Johnston Family Blog

Puddle Jumping

2012-02-10T18:58:00.000-08:00

Puddle Jumping today after the rain stopped.
Don't worry we have hot water hooked up to the outside hose.
My kids are CRAZY!

The New Grace

2012-02-03T16:30:00.000-08:00

Let me introduce the new Grace.
This Grace not only has a new look, but she has been making her bed, picking up her toys and LISTENING the first time.
It's day two of this Grace. I hope it last FOREVER or at least until the end of the weekend.

Bottom line it doesn't matter what Grace I get, I'm just lucky to have her!

G & E

2012-02-03T16:27:00.000-08:00

There has been a lot of Grace and Emmit time together these days.
Swim class, Tuesday night Tea Party, play dough time and couch time apparently seeing if one can stick there foot in his mouth!

It's Official

2012-01-24T12:34:00.000-08:00

It's official Josh and I can no longer have anymore kids...

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Thank you babe for undergoing the procedure that I am sure most men hate to think about having to do.

Your a champ.

Your a stud.

Oh your so brave.

You REALLY do love me!

Can you tell I am just a little excited?

the best

2012-01-16T13:46:00.000-08:00

Nothing beats getting rosy cheeks and rolling in the snow all before noon with the neighborhood kids on a day when you have no school or work.

Nothing beats it.

Lets get crazy today kids.

Almost time for round two of hot chocolate and marshmallows...

Waking Up To Snow

2012-01-14T09:26:00.000-08:00

When you live on a Island and you wake up to snow it's pretty exciting.

Loved that at 6:45am Emmit runs into our bedroom yelling that it had snowed.

15 minutes later we ripped the tags off our new winter ski gear for the kids and we were out in the snow and slush by 7am.

Came back in at 8:45am and Grace asked me when it was lunch time.

God I love the snow even if it is just a dusting.

It's Your Day Baby

2012-01-06T11:10:00.000-08:00

Normal right that Emmit gave his dad some EXTRA SPECIAL Birthday Brew.

Grace got Josh Daddy Daughter Dance Tickets.

Clearly they are VERY excited to go.

Happy Birthday Joshua C Johnston!

You are loved.

Wish you the best birthday wishes EVER!

So glad you were born.

So glad my parents are watching the kiddo's tonight so WE can REALLY celebrate!

Best Day Ever

2011-12-28T18:28:00.000-08:00

OK so that was Grace's words not mine. You know the whole "this is the best day ever".

Ear piercing at the Cascade Mall.

Followed by cake and ice cream. SO excited to blow out her 5 candles.

OK here I go blowing my candles out.

But my brother Emmit blew the candles out first. He was also excited.

Emmit upset because he got told NO!

OK Grace is happy again. We sang the song start to finish and she got to blow them out. Again. Emmit still upset.

Happy again with ice cream.

Best day ever for sure.
Happy Day Grace.

Happy 5th Birthday

2011-12-28T09:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday

Grace Anne

Today you turn 5 years old.

It was just like yesterday I tell you.

You are loved by many, but you are loved most by your mom,dad and brother.

We wish you a very Happy Birthday and hope that all your birthday wishes come true.

At 5 years old you amaze me by how kind you are to others.

That Grace is most important and I know that is something you will keep with you forever.

At 5 years old you give the best hugs ever and I like that you know when a person is needing of one.

I am unsure where you place on the charts or what percentage you are.

It doesn't matter to us, because we think you are pretty much perfect the way you are.

The day you were born Grace Anne was the day that changed everything for your dad and I in the most splendifious way.

We will love you always and forever.

To the moon and back sweet cheeks.

Ice Skating

2011-12-27T09:46:00.000-08:00

While I was skiing with my dad, this crew got to go to the ice skating.
Fun was had by all and with the double blade skates for the kids.
Both Josh and Papa were hockey players so they were naturals.
Papa and Indira did the couples skate. Would have loved to see that.
Emmit wasn't so sure.
Auntie Morgan was there to give a helping hand.
Grace LOVED it and by the smile of my mom I think she loved it as well.

The Man Can Ski

2011-12-27T09:26:00.000-08:00

Dad, you truly are your best version of yourself when you are on the hill.

Your smile spreads for miles and your spirit and love for the hill instantly becomes contagious.

I more then enjoyed my day on the hill with you. From start to finish it was a perfect day of skiing.

Thank you dad for a priceless gift this holiday season, by spending the time with you on the hill.

You can ski.

Oh It Was Jolly

2011-12-26T15:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve At Grandma & Grandpa with the cousins. Priceless. Thanks to Grandma D all 5 of them were in matching holiday outfits, that they thought was cool.

Carly and Grace = double trouble.

I think Jackson's face pretty much sums it up.

Twas the night before x mas...

Christmas Morning at Home

Yeah, Emmit Santa really did buy you a drum kit.

Grace is very excited about her new gift from Santa.

I am one lucky mom. Look what I got for x mas from the kids.

Thank you GREAT GRANDMA GRACE for the guitars.

Christmas dinner with the Sleepers.

Which means there was a lot of this going on.

Hope you all had a wonderful x mas. I think most of us would agree that the best part was being with my family and friends over this long holiday weekend.

