Painting a Beauty

Zayda has been anxiously awaiting the upcoming wedding. Which she thinks is "her wedding day" but it is finally here. Nana treated Zayda to her first pedicure and manicure for the big event. She was perfect and of course she loved every second of it. She became best friends with Henry who provided all her services while she provided the entertainment. Henry and his wife are expecting their first baby girl and let me tell you, Zayda got down to the bottom of each detail of their little bundle of joy. After she was fully painted she enjoyed sitting in the big, comfy, massaging chair and refused to move her fingers so that her polish wouldn't get smeared. Her highlight was when Henry took the toe seperator out from between her toes and she said, "I think I'll take those home with me." She has protected those silly little things with her life. When she was done, I told her to get her straps on and she told me that she didn't think it was a good idea for her to put her straps on because she might mess up her nails. She thought that I should should put her straps on her instead. She has been showing everyone her nails now. I sure don't know how I created such a girly girl?! She is very excited for the "practice" later tonight and then the big day where she get to wear her wedding dress and her veil!!

Mr. Sweet Tooth

So, I decided to make strawberry shortcake the other night and thought I would be funny by squirting some of the ready whip into Garrett's mouth and then watching his funny face. Well, no funny face, just bright eyes and a mouth wide open like a baby bird wanting more. I don't feel like my kids have inherited many of my traits but I guess Garrett sure inherited his mommy's love of sweets. Sorry Garrett!!!

Wobble...Wobble...Walking

I can't believe that my baby boy is walking!! He has been taking several steps for quite a while but he is now officially walking as his main form of transportation :) He is so cute and you forget what it is like to have a little person toddling around. We had to put cabinet locks in the kitchen - if only we could put it on the dog food. He is really starting to talk alot more...dada, ayda (zayda), hi, ba ba (we haven't quite figured out what it means yet), and papa. He better start saying mama soon! I can't believe he is almost one year old. Man how the time flies.

Fun with the "Backdoor Friends"

We spent the afternoon in the sun with our next door neighbors which for some reason Zayda has always called her "backdoor friends." I don't know where she came up with it but she calls them that all the time. In reality, they are Sam (7), Sofia (6), and Abbie (6). We had so much fun with them. Zayda loves playing with them and they are so wonderful with her. They played on the slip and slide and then we created a water slide with the slip and slide at the end. They played and played and played.

Monkey Zayda

Zayda is very proud of her new accomplishment....the monkey bars. She has blisters on her fingers now because she won't stop crossing them. I can't believe how much she has grown up this summer and the new things that she has figured out how to do. I sure would like to "put a brick on her head" (thanks grandma) and stop her from growing. Atleast not so fast!!

Racoon Lake.......Finally

We have been waiting...and waiting...and waiting...for the weather to cooperate so we could get out on the water. Finally, this weekend was spent on the boat, in the water and in nice weather. Zayda was able to ski and ski and ski.....yes, we had to make her stop so that other people could have a turn. Heather, Nick, Laurie and myself (Erin) all skied too. Garrett got in the water for the first time and I think he is going to be a water bug as well. He seemed to really like riding on the boat but the sun and fun took it's toll on him so he took a nice long nap with Uncle Frog. Hopefully, the rest of the summer will be packed full of warm weekends and nice weather.

* * * 4th of July * * *

Our plans for the 4th of July were a little altered because of the flooding. Typically we go to Racoon Lake for the fireworks on the water but since the water has been so high the fireworks have been post-poned to Labor day weekend. So, we ended up going to the fireworks at Billy Creek which is a place down by Racoon Lake that is like a mini version of Connor Prairie. The Hemphill's joined us for the fun. Garrett loved hanging out with "uncle" Rick in his big truck but he tuckered out for the fireworks. He woke up for the grand finale but didn't really seem to care that much about them. He wasn't scared of them so I guess we're 2 for 2 on the kids and the fireworks. Zayda liked the fireworks and thought she was pretty hot stuff hanging out with the girls in the bed of the truck. All in all even though our plans had to be changed we had a great 4th of July and I think Garrett enjoyed his first 4th.

Kaden's First Birthday!!!

I can't believe that Kaden is one year old. It really is amazing how quickly time goes. Nick and Laurie did a great job of decorating for a Dr. Seuss themed party. We all had so much fun and Kaden really enjoyed his cake. Kiersten even got to come to her first Johnson party. She didn't seem too amused. I hope she knows what she's in for:) Happy Birthday Kaden!!!

A new Johnson to love....

On June 26, 2008 we lovingly received a new niece and cousin into the Johnson Family. Kiersten Kay was welcomed into this world at 1:56 a.m. and weighed in at 7lbs 2oz. She is absolutely beautiful and her parents have been amazing since her first breath. I was honored to be able to be a part of her incredible birth. I will forever cherish her first breath and the immediate looks of eternal love on the faces of her parents. Congratulations to Alex and Sabrina and we look forward to many years of wonderful memories. Zayda is thrilled to have another girl in the Johnson Clan. Garrett is a little interested in her and I promise he didn't hit her like the picture might indicate.

Garrett's First Haircut

Little G-man had to go get his first haircut. In Zayda terms, "he was looking pretty sad", with his bangs in his eyes and his hair down over his ears. He did great except for when she cut his bangs and just as the scissors went snip Garrett's head whipped around to look at Zayda and off went the bangs way up high. It's a good thing that hair grows fast - he looks a little silly right now:) But, he's still cute.

Just Horsin' Around

Most of you that know us, know that we spend a lot of time in the summer down at the lake. This summer it has been much harder because of family events, weather, and oh yeah...the flood. We did manage to make it down recently and we also ventured over to Turkey Run State Park where we visited Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Bob. Zayda got to go horseback riding on Booger the Turkey Run Pony. Later that weekend, Zayda, Garrett, and Kaden enjoyed playing in the sand box. Boy were they a mess afterwards. We sure are glad to be back at the lake!

Hey Batter Batter......

Zayda was a member of the Grasshoppers this year. She played T-ball (softball) for the first time. She loved it although she was a little concerned about getting her cleats dusty...getting too sweaty...the sun being in her eyes...but she did love meeting all of her new friends. She proudly displays her trophy on her shelf which she thinks everyone who visits must see. GO GRASSHOPPERS!!! Oh yeah...did I mention that she hits left-handed?!

Swingin' Good Time

Zayda has recently learned how to swing all by herself!! She thinks she is pretty hot stuff now. Garrett LOVES to swing as well. How does he swing with that foot up there?