bummed...

I really want to post all the pictures from the last week, but Kevin had to rearrange the power strip and my external hard drive did not make the cut. So until we get another (larger) powerstrip... sorry!

christmas party in peoria

Saturday we headed over to Peoria to have a party with the Johnson family. We have created traditions for the annual party each year and had to continue them. There was the traditional Mexican feast (and mini pizzas for the kids), the Nativity, carolling, a visit from Santa and cookie exchange. Unfortunately, we were dealing with a very cranky Koltyn, so we got very few pictures of all the fun.
The kids always have a blast dressing up for the Nativity story. I am pretty sure that I have the only children around who request to be animals (Kimble was the donkey and Karter was the camel, or other donkey if you ask him) instead of people though.

We took the kids carolling around the neighborhood. The girls sang nearly constantly and knew more of the words than I do. For some reason, Kimble thought she was a model that day and came up with a silly pose for every picture we took.

Santa stopped by to give the kids a little encouragement for the last week before Christmas. He reminded them that their elf (Sheldon) was still watching and reporting. Then they each got to come up and receive a gift. Koltyn was asleep at this point, Kimble didn't want to get close to Santa so simply got as close as she had to to get the gift, then ran and Karter was so excited to see what was all wrapped up that he had no problem getting a picture with Santa.

We will be back in Peoria after Christmas for another party with the extended Johnson family (including Steven and Keeley, yay) and the kids cannot wait.

family pictures {12-11-10}

Finally, a family picture that I actually WANT to print off. All year has been unsuccessful family pictures, there was always a child that just did not want to cooperate. Last Saturday, we finally found success thanks to my wonderful sisters! (Now, if I could just get the Christmas card mailed out...)

light parade, tempe

After taking our family pictures on Saturday, we headed over to Tempe for the APS light boat parade (not sure what it is really called). Last year was our first year and we had so much fun that we wanted to take the kids again. So we met up with four of my siblings, ate dinner on the grassy hill behind us, then enjoyed watching the boats pass by.


These were about the best of the entries. They really took time to make their boat entertaining for the kids. The Grinch theme was a popular one this year, there were four in this parade and a couple in the one last week.


One last picture of the boats as we walked back to our car...

Backyard Boutique

I was able to be a vendor at another boutique Saturday morning, the Backyard Boutique (actually in a backyard in Mesa). I basically just sold what I had left from the last boutique that I did, so it was a lot less stress and I actually got to sleep the night before. As fun as the boutiques have been, though, it will probably be a while until I participate in another.

hippopotamus for christmas

Wednesday night was the Holiday Music Program at Kimble's school. Each grade level got to sing a couple songs, Kimble's favorite was "I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" and she has been singing it almost constantly for the last couple weeks. It was super cute!

back to school

Kevin was accepted into the MBA program at Arizona State University last week!! He has wanted to go back to school for a while now, making it one of his major life goals. We are so proud of him for taking on such a huge task and know that he will be great. It is going to be a long two years for all of us, but the end result will be worth it. Congratulations Kevin!

light parade, phoenix

It is a Johnson Family tradition to attend the APS electric light parade every year. Saturday night was that night and we were excited to go. Before the parade started (we arrived about two hours early for good seats) Grandma Johnson bought a couple of light swords for the kids. Koltyn got stuck with a couple left over glow necklaces we had brought with us, but he seemed pretty content and got to take turns with the swords. They were a big hit!




Karter was probably the most excited of the kids about the actual parade. There were more than enough cars covered with lights to keep him happy. Koltyn did get very excited when Santa Claus rolled by on top of a firetruck though.

shadows, goggles {and an elf}

Kimble had a fun time making different shapes with her shadow the other day. She did pose after pose until the sun was too low to make any more.


My sister found these goggles after the swim season ended for a great price. The kids have put them to good use.

Sheldon, our Elf on a Shelf, has returned. He watches over the kids and then reports to Santa every night until Christmas. He is a great reminder to to kids that they need to be kind if they want Santa to bring them presents... Sheldon is watching!

the many faces of karter...

Koltyn tried to join in on the fun. This was his silly face...