Santa Is Good

2011-12-20T09:11:00.000-08:00

Thank you Santa for my new ski jacket.
I am excited to hit the slopes this Friday with Santa in my new jacket.
Love you Dad.
Love you Mom.

And yes I am a spoiled little girl:)

Splashtacular

2011-12-18T14:40:00.000-08:00

Grace and Emmit had a joint birthday party at the Fidalgo Pool this weekend and it was Splashtacular.

I think it was a good time and this year Josh and I had to only have one party for the kids.

What were we thinking having TWO December babies???

The cakes below was made by the one and only talented Grandma Laurie.

Pool party time.

Pool Party Room action.

Grandma D making sure party hats are on.

Make a wish Emmit!

Grace you are one lucky little girl!

Bring on the loot...

Time to hug it out with your friends.

God I love kids.
Look at these beautiful young moms.

Boys showing off their tattoos.

The after party...

It got pretty wild.

Kids with new toys = FREE TIME for moms and dads!

Arrggg ...

Thank you friends and family for spoiling our kids and helping them celebrate their birthdays!

The Guild

2011-12-15T15:39:00.000-08:00

So I belong to something pretty darn special.

The Dr. Samuel G. Brooks Guild.

We are a group of ladies who raise funds for families here in Skagit County who have children that need to be seen at Seattle Children's Hospital.

We meet once a month.

The best meeting of all is the holiday meeting.

We are encouraged to dress in out best.

We bring gifts for children at Children's Hospital and a fun $10 or under gift for our own exchange.

This year I was the lucky gal who walked away with a snow man pillow! I know pretty spectacular.

It's a special group of women who all have amazing connections to Children's or who are just very caring.

I am the youngest member by 30 years or at least the only one that attends the meetings.

I find the meetings therapeutic and entertaining.

Each meeting I attend I think of Emmit and our time we spent at Children's Hospital.

We are so lucky to have that magical place in our back yard.

I appreciate every door greeter, nurse, doctor and provider there and Children's and thank you VERY much for the most amazing smile you gave my Emmit.

If your feeling inspired and would like to get involved with the Guild, just give me a jingle jingle:)

Penguin Cup Cakes

2011-12-15T14:39:00.000-08:00

These adorable cupcakes were brought to Grace's class today for her holiday class party and for a early birthday treat to share with her friends.

Miss Louise: "WOW Grace your mom went ALL out on these cupcakes!"

Grace: "Oh no my mom didn't make these my DAD did. My mom doesn't cook".

Laughter all around at this point by all the moms.

Miss Louise: "You have a very talented dad".

Grace: " Yeah I know he's the best".

Grace was SO proud of her dad's cupcakes today.
They even read a Penguin book today and everyone sang Grace Happy Birthday even though her day is 13 days away!

That's my girl sitting on Miss Louise's lap with her legs spread and hole in her tights!

Grace's friends Jack and Connor. The three of them like to play house together at school.

Pre school is just the best!

Splenderfious

2011-12-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

Here I go again tooting my own horn..

It's been busy here at the Anacortes Parks and Rec Dept.

Last night was the 2nd Annual Fancy Nancy Splendifous Christmas Party. Hosted of course by yours truly.

We enjoyed sparkling apple cider , fancy finger foods and of course used a ton of glitter and feathers to decorate everything we could.

Thank you Grace Anne for inspiring me.

I love that you showed up just in time after your swim class in your holiday dress and soaking wet hair!

OK I am still tooting my own horn here.
Last weekend the Parks Dept. hosted the first Wonderland Walk at Washington Park.
Folks, it was a smashing success.
People came.
They really liked it, they really did.
There was lights, music, smores and the Grinch.
Thank you to the community of Anacortes for showing us at the Parks Department the love. For sure this is a new holiday tradition that I am glad to be apart of.

OK, I'm done tooting.
It's time to pinch myself.
I am lucky in life:)

The Nutcracker

2011-12-12T09:11:00.000-08:00

Took Grace to the ballet yesterday.
It was not the Pacific Northwest Ballet, it was the Fidalgo Dance Works productions.
It was magical.
It was surprisingly REALLY good.
Grace asked me if the Nutcracker who came to life was REAL.

After the ballet we came and we danced and we walked through the house with our chins up and our backs straight.

Thank you Grace for going to the ballet with me.

Birthday Boy

2011-12-10T11:08:00.000-08:00

Remembering the day you were born brings a smile to my soul.

After checking into the hospital then getting checked right back out ( small town and not enough beds) you were eventually born in the late morning on December 10, 2008.

Finding out that you were a healthy and strong little boy was the best gift of all.

On the day you were born you were surrounded by your family and embraced by all.

I speak for many in wishing you a very Happy Birthday today sweet Emmit.

At three years old...

You go on the potty.
You eat any type of food in front of you and are willing to try something new.
You LOVE to watch football with your dad.
You love music and playing the drums with and on about anything.
You love your sister,but you also know what buttons to push with her.
You sleep in your bed all through the night.
You make people smile.
Your eyes & smile make me melt.
You like a good hot shower in the morning.
You love your dog.

