* * * 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?