Enjoying the Sunshine

We took a walk last Monday and headed on over to the park so we could enjoy the sunshine. And so Johnny could say hello to his friend Mr. Horse that he'd missed so much while we were on vacation.

He enjoyed getting dirty

Sister took a little nap

Johnny ran over to make friends with the little kid playing soccer across the field. This kid can run surprisingly fast.

He took a water break under the tree

He is just so cute and fun!

Bye-Bye Uncle Stephen

Stephen didn't stay for very long, but we had a lot of fun while he was here.

We discovered he's very good at baby-sitting from the couch

He put on a movie for Johnny

He multi-tasked while taking care of Isabela

and he helped give Johnny a taste of his own medicine.

We miss you Uncle Stevie, come back again soon!

Football Shirt

My mom got Johnny this football shirt. He saw it as I was unpacking, and insisted on putting it on right then. Even though his dad has encouraged his love of sports, the obsession definitely comes from Johnny himself. He loves wearing football, basketball, baseball, any-ball you-name-it shirts, and very often goes to sleep with a few footballs as well. Yes, footballs as in plural. His dad couldn't be happier.

My Sweet Husband

Look what was waiting for me when we got back home from Washington:

Dosen't it look so delicious?

Somebody else had their eye on it too. . .

Thanks Brad, I love you!

Emma's House

The last two nights of our vacation we spent at my sister Fran's house. Johnny went to bed so easily and was thrilled beyond belief to be hanging with Emma and Stevie. Emma was so sweet to Johnny, when they were going to sleep, she told her mom, "he needs a lullaby," and sang to him.




Here is the picture I took after we finished painting at 2:00am the morning we flew out of Utah. Mistakes were made, but after priming everything, taping down the walls, and two coats of paint, and touch ups, I don't think it looks half bad. It was definitely a lengthier process because we could only paint at night after the kids went to bed for the most part. Fran has done a lot more work since then, changing out the molding, ordering new blinds among other things. I can't wait to see it when it's all done. Emma absolutely loves purple and is so happy she now has a purple room. Fran said Stevie is already asking when his room is going to get painted. All I can say is good luck.

Indoor Park

Down at the Kent Commons, there is an indoor play space for little kids. On our last full day in Washington, we met up with Melinda and Henry, and my good friend Sara and her son Lucas for a fun-filled morning. I sure wish there was something like that around here, especially during the wintertime. Johnny loved it! It's definitely a great way for the kids to get some energy out.

Johnny kept trying to convince Henry to hop on for a ride with him on the back of the car

Johnny was really thrilled to see some basketball hoops, even if they were a little tall for him

Henry working that lawn mower

Lucas vacuuming the slide

He really did get his energy out, this is what happened when we came home to read some books before his nap:

Birthday Dinner

We went out to dinner to celebrate my birthday in Washington. Even though Stephen couldn't make dinner, we did get to spend time together earlier in the day. He is great at keeping Johnny entertained and happy. Johnny misses his Uncle Stephen and is still asking me if we can go to see Uncle Stevie again.

This is what Johnny did through most of dinner, screamed, talked, or just made noise. He was on a roll.

My sister Fran showing me how good she is with kids

Emma and Stevie came to help Grandpa take care of baby Bela

Emma and Stevie are only 15 months apart, I'm hoping that someday my kids will be as good of friends as these two.

My delicious creme brulee dessert

Even though I did miss Brad, I was so happy to be with my family. This was the first time since I turned 17 that I was with Stephen and my family on my birthday, so it was a lot of fun.