This list could go on and on.

Happy Birthday Son.

We love you to the moon and back.

Make More Time

2011-12-04T16:41:00.000-08:00

I need to make more time to do this on Sunday mornings...

Grace you are a excellent host.

Another Breakfast

2011-12-04T16:36:00.000-08:00

Another Breakfast With Santa was held this weekend at the senior center.

Didn't I just do this event? That is what it felt like Saturday morning.

parks & recreation

2011-11-30T08:39:00.000-08:00

This morning a few parks and rec employees received their pride and years in service awards.

Today I got my 10 years with the city and got my sweet port authority vest that I am wearing in the photo above.

Thank you Mayor!

I am lucky to have a job in this field!

But with that said it is all very parks and recreation.

Time To Believe

2011-11-27T15:46:00.000-08:00

Its the season for us all to BELIEVE in the magic of Christmas.

What A weekend

2011-11-27T11:24:00.000-08:00

What a weekend it was.
When you start your Thanksgiving morning playing a little footy with friends and then end your turkey day with your family, you have to think, what a great weekend it was.

After a full two days of eating and sampling and drinking what I want it is safe to say I need to hit the climber ASAP.
Every extra calorie I took in this weekend was worth it.

God I love my family.

Best Dog Ever

2011-11-19T12:51:00.000-08:00

Tug you don';t nearly enough screen time.
We really do love you.

The kids are growing up.

2011-11-17T09:16:00.000-08:00

So it is the perfect set up. Both kids in the pool at the same time while I get to watch from the side.

I am a little nervous, because Grace will sink and is still fighting the water when she swims.

At least she is trying.

Emmit makes me nervous because he has NO fears in the water. Many times I can hear his teacher telling him to hold onto the wall.

Josh and I sit on the side and really we just smile and make fun of our kids.

It all makes me think to myself that the kids are growing up.

I hope those high school aged swim teachers are getting paid time and a half for the 30 minutes that they have to teach all those kids who are all under the age of 6.

Thought Of You Today Dad

2011-11-16T12:36:00.000-08:00

When I read this in my inbox.

"Live your life each day

as you would climb a mountain.

An occasional glance

toward the summit

keeps the goal in mind,

but many beautiful scenes

are to be observed

from each new vantage point.

Climb slowly, steadily,

enjoying each passing moment;

and the view from the summit

will serve as a fitting climax

for the journey."

-Harold V. Melchert

11-11-11

2011-11-10T15:04:00.000-08:00

Grandpa, I think of you often and as I type this I can see your shinny eyes and your warm smile and that image warms my soul.

My Grandpa was a Veteran of not one, not two, but THREE wars for our country.

You were a remarkable man and your legacy is still alive in everyone that has ever met you.

I will ALWAYS remember and think of you on Veteran's Day for as long as I shall live.

Sergeant Major Howard H. Brosseau

Happy Veteran's Day

To all the veteran's of war I thank you for your services and for your sacrifice you have made for our country.

Girl Time

2011-11-08T16:21:00.000-08:00

We talked about what we wanted to be when we grow up, what my favorite memory of being 4 years old was and we talk about getting Grace's ears pierced when she turns 5 in December.

We turned the tunes up loud, car danced and stopped for fancy coffee & hot chocolate together.

It was a good road trip to South Whidbey on Saturday.

Grace I love you.

Don't ever change.

Loving Pre School

2011-11-02T17:20:00.000-07:00

I have to say that Grace's 2nd year of pre -school is going great.

She is learning so much.

I can remember being pregnant with her and thinking to myself how I wish she and really (both) of my kids inherit the smartness that Josh has.

It is no secret that I had to work hard to get the average grades that I got throughout all of my schooling.

I am proud of you Grace and I just know I am going to learn so much from you.

Halloween Weekend

2011-11-01T12:33:00.000-07:00

OK so Halloween was on Monday, but somehow we managed to make it a weekend celebration.

Started with a trip to Peter & Angie's house...

Imgaine this. My family got together and it was not a legal holiday or a birthday to celebrate.

This is Angie and their Nanny from Sweden. Her name is Alex.

Sunday morning pumpkin carving time with Grandpa.

Don't worry that is just hot sauce on my dads finger. He has been waiting all year long for someone little enough to fall for it.

Fall leaf clean up with dad.

Finally trick or treat day. We started with the down town trick or treat with the Swapps.

I love this girl and love that she wears her Halloween hat each year.

Pat, don't look so serious. It's Halloween! Just joking. Coach Swapp was a huge help getting the kids in and out of the stores.

At 3pm Emmit needed a break from all of the festivities.

And he was up 1 hour later when he heard the roar of Brooklyn the Lion.

Here is the night time trick or treat gang.

Grace has advanced her trick or treating to a pillow case and by the looks of this maybe Emmit should have stayed in bed a little longer.

Nothing like dumping the loot out to see how much you got.

I am exhausted from yesterday's events.
Totally worth it and so much fun.

just another day in the parks dept.

2011-10-31T09:30:00.000-07:00

happy halloween

Fall Is Here When...

2011-10-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

Fall is here when EVERY Friday night you help dad get ready for AHS football games.

