Ward Campout

We spent friday night in the desert for our ward camp out. Our ward decided to try and do it close to home so it was nice not to have to drive far but it didn't feel like real camping. Although I was awake all night and that is real camping.

It was so windy and FREEZING cold. SO SO COLD!

We had our version of "Ward Idol". Nicole and her best friend Haylie preformed.
They got to dress up. That was their favorite part.


Singing "The Lion Sleeps tonight"
A weem a way, a weem a way...

They finally got to have a sleep over. They shared a tiny two man tent, but they loved it.

We hardly saw Joey at all. He was off playing with friends out in the desert. The trees were very easy to climb. I did find him hidden here when it was time to go.

I did try to get some pictures of the pretty scenery. We were up bright and early for the sunrise.
Katie loved all the flowers.

Field Day

Last Friday the kids had the annual field day at school! This is a favorite day every year. I went to cheer them on for part of the day. Nicole was so good at the hula hoop.

The limbo was were she really shocked me. She came in 3rd overall and was the tallest winner by far. These pictures completely crack me up. She is so long and skinny but obviously bendable.

Joey having a "snow"ball fight.

Nicole and her friend Mikaela.

Handsome Joey

So much catching up...

We have a friend that lives in our new neighborhood and I got an email that other day saying that big things were happening at our new home. It is getting close to the finish, we have paint and....

We have cabinets! They are all dusty and were just installed so they still have some more work to do on them but this was exciting to see this week. We also found a renter for our home we are in now. That is such a huge blessing and relief. I wish we could have sold our house but it didn't seem possible right now. I am just happy things seem to be coming together.

Spring Break Fun

Our Spring break was pretty low key. We didn't do a lot but that is how I wanted it. One afternoon Geoff came home early and we took the kids to the Phoenix Childrens Museum. It was so fun. The whole museum is all about play. My kids loved it. We will have to go back soon. I took a ton of pictures but hardley any of them turned out. I have been playing around with my camera a lot and was trying out the manuel mode. Maybe I am not ready for that yet.

We rode the light rail to Phoenix to go to the museum. It was an adventure. My kids were excited to ride the "train". They thought it was fun for about 5 minutes and then kept asking the usual, "are we almost there"? I was surprised how packed it was. There were so may people on it. It was so hot and it took about 50 minutes to get downtown. The way back wasn't as crowded and didn't take as long. At least we can say we have been on the light rail. But I think we will be driving around from now on.

Nicole looks very happy to be riding the rail.

I felt bad for the people around us. My kids were not being quiet. But it was a fun day.

Pinewood Derby

Joey had his first pinewood derby race this week. His car was a police car. We learned a lot about making and racing the cars. Hopefully that will help us next year.

He also earned his bobcat that night. He got a blue paw print from the bobcat on his cheek.

He had fun racing his friends. His wheel did fall off on the first race and I thought we would see some tears but luckily one of the moms there had some super glue and we didn't have any problems after that.

He raced his friend Sevey.

He did win one race and that was exciting.

This is what Maddie was doing during the races. Not exciting enough for her. It was past her bedtime.



Katie had fun because her best friend McCray was there. They loved the doughnuts that were served.

Joey's Baptism

This was such a special day so it needs it's own post.

Joey was baptized on March 14th. He was very excited and ready to be baptized. He had to wait an extra month because his Dad was out of town in Feb so he could hardly wait.
He baptized and confirmed by his dad.

We went to The Landmark Restaurant after the baptism. We went there after Nicole's baptism and Joey wanted to go there again. It has turned into something my kids really look forward to. Katie was already talking about when we go back for her baptism. It must be the smiley face french fries that they love so much, and the wikki sticks they give the kids to play with.


Joey enjoyed opening all his gift. He loved his new scriptures but this gift from Great Grandma Shirley was the hit. It is a jar with jelly beans on it and you open it and get this popping out.

Grandma and Grandpa Johnson, Uncle Ben, Aunt Kara and Laci and Nicole.

That night Joey said that it was the best day ever. I hope he will remember some of those feeling that he had on his baptism day.

Katie's Birthday

Katie is a big 5 year old now. She was so excited for her birthday and we started the count down months ago. She is such a sweet girl and we love our little (now big) Katie.

She wanted a cake that looked just like her favorite teddy bear.

She got these lovely nails with a Barbie that you get to do her nails.

We had some neighbor kids over for cake and ice cream.

We also went to Chucke Cheese. She invited her friend McCray to go with us. This is one of the little boys she is planning on marrying because they are so in love.

Happy Birthday Katie!

Bowling with Friends

So I am not a great birthday party kind of Mom. I just wasn't up for having a party on Joey's birthday. We had family over and cake and ice cream. I would think that would be enough. But Joey was really wanting to do something for his birthday. So three weeks after his birthday he took some friends and we went bowling. He had fun and was happy about it. Next year I guess I owe him a real party.