Halloween 2013

Our Halloween this year consisted of a Pink Lady, Slipknot, La La Loopsy, A Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, A Garden Nome, A Fireman and a Lady Bug.  I brought home a pumpkin shaped pizza for dinner from Papa Murphy's which has become a tradition.  Then, for the first time ever, the kids went out trick-or-treating by themselves.  It was strange to be home alone on Halloween, but I got a lot accomplished while the house was quiet.  Happy Halloween!!

Happy Birthday!

Eight years ago, on my 30th birthday, I got my most favorite present.  My first niece, Hadley.  I know my sister wasn't too excited to have had her ON my birthday but I have to say I love that we share the same day.  I was going through a difficult time in my life and this was a very bright part during it all.  I love you Miss Hadley!  Happy Birthday!!

Lilly is 3!

We had the opportunity to tend Lilly on the evening of her 3rd Birthday so I had to take some photos of this little beauty.  She is growing up so fast and is the smartest little girl.  I'm so lucky that she likes spending time with us and we love spoiling her rotten. ;)  Happy Birthday Lilly Bug!

Back to School 2013



Conner started his sophomore year at Mountain Crest!  Here's to high school life, drivers ed and new adventures for this handsome kid.  Crazy to think I was at Mtn. Crest.... 20 years ago!  I'm O-L-D!

 Courtney started 5th grade and her final year at the elementary school.  Eeeek!  Where does the time go?  Seems like yesterday she was starting Kindergarten!  Her teacher this year is Mrs. Madsen.  Courtney was so excited to be in her class.

Rigger

So, we got a dog.  Not just any dog.  A big, 9 month old Mastadoodle puppy, named Rigger.  Clay has been wanting a dog so badly and had been trying to talk me into it.  I was still against it when he brought him home.  And of course I was outnumbered and he is now part of our family.  I wasn't sure I wanted an inside dog of his size, but I was promised that he wouldn't shed and he would be a great guard dog.  We have had him almost a year and he is a sweet boy that always gives unconditional love, but the shedding issue however is OUT OF CONTROL!  Anyone who knows me knows that I am a neat freak and the hair makes me a little bit CRAZY!  It's a good thing he is cute and that I have a good vacuum!!  He has acquired several nick names like Mutley Crue, Walter, Big Rig, Rigamortis, Wallace, and Rigmatig. 

He's 15!!!

 Conner's 15th Birthday!!  Where has the time gone?  I remember this day 15 years ago just like it was yesterday.  Every single detail.  And now in a snap he is a handsome young man.  Thank you for making me a mom!  I'm proud to have you as my son!  You have been through a lot and are better because of it.  Love you so much!!

Family Reunion 2013

I was in charge of the Johnson Family Reunion this year.  I reserved the entire campground at the Hyrum City Power Plant and we had a really good turnout.  I love spending time with family!  The Johnson's never disappoint and we ALWAYS have a fantastic time.  Sitting around the fire sharing memories is by far my favorite!  This year I arranged to have Lilly with us and I'm so glad she was there.  It was also so nice to have both of my kiddos there for the entire weekend as well.

 Courtney & Lilly

 Our camp spot

 I had put together a little Photo Booth with all kinds of props for everyone to use and take pictures.  It was a lot of fun and I was able to capture some fun pics with everyone.

 

 

 We had our traditional pot luck dinner and I provided French dip sandwiches and rolls.  Pretty awesome spread!

 Candy jar/misc. guessing game

 Love these too!!

 Tables of raffle items!  So much fun!

Even though this post is nearly a year late, I'm so grateful for everyone's support at the reunion!  Not everything went as I had planned as there was rain and a power outage.  But we had a wonderful time and I can't wait till the next reunion which is only a little over 3 weeks away!  Can't wait!!

4th of July

The 4th of July is by far one of my favorite holidays.  I love the warm weather and the fact that there is something going on in Cache Valley for nearly a week around the 4th.  Between the traditional festivities in our hometown of Hyrum, to the Cache Valley Cruise In and Logan's fireworks in Romney Stadium.  Fun and cheap entertainment!  This year Lilly was with us which made it even more fun to see her get so excited to watch the parade.  I got the girls ready, fixed their hair, painted stars on their cute faces and then on a whim decided to make them buckets to put their candy in.  It was a beautiful day for a parade!  After we had a cookout at my parents house and the kids played in the yard.  The next morning we got up early and headed out for our Yellowstone adventure.  I'm longing for it to be July again.  Warm weather and green grass!

 Conner and Grandpa in the Brush truck.

 I love a parade!!



Yellowstone 2013

Wow!  A long blogging hiatus.  Time to do a little catch up.  In July, we pulled the trailer up to Bear World in Rexburg and then on to Yellowstone.  We have been wanting to make this trip for a long time and finally made it happen.  My mom and dad and sister Breck and her family all went with us.  It was so much fun and I wished we could have had a couple more days to see everything.  I haven't been there in years and I wanted so much for my kids to see it.  When I was a kid we were in Yellowstone during all the forest fires and it was quite an experience.  We went back the following year and nick-named it "Toothpick National Forest".  It had changed so much and the fires had destroyed a lot of the trees.  It was amazing to see the growth that had taken place since then.  We experienced some crazy weather while we were there as well.  As we drove into the park it was hailing like crazy!  It was very hot during the day and then later in the afternoon it would either rain or snow.  We only missed going to one of the Geyser Basins because it was pouring rain and wasn't letting up. Still fun regardless.

Bear World



 This pot belly pig at Bear World was my favorite.

 Our campsite at Fishing Bridge in Yellowstone.

 Dragon's Mouth Caldron

 Our 1st bear siting in Yellowstone.

 Of everything we saw the Upper Falls and the Yellowstone Grand Canyon was my most favorite.  It's absolutely breaktaking.  I could have stood there forever.  Nature is pretty incredible.

 

 The classic Yellowstone Buffalo photo.  These creatures caused a lot of traffic jams.  And after a while we called them Loveable, Laughable, Luffabo.  Still makes me giggle.

 Tower Falls

 2nd bear siting, a little baby black bear.

 Yellowstone Lake

 Old Faithful

 We had put this fish on the antenna of the truck and Conner called him our tour guide Troutburger.  He was our mascot and made the trip with us.  Good times.

 Artist Paintpots

The Tetons