Fall is here when pumpkins crowd your front door and little kids can't wait for trick or treat day.

Fall is here when there are field trips rain or shine to the pumpkin patch.

Fall is here.

Can't wait for winter.

Bring it on!

God, I love this game.

2011-10-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

Last night I got a chance to do the play by play with Coach H at the Anacortes vs. Burlington volleyball game.
Although, the Anacortes team did not win the game was AMAZING.

Both teams just fighting for every point.
Coaches on their feet telling their players to reach deep.
Both sets of bleachers pulled out with standing room only in the gym.

God I love this game.

Girls Who Love Horses

2011-10-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

This is where we will be on Monday's at 4pm for the next couple of weeks.

Horse lessons for Grace have officially started.

Every single penny spent on this new activity is worth the excitement and dedication that I can see in her eyes.

There is something so sweet about little girls who love horses.

We are proud of you Grace Anne.

Farm Tour

2011-10-03T14:48:00.000-07:00

Great day on the farm.
There was hay rides, tractor driving, face painting, ice cream, sugar cookies, Josh almost entered himself into a pie eating contest, corn on the cob, farm animals, pumpkins and much needed Johnston Family time.
Love this family of mine. Oh yes I do.

Insert Foot In Mouth

2011-09-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

Last week I was on my soap box bragging about how AMAZING and just perfect my son was in tot soccer that I organize for work.

The title of this post pretty much says it all. Emmit was a total terror today. Doing the opposite of what I was telling him. At one point he walked out the front door and honestly I crossed my fingers that he would just drive himself home.

I'm just saying.

No one is perfect child or parent.

Looking at this picture of Emmit above, I should have known I was in for it today.

#33

2011-09-21T14:24:00.000-07:00

I’ve always been # 33.

You know like # 33 in the program.

It is a number that I’ve held onto since my sophomore year of high school.

I’ve used the #33 for various things like access codes or log in accounts all my life.

As of yesterday it became official.

I am 33.

I teased my co-workers and scared my husband with the thought of me wearing my letterman’s jacket to work with the big volleyball patch with# 33 on it. Don’t worry I didn’t do it, but it’s really too bad the jacket comes out only once a year. (That is a separate post altogether).

I celebrated my birthday with sneaky gifts from my husband, like a trip to the spa.

Hugs and kisses from my kiddos.

An early morning call from the one and only person who carried me for 9 loving months in her womb.

I had flowers delivered to my work by SURPRISE SURPRISE my brother. Whew he does love me and remembered he has a little sister living up north.

Via phone I had an entire Beaver Lake Middle School 6th grade P.E. class wish me a happy birthday thanks to Coach B, aka my dad.

I heard from many of my friends and even an old coach from junior high.

I had cake.

I blew out candles.

I ate off a red plate.

And most important I went to bed feeling full of love and joy that I am just another year older and of course wiser!

Cheers to me and cheers to the # 33!

Tot Soccer

2011-09-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

Today Emmit started Tot Soccer in the new field house here in town.
Unlike Grace ( sorry baby girl) but this is true, Emmit followed every instruction I gave him, stopped on the whistle, helped me clean up and held onto each word that I said.

When your mom is the one in charge sometimes it is hard for kids to follow or to take the instruction serious. So I was so glad that E followed well and really enjoyed himself.

I'll tell you what, Emmit will not make a good soccer player. He rather pick the ball up and dribble and when I told the kids to get ready, E would drop into a 3 point stance as if he was going to pounce on the other toddlers.

Thank you Emmit for a great morning and for reminding me why I love what I do.

Being a mom is really the best!

First Day of Pre School 2011

2011-09-07T12:04:00.000-07:00

Oh the places you will go Miss Grace Anne. Today you started your 2nd year of Pre School at Whitey in classroom 6 with Miss Jodie & Miss Louise.

You were excited as ever this morning to head to school to see your friends and to wear the required Western gear for the first day.

Natalie & Grace back at it for another year together.

In front of the school. Yes this is a little "Senior Portrait" looking, but all the other moms were doing it so I joined in.

Hand stamping time with Miss Louise.

Grace's favorite free time activity at pre school is painting.

Grace today more then anything I want you to know that your mom and dad are proud of you and we want you to be yourself, because you know what little Grace your a great person and we love you.

Make new friends this year.
Learn Lot's of stuff and really just be happy!

To the moon sweet cheeks.

Pretty Good Weekend

2011-09-06T10:54:00.000-07:00

DMB concert with my best and oldest friends that I have. Cassie, Sarah, Brooke and Tamsan I heart you all.

Here we are at our seats. Not too bad right!

Fun in the sun at our good friends the Moore's house.

My boys getting their swim on.

Oh that's me trying to wake board. So HARD. I tried like 13 times. I can barley feel my forearms.

This is the closest I got to getting up on the board.

Aunt Morgan enjoying the ride.

Emmit and I just chilling in the boat. I never want to cut your hair little man.

Grace found a new friend this weekend. Sorry Grace but we will NEVER buy you a lap dog.

That is my girl tubing with the big kids. She kept giving Kelly the driver a thumbs up to go faster. That's my girl the little thrill seeker.

