Monte L. Bean Museum

While up North for Spring Break we went to the Monte L. Bean Museum at BYU. They had a reptile show that  had lots of animals for the kids to see and touch including a huge tortoise and a snake. Addison was pretty upset that she couldn't hold the snake all by herself. That girl is fearless! My favorite display was the butterflies. They had a ton of little butterflies that made up one big butterfly display. It was really pretty. We followed up the museum with ice cream from the BYU creamery. It was delish!

Thanksgiving Point

More spring break fun was had at Thanksgiving Point. The kids got to feed the animals, ride a pony, and enjoy a wagon ride too. 

Flying Kites

One of our highlights from spring break was flying kites. My kids would do this everyday if I had the energy to take them. Luckily we only ended up with one kite in a tree. Dodge had fun getting our double stringer all sorts of twisted. Good thing I got mad untangling skills :)

Soccer

Dodge started soccer a while back and he has really been enjoying it. He prefers to be the goalie, since there isn't much running required. The poor kid never had a chance with Ryan and I for parents, we both hate to run! With a few pointers from his "Uncle" Galen, he has really been kicking the ball a lot better. There is still just one problem. . . he doesn't turn the ball toward his goal before smashing it. For example, at his last game, he kicked one with all his might towards the sideline. . . and nailed Grama Johnson right in the arm! I have a lot of pictures from his games, however most of them consist of him climbing the net, watching the other games, or dancing. Oh well, at least he is having fun!

This was his first game, he was so excited to play!

Best . Face . Ever!

Hi, my name's Michelle and I used to be a blogger...

Have you missed this face?

Or this face?

Don't worry, I have plenty more pictures to upload and blog about. With a little luck, a few nap times, and some persevering... I will eventually post them! For now, know that Dodge is keeping busy with school, soccer, and piano. Addison is rocking the potty training scene, keeping me busy with toddler shenanigans, and getting more stubborn by the day while still being completely adorable. Ryan is blowing the other softball teams out of the water in both leagues he is playing in. And I am wondering how to get everything done on my ever-growing to do list while also staying on top of the laundry and cleaning, amongst everything else in the "mom" job requirements. Apparently I need to add "learn about run on sentences" to the to do list. Don't judge me... let's just blame it on sleep deprivation... yeah, that will do :)

Updating the laundry room

So I didn't blog for over a month, I feel like I should have some excuse, but the only thing I can think to blame it on is my silhouette. I have been cutting vinyl like mad with that bad boy. I love it. I finally cut some vinyl for myself, for my laundry room. I recently, on a total whim, cleaned out my entire laundry room, appliances and all, and cleaned like mad. It was pretty scary in there. I decided while I was at it, I would build a shelf above the washer and dryer. I couldn't be happier with it. It is a great spot for my basil and parsley. It makes me like my wash room a little more, however, I still have a strained relationship with laundry... I guess I can't have it all. 

now I just need something for the sides of the washer and dryer... maybe some skinny cabinets, or a locker, or some really cute sorting baskets?

The Laundry Room, drop your drawers here. he he, still makes me giggle.

 I recently found Ana White.  I have already made her Wall Bookholders which I will post as soon as I get them on the walls of the kids rooms. I have a billion other things I want to do too. If I don't post for a while, I am probably out in the garage... I'll post when I am finished.

February 2nd, 2011

Ruth could probably find a really cute cupcake, candy, or craft idea for just about any holiday. She sent us the cutest idea for groundhog cupcakes. Dodge was pretty excited to make them... or eat them I should say. They turned out cute, Don't mind Addison's, she successfully had half the face falling off by the time I could grab my camera. Don't mind her boys Buzz Lightyear underwear, or her topless state. She has taken the initiative to go to the potty on her own. Apparently she feels it necessary to remove all her clothes before she goes. I'm not gonna complain, I love that she is into the potty training at all. Anyway, Happy Groundhog Day, I am so excited that spring is on it's way.

Because this just deserves a post of it's own...

Video of Addison's first rollercoaster ride...

I love Jane in the background too. So funny.

January 7th, 2011

Disneyland: We spent a day at Disneyland with a whole bunch of family; Grama and Papa Johnson, Aunt Michelle and Emma, Aunt Mandy and her girls Jane and Annie, Uncle Dennis and Aunt Patty and their girls Chelsea and Cammi. It was a fun day. We met a whole bunch of Character's at Minnie's Breakfast, rode most of our favorite rides, and had an all around good time. There were a few memorable "firsts" as well. Addison rode her first roller coaster, and Emma lost her first tooth. Thanks Grama and Papa for a day filled with family and fun. I pre-apologize for all the many pictures... I just couldn't pick which ones to post.

 On the Dumbo ride, I took a picture of us. After I put my camera away and went to say something to Ryan, I noticed he had a bee on his head. Made me wonder how long it had been on that glistening dome... turns out, I caught it in our picture.

 Nice bee right?

 Ryan even got a shave/haircut from Hook...

 Someday, I will have a vacation picture of Ryan and I taken by someone else...

 Emma and her bloody socket...

 Poor Annie was sick the whole day, I got this look a lot from her...

January 6th, 2011

California Adventure: We spent a fun filled day at California Adventure. We headed right in to Toy Story, which was the kids favorite ride of the day. We went on Mickey's fun wheel and picked a swinging cart. Ryan almost threw up, Dodge held on to his chair with a death grip, and Addison had to cover her eyes. It was hilarious! We did Ariel's Character Lunch and got to meet a bunch of  Princesses. Addison literally fell out of her seat when she saw Belle come out. The food was really good too. I really enjoyed it. The kids really enjoyed the Bug's world rides. Dodge even got to do the bumper cars all by himself. He was so excited. We went on tons of rides and took in a lot of shows. We ended the day with the World of Color, which was awesome. It really was the only thing we actually had to wait for. I wish I would have filmed some of it, but I didn't even take a picture! It was super cool, I would recommend doing the dinner and a show package so you get good seats for it. We will definitely do that instead of the lunch next time we go. They are building a cars world that opens next year. I think we will have to check it out when it is done.