' football without him knowing and had the team members sign it--Max Hall #15 and all!  She gave it to him that night as an early birthday present.  He was so surprised and loves to show all his friends his prized possession. Wasn't that so thoughtful?!  Love that girl!  Love this boy, too!  

This year Davis got to have a friend birthday party (an every other year thing).  So we loaded up 5 of his friends and had a fun filled evening at Boondocks!  They all had a great time!  We were sorry that one of his friends got a bit sick towards the end, but the evening began with huge smiles on their faces, as you can see!

We're so glad that you had a great 10th, Davis!  We are so thankful to have you as part of our family!  We love you!

{SNOW}

OCTOBER 12, 2008. . . . First snow of the season!  After a week of 90 degree weather in California, we came home to this!  I love it when the seasons change, however, I do hope that we do get some sort of fall.  

You'll notice the holes in the snow.  The kids had snow for breakfast!  YUM!  Although they were pretty sad that the snow had melted while we were in church.  I assured them that there will plenty of opportunities to play in the snow this winter.

a day at the beach and WICKED

During our trip to CA, we took a break from Disneyland and headed to Huntington Beach. Being the non-beach goers that we are, we were a bit ill prepared for the day--taking only ONE hotel bath towel and not a change of clothes--just in case!  The kids had a fantastic time and could have spent more time building sand castles, searching for "sheshells", and body surfing/running from the waves.  Before Natalie was convinced that she really wanted to get in the water, she would run from the waves hoping to escape with only wet feet.

It got her!  And, no--no change of clothes!

Just think, if we only brought sand toys--that's what your hands are for!

Perfect form, Maren!  

Love this picture!  Millie's treasures--SHEshells.

Okay, Love this picture, too!  Daddy and Eli taking a stroll.  

To top off a wonderful day at the beach, Maren and I were able to see the play "Wicked" with our Johnson girls!  I had seen it in NY before we moved, but I really enjoyed seeing it again. I could see it again and again and again!  It really is that good!  Thanks to my almost-teenager for a great evening!

Makin' Memories 2008

Since it has been 7 years since our last visit to the "happiest place on earth," we thought that we had better make a return visit! We had a fantastic time at Disneyland and enjoyed the company of the J family from the ward! And we only lost one child once! Davis and his buddy, Adam took full advantage of the early in morning as they ventured off by themselves (not prearranged). After searching for an hour and calling lost and found, Dennis parked himself by the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and found them--just having a great time. BOYS! We stayed right across the street from the park, which was nice to be able to take Eli and Millie "home" for a rest during the day. It was fun to be there with the Halloween decorations. However, we thought that we were avoiding the crowds by going the first week of October--not the case! And we also were able to be there during a "heat wave." Ahhh--lines and heat! Eli really came in handy as we were able to obtain many switch passes (a pass to avoid the lines altogether) because of him! Thanks cute boy!

Eli LOVES Millie's hair! Unfortunately, he sits behind her in the double stroller and constantly torments her {just like a brother} by pulling her hair--while smiling, I might add!

Give me an "N"! On the last day of Disneyland (we did the 3-day hopper pass), Natalie asked me after a very long, hot day, "Why do people think Disneyland is so great?" Boy, all this girl needs is a McDonald's happy meal and playland!

Millie's most favorite ride--man, we could have just gone to the mall!

Our cute family.

Teacups with the J girls!

Millie talking with Mr. PotatoHead--seriously, he talks!

M & M-- Maren and Mickey! What a cute couple!

D and N on the last ride of the trip at California Adventure!

So you ask, How did Eli do at Disneyland?? He was mostly like this. . . (cute, huh?)

But there were plenty of times like this. . .

And not enough times like this. . .

But I can't blame him! Now that he is mobile, he was not happy about being stuck in a stroller or car seat. He was sure a trooper--they all were! We had such a fun time together. It was a great trip--it's all about makin' memories!