Friends, family, sun, music, boating and way woo much drinking pretty much made it the perfect long weekend.

The benefits are endless

2011-08-31T12:04:00.000-07:00

The benefits are endless with the Anacortes Parks & Recreation Department.

Last Friday was the outdoor movie.

The location, Storvik Park. The movie, Despicable Me and the time Dusk.

The Dads of our group. Josh what is really in that coffee cup?

Best night of Grace's life. Hanging with the older girls and endless access to Skittles

Eli & Emmit

Sweet Caroline

2011-08-15T17:06:00.000-07:00

Friday night summer concerts at Seafarers Park sponsored by the POA.
Interesting.
Beautiful.
Tail Gating for those 60 or better.
Great views.
Fun the kids.
Fun for the adults.

This last Friday the Swapps joined us for Cherry Cherry, a tribute band of Neil Diamond.
They sounded ok, but it was free and the kids loved it.

A farewell to Sugar

2011-08-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

Thank you Sugar for many great memories you have given Grace & Emmit.
You were a major pull to get the kids to jump in their double stroller in the summer/ fall so mom could get her fitness on.
You let us feed you endless apples and grass and always came over to greet us as if you've been waiting for our arrival all day long.
Last night Grace and Emmit got some sweet Sugar time in thanks to her owners.

While we were walking the back loop, we had our apples ready for Sugar. Like always we started to feed her with our big open flat hands.
Bob the owner came over to me and whispered that this is Sugar's last weekend with them.
They sold her to a family with young kids out of town.
It is a good thing. She was needing more attention and someone to ride her everyday.

We will miss Sugar.

My heart breaks a little only because I know this weekend the kids will go to the fridge to get apples to feed to Sugar.

Get out the Kleenex box people, I am about to tell a 4 year old her dream horse is no longer just up the hill form us.

On a side note, I didn't even have my camera on me so the owners of Sugar ran into the house to document Grace with Sugar.
That's good stuff.

Oh Leavenworth

2011-08-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

Josh shared stories of walking through the town with his parents and getting stung by his first bee in front of the ice cream shop and I shared stories of my brother and I watching my parents give us $5 each as they drank beer and clinked glasses in a beer garden they we could not go into.

No really, we shared , OK I over shared everything that I know about camping in Leavenworth, WA. Some people got to go to Lake Chelan, Hawaii, Cannon Beach or where ever else with their families growing up. I got to go camping for weeks at a time at Eight Mile Campground, located well about 8 miles up the canyon.
You know what?
I would not have changed it for the world. Something about dipping into that icy cold river each summer makes you feel alive and freaking cold as nuts! I am happy that my parents got me outside!
Enjoy below a few pics from our first Johnston Family camping trip to Leavenworth. It was only one night, but what the heck I documented the heck out it.

Even though we ate out, went to the community pool, hat shop, ice cream shop and petting farm on the way out of town. It still felt like we were really camping.

Maybe next time we will get the kids up on the rock and then stare at the sun for 8 hours at the swimming hole!

A Night At the Safe

2011-08-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

Safeco Field that is.
Monday night we took the kids to their first M's game. I will be honest I have not watched a M's game all season and I didn't even know who they were playing. But it was family night at the Safe and the kids were excited for a big city adventure.
We met up with our friends the Browns and we all held on as long as you could with three kids!
We did it.
We survived it.
Kids got hats, hot dogs, cotton candy, a chance to visit with the Mainer Moose, time in the play den area and chance to run around the stadium.
We must be the M's good luck charm because they did win the night we were there!

Getaway

2011-08-03T07:28:00.000-07:00

Spending 24 hours at the Cave B Winery & Inn with Josh was heaven. It was just what we needed. We took advantage of everything this little getaway had to offer. A bike ride around the property, hitting the links at their driving range, a hike to the river, pool time, wine tasting and a little R & R!
Can't wait to go back.

Drummer Boy

2011-07-29T09:34:00.000-07:00

Like most 2 year old boys they like to pick up sticks and hit things with it.

Emmit likes to pick up kitchen spoons and hit pots and pans with it almost daily.

On this day Emmit got to go to our good friend Jonn and Lisa's house and play on their real drums in their basement.

Emmit was in drummer boy heaven.

On a side note I should mention that our friends Jonn and Lisa are famous. In the early 90's they toured Japan with their band, The Crabs.

Splashtacular Weekend

2011-07-25T08:45:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we drove North 2 hours to hit up the Cultas Lake Water Slides ( Just one hours past the Canadian Border) and boy what an adventure that was.

Beautiful drive and the kids absolutely loved it. Grandma Laurie was in town visiting us and was a good sport and a great help at the park.

Our good friends here in town have a beautiful home on Lake Erie and when they go out of town they always encourage us to use their beach front and all of their water toys. So we took advantage of this while the sun was still shining.

This weekend was Splashtaculiar!

Whale Watching

2011-07-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

So Josh and I are trying to show these kids a good time this summer ( without having to drive far or get on a plane) so we had these whale watching tickets that we wanted to use.

Booked the trip late last night and we were off sailing this morning.

The pod was close to Fidalgo Island and we saw them within 30 minutes of being on the boat.

