Fiesta of Lights

Saturday evening, we met Kevin's family in Phoenix to watch the APS Fiesta of Lights Parade. Kevin went when he was a kid and remembered not liking it, so we went in with low expectations (we went for the kids). Surprisingly, it was really cool! They had a couple of balloons, bands dressed in lights and some local "celebrities." Kimble and Karter did really well waiting for the parade to start, seeing as we got there about 1 and 1/2 hours before it started.

Kimble really loved the glow necklaces Sharon brought for the kids. I think we ended up with at least 6 plus one I caught for Kimble during the parade.

We had a pretty big group. It is always fun to do things with the Johnson families since we live on opposite sides of the valley and don't see them very often it seems.

Of course, Kevin's favorite attraction was the Suns' Gorilla balloon. He made me try to get a picture of it, unfortunately it didn't turn out too great. But for his sake I am posting it.

In the end, sure we were all freezing and ready to get out of Phoenix, but we would go again next year if we get the chance. Both kids were so excited to see all the lights and we loved spending time with our family.

Tree Hunt '08

Also this weekend...we went on the traditional Johnson Family tree hunt. We all headed up to Woods Canyon Lake to hunt for and cut down our Christmas tree. There was just enough snow for the kids to get their fix. Kimble loved making footprints in the slush and Karter enjoyed chilling in the buggie.


Kevin did a great job finding a good looking tree. His dad had to help carry it down the hill to our car, I think it is a little bigger and heavier than they expected.


Can you tell that the tree was a little too big for our car? It stuck off the back by about two feet. We wanted to find a tall tree for our tall ceiling... mission accomplished.

Sprinkler Savvy

Friday, my dad and brother-in-law came over to help Kevin put in sprinklers for the backyard. They were a great help and Kevin learned so much from them. It was quite a process...

Happy Thanksgiving...a little late

On this day of thanks giving, I want to let everyone know that I am truly grateful for my family. We recently had our annual family picture taken and I wanted to share a couple of my favorites. I feel that they capture my family so well. Kevin, Kimble and Karter are blessings in my life and I will always be happy to be their wife and mom.

Let the Holidays Begin!

Last night we kicked off our holiday season with a trip to Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo. They were having special preview nights for members with some fun freebies we had to take advantage of.


First, we stopped at Sting Ray Bay to touch the sting rays. I was surprised at how soft and slimy they were. I only needed to feel it once, but everyone else seemed to be enjoying it. There was even a small shark in the pool.


Next, we took a ride on the carousel. Kimble first wanted the shark, then settled on the zebra. Unfortunately, as the ride began she noticed the horse in front of her. So for the entire ride, she was just so sad. Karter on the other hand didn't really care and was not really sure what was happening.



After walking around the light display and watching the "Dancing Trees," Karl (my younger brother) decided that he wanted to try climbing the Coconut Tree. It looked a little awkward because he is so tall, but he made it up to the top quickly.


We can't wait to go back next year! Hopefully, it will actually be cold by that time.

Preschool Pics

Yesterday, Kimble came off the bus with school pictures in hand. I was so pleased to see that she actually smiled. They turned out kind of cute! (Now, if I could only get the photographer to crop a little better.)

What Was He Thinking?!

Today we discovered why it is not a good idea to keep the paper shredder on auto. Karter apparently decided that Kimble didn't need her Reader Rabbit game anymore and stuck it in the shredder. I suppose there is a first (and last) time for everything, although this is one that I could have lived without.

Walking Time

The weather has finally started to cool down (but just a little). The mornings and evenings have been quite nice lately, so we have been trying to take full advantage. We have been going on lots of walks together and it has been really fun.