Spectacular view. The kids were excited all was good.

I'll spare you the details of the swells picking up and me feeling like I was going to give up my breakfast in the bathroom for 30 minutes. Lets just say I've been off the boat for two hours and I still feel the rocking.

The kids did great. I laugh at the thought of Josh who was going to originally just take the kids and himself on this tour.

The kids were great, but also going opposite directions on the boat.

Lucky day for us going under the Deception Pass Bridge.

Two hours into the tour I had to pull out the tricks or snacks and ex- large tic tacs that I am sure are all over the boat still.

Josh in good spirits chasing the kids around the boat.

Me, well just trying to get through it. Thank goodness this was not a booze cruise or other wise I would have been green in this photo.

This does not happen often, but when it does it's pretty spectacular.

Cousin Combo Time

2011-07-19T10:31:00.000-07:00

Brosseau/ Johnston Cousins

Carly, Emmit, Jack & Grace making snakes faces if you could not guess.

It looks real right?

Cousins Maddox & Jack

Cousin Laura & Big Bro Pete

Group shot. Laura lives in Hawaii, so it was kind of a big deal we got to see her and her kids.

Olivia, Maddy, Grace, Jack & Carly taking in the sights.

Cool shirt right? Grandma Laurie made this and it was a hit with the zoo keepers and the animals I think.

Priceless these smiles on these kids.

Look at these crazy monkey's.

So on Sunday we left sunny A town for a trip to the big city to go to the zoo with the cousins.
It was fun.
It was wet.
It was wild.

It was the ZOO!

Best Part

2011-07-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

Best part of Washington Park camp ground being so close to us is that when friends, I mean best friends come for a visit we get to go stay for a bit and enjoy all the greatness of being in the outdoors.
What a most excellent evening we had collecting wood, cooking dinner, walking to Green Point, smores and sharing a camp fire story or two.
To the simple things in life...

4:30pm To Friday

2011-07-14T13:09:00.000-07:00

You know what is fun?
Taking the 4:30pm ferry to Friday Harbor for dinner at the Crab joint followed by ice cream and walk around the marina.
The bar tender in Friday Harbor, actually thanked me for bringing my freckles to the island.
Gosh I love those islanders.
People of the Northwest, we are so lucky to live where we live.

FYI- For you trip planners, you can take a 8:30pm ferry back to A-town, but only on Friday nights. Kids love the boat ride and pushing the buttons on every vending machine with the hopes that something sweet might slip out.
Until next time San Juan Island.

Happy 100th Wedding Anniversary Mom and Dad

2011-07-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

I mean happy 38th Wedding Anniversary Mom and Dad

You two love birds still got it going on.

You still got that newly wed glow about you.

Well it's there only if dad has made sure to complete his to do list, the sun is shining just right and my mom has 2.5 Mikes Hard Lemonades in her you still got it.

You know I love you and so glad you are committed to each other.

Cheers to you both!

Faces of the 4th

2011-07-05T14:41:00.000-07:00

Gosh I love all of these kids and the fact that they played along with me to take these fun and silly photos of them.
I can remember a certain somebody ( my dad) who used to do stuff like this to me and my brother growing up with our friends.

Good times.

More to come for sure from the 4th of July.

7 Years

2011-07-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

I love that we have been married long enough that we were not sure if we were celebrating our 7th or 8th wedding anniversary!

I love that we have made it this far and are still going strong.

I love that you are my best friend and show me why each and every day.

I love you babe to the moon and back.

6 minutes later...

2011-07-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

Just a 6 minute ferry ride and you are on Guemes Island.
After a ice cream cone break at the General Store and a short wait for two of my favorites to join us ( Papa & Indira) and we were on our way to explore the West side of the Island.

There were more hills then expected, one fall and a few cold ones enjoyed by all.

The Baja Bun Buster

2011-07-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

New hot dog joint in town, located right next to the Brown and open until 2am! It's just like the college years are coming back to Josh and I.
OK maybe not so much.
We hit this hip place up on a Sunday afternoon at 11am with the kids and it was just perfect.
$20 later we had to plain janes, a Baja Bun Buster and a hot spicy sausage and 4, make that 5 waters!

Fun in the Sun

2011-07-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

Lake, boat, snakes & smores.
Really can you ask for more then that on a Friday afternoon.

Reptile Guy At the Library

2011-06-23T15:59:00.000-07:00

The word spread far and near that the one and only Reptile Guy was coming to town to show off some of his creepy crawlers.
I think half of my morning day camp was there, all of Grace's pre school class and basically any child under the age of 6 on Fidalgo Island was there today.
Super cool that the Library does this for FREE for families.

Sweet guess we don't have to stop at that weird reptile place in Monroe.

I love all the things that summer brings.

Weekend at the B & D Bed and Breakfast

2011-06-19T16:01:00.000-07:00

I felt like I was on vacation.

My mom took me shopping, to lunch, I got to drink as much La Creama as I wanted and even got to sleep in until 9am.

Thank you mom and dad for letting the kids and I hang at your B & B this weekend.

With Josh being away at football camp, it was great to have your company all weekend long.

As you can also see we got some time in with the cousins.
When these kids get together they are a force.
And yes this last photo Jackson is doing the worm.

Just for a hug.

2011-06-19T15:46:00.000-07:00

This is what real friends do for each other.
They meet at anyone of the 100's of Starbucks along I-5 just for some quick face time and of course for a hug.

Thanks Cannon & Brookie Brooke for meeting up with us on Friday.

Last Day of School Fun

2011-06-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

Grace with her teacher's Miss Jodie & Miss Louise.

If you can't read that, Grace wants to be a Horse Rider when she grows up.

Natalie & Grace

The blonds in the class.

Bubble time on the play ground.

Ahh Grace has developed a crush on Landon.

I wonder what she is thinking about here?

Maybe that two cup cake, a cookie and three donut hole snack she just took in is catching up with her.

What a great last day of school.

What a difference a Year Makes

2011-06-16T08:43:00.000-07:00

This is true.
Grace will have completed her first year of pre school today.

My what a difference a year makes.

Grace Anne I want you to know we are so proud of you and are amazed by how much you have learned, but most important we are proud with out you treat your peers and teachers.
To the moon and back sweet cheeks. That's how much your ma and pa love you.

Go Canucks

2011-06-16T08:31:00.000-07:00

Clearly these photos were taken before Boston beat the sh*t out of the Vancouver Canucks.

So much excitement in the house before the game.

Josh rocking his early father's day vintage Canucks t-shirt that he almost burned after the game.

Josh is just getting crazy and wild here as he packs Grace's lunch in her pink princess lunch box.

Emmit is unsure of what all the excitement just was in the house, but I like that he gets down low and ready in his football stance.

Maybe next year Vancouver...

The things that summer brings.

2011-06-05T18:38:00.000-07:00

Oh the things that summer brings...

Staying up late.
Plastic pools.
Otter Pops.
Colored Bubbles ( FYI DO NOT BUY, they don't come out of clothes or your drive way very well).
Water Guns.
Side Walk Chalk and fun with the hose.

Just to name a few of course.

I could get use to this weather.

Lobster Mania

2011-05-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

Nothing says Happy Memorial Day weekend then Lobster Mania.
The Market got two shipments of lobster from Maine.
It was pretty epic.
We purchased them Saturday and Josh had to keep them alive throughout the night so we could enjoy them with our friends on Sunday.
To say we documented this major feast is well a under statement.

This is our new tradition. Who wants in for next year?

People to People

2011-05-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to our good friends fund raiser for their daughter Sally who was chosen as an ambassador for Anacortes for the People to People program. Kids in grade school get to go on an amazing adventure to Europe where they will see the sights and meet other kids in the program from all over.

The location, the Croatian Club.

The food, a real pig roast.

The music, three local bands including Bobby V's band.

And the people, local, real and a little earthy whatever that means.

The Pig. The kids for sure took a double look at this.

Josh and Lisa J playing a little Frisbee at Causland before the party.

Zinnia & E playing on the War Memorial.

The Brian Frank & Bob Band

Emmit catching the rhythm to the world beats.

The Violins

Sally, Grace and Claire

Sally thanking the crowd.

Updated Park In Town

2011-05-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

Seafarer's Park, Anacortes, WA

Today was the grand re- open to Seafarers Park located on the water in the heart of Anacortes.

This space has been closed for some time for MAJOR environmental clean up and it looks amazing.

The coordinator in me cannot wait to plan outdoor summer movies, concerts and toddler trips to the beach.

Just another reason why to call this city the gateway to the San Juan's.

I am pretty proud of this City and like I've said before lucky to call this place home.

Want to know where to put your kayaks in or take some fancy photos of Mt. Baker and the Puget Sound Oil Refinery's at night, off Hwy 20 take a right on to "R" Ave. Pass the Skate park, pass the Market and take a right onto Seafarer's Way. You will find this beautiful park at the end of the road.

Way Over Due

2011-05-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

Way over due is the title to this blog, because it is the truth.
It has been too long that the three ( supposed to be 4 but Sarah was to busy buying a new house in Spokane and getting her house on the market) since this group of high school friends have gathered.

I say high school, but really our roots with each other run deeper than that. Some of us first met in grade school and others junior high. Regardless of when we met we have always been there for each other.

Some I talk to everyday, sometimes at least three times a day ( Brooke) others every few months. It never really seems to matter, because we just pick up from where we last left it.

This past Saturday night we shared food, wine, a movie and a lot of laughs.

It was a great night and cannot wait to do it again with Sarah of course.

Cheers to you Brooke, Cas, Tamsan and Sarah for being such a great friend!

Whitney Year End Concert

2011-05-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

Way to go Grace. You were amazing tonight at your very first school concert. I think you sang every other word, but you did it with enthusiasm and with grace.

Grace your mom and dad were very proud of you tonight.

Something about a bunch of little kids dressed up in front of their parents screaming the words to the songs is just PRICELESS.

Josh will for sure have his hands full in like 11 years when a few of those kids are freshman, that is FOR SURE.

Grace stop growing up so fast. We love you.

I feel the love

2011-05-08T15:12:00.000-07:00

and i hope all the other moms out there felt the love today as well...

Happy Mother's Day to me indeed!

I think she is the best

2011-05-06T16:47:00.000-07:00

I think she is the best mom ever, because she is mine.

Happy Early Mother's Day Mom.

Love you to the moon and back.

I am thankful for you, your support and all that you have taught me.

You have never stopped being my mom and I think that is what I admire the most about you.

Let's face it your never REALLY done parenting your child regaurdless of their age.

This is not me in this picture people, this is my super cool MOM rocking the phat luvs ( those are skis) this Winter at Crystal.

You rock mom and I love you.

xoxo

Pee Wee Baseball 2011

2011-05-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

Pee Wee Power

Grace playing catch with me! Doesn't she just look thrilled :)

Here is Grace with her group at my station. Emmit off to the side just hanging out.

This is Grace's friend Jack from school

Yesterday Grace got her first taste of pee wee baseball with me.
Our pee wee program is for kids 4-6 years old. You noticed Emmit who is only 2 in many pictures as well, because he also thought he was at pee wee baseball.
Did not have the heart to tell him to sit off to the side. He just followed Grace around the stations and basically distracted the other kids. Can you say Tot T- Ball? I'm going to work in that for next Spring for sure.
Grace had many friends from school at pee wees so she was excited to see them all.

Another Round of Messy Me

2011-05-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

Call it what you want, but I call it a perk from my job that I get to teach a class that my children can attend.
You know what I am saying?
Brings it home for me.
Makes it all worth my time.
Makes me want to come back tomorrow for more.

This morning Emmit and I had a blast at Messy Me and was thankful to get the time with just him today.

And boy can this kid clean up.
Emmit you are just the cutest and I just LOVE you.

Opening Weekend

2011-05-03T19:59:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was opening weekend for fishing.
One trip to Ace Hardware for fishing licence- check
Trip to Safeway to buy hot dogs, lays potato chips and tasty beverages- check
Pack the car to head to our good friends The Moore's house for there all weekend long fishing party-check

There was smiles all around for sure.

Both kids got to go fishing from the boat and dock. Grace was able to hook a fish until it jumped off at the dock.

It was a weekend of family and friends. A weekend where the kids were entertained by everything that is outside.

Thank you Moore family for allowing us to be apart of your family tradition of celebrating fishing season.

Cousins

2011-04-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for holidays so we can have moments like this.
Jack-6
Grace-4
Carly-3
Emmit-2
Cate-almost 1

Come on sunshine...

2011-04-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

Keep coming out so we can do a little more of this.

Tulips Are Out

2011-04-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

Tulips are out and thanks to the best Aunt Nonie & Papa the kids got to take a trip to the tulip fields yesterday.

How did you spend your Saturday morning?

2011-04-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

Emmit sets up his drum set anytime we are playing music in the kitchen these days.

Somebody get this future rock star a drum kit...

PJ Day At School

2011-04-15T10:15:00.000-07:00

Logan H & Grace waiting for the bell

Grace SO excited for PJ Day you would have thought Santa was coming today.

Grace and Miss Louise

Natalie, Grace, Logan H & Carmen striking a pose.

Tonight we have movie night in these PJ for the school.

Can you guess which Recreation Coordinator mom volunteered to head the family fun night up?

I know I am crazy.

I do it all for you little Miss Grace...

Fancy Nancy Spa Day

2011-04-13T12:09:00.000-07:00

Today was spa day. I mean it was Oohh La La Spa Day at the Anacortes Parks & Recreation Department.
We decorated eye mask.
Did our nails.
Made homemade facials.
Relaxed with cucumbers on our eyes.
Enjoy a tasty treat and read a Fancy Nancy Story.

As always it was a special TREAT to have my little Fancy Nancy at the party today and to take the time to do the fun girly stuff with her.

Gondi Ride & Tube Park

2011-04-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

Grace took this photo of Josh!

Grace took this photo of herself.

Again Grace has the camera.

Love those rosy cheeks

Grace is getting into the camera mode here

Again nice shot Grace. Get this girl a studio!

Found these pictures on my other camera today from the Coca Cola Tube Park from our Whistler vacation and wanted to share.
It was sweet and a perfect way to spend a few hours with the kids.

SnowGoose Produce

2011-04-10T11:35:00.000-07:00

Yes, the Goose is loose and is open for the season. Nothing beats a giant ice cream cone while looking at gods country, I mean the Skagit Valley.
FYI- tulips are not out just yet, I give it one more week for prime viewing. Also, when visting the Snow Goose Produce you have to have cash only to get the cones.

Happy 6th Birthday Jack

2011-04-10T11:29:00.000-07:00

My brothers son Jack turned 6 this weekend, so we piled in the car and drove down to Black Diamond to this warehouse called Bounce It to celebrate. The kids were SUPER excited to see their cousins.
Love you Peter, but come on a 10am party on a Saturday in freaking Black Diamond with 25 screaming kids who all had at least two juice boxes a piece and a HUGE piece of sugar frosted Costco cake all before noon.
Clearly we love you Jack and we wish you a VERY happy birthday.
The things you do for your family!

We all had a great time and you know we would do anything for our family.