Great Grandpa Johnson's 90th Birthday Bash!

90 YEARS!!

 Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear Grandpa, Happy Birthday to you!!

Today we went to Aunt Joan's to celebrate Grandpa Johnson's 90th birthday! I think that is incredible. Just think about it....ninety years! That is my life times three! It's simply amazing. He shared his day with his wonderful wife, children, grandchildren and great grand kids! My, oh my, what a blessing it is to have so much family together. Congratulations (Great) Grandpa!

 If I have this right in my head, Gavin is #6 out of 7 great grandkids, but I could be wrong. Gavin was mostly interested in exploring and eating crackers when we arrived.

 What fun a long hallway is to a little boy and his cars, let alone for running!

 You didn't think he would miss the stairs now did you??

Someone had a few too many crackers, therefore had no interest in eating lunch. Not even macaroni and cheese or cheesy potatoes! Those are some of his favorites! On a positive note though, he also had no interest in cake, cookies, or ice cream either.

 Grandpa Johnson had him laughing galore at the table.

 He's a pretty funny guy, isn't he Gavin!

 What would a party be without presents? And what little boy can resist poking his fingers at them too! He was good though and only touched them for a minute before losing interest.

 Say Cheese Uncle Ben.

 Aunt Joan pulled out a cool fire truck for Gavin to play with while we were visiting because of course his own toys were "boring."

 However, all toys are boring when you have a cabinet full of Tupperware and other "fun" stuff to play with.

 After lunch everyone hangs around to chit chat and let the food settle...you know.

 Others just like to be goofy :) It's always a pleasure Chris!

 Aunt Joan and Jasper.

Uncle Mike and Grandma Kathy are winding down before heading home as well.

Aunt Joan and Aunt Kim telling stories.

 Someone is waaaay past his nap time, but he was a champ and didn't get too grumpy for everyone. But as you can see.....he is fighting sleep here.

 Getting ready to head home for a nap.

 Hi Ryan! I have to say a big THANK YOU to you for being my reference! Everyone has been wonderful at Fifth Third.

It is always a pleasure to get together with the Johnson side of the family! Unfortunately we don't do it often enough. Today was a nice time and hopefully we start seeing everyone a bit more often :)

Good Morning Monday!

Good morning all!

I think my first haircut is getting closer and closer......this bed head is out of control!!

It is the second week of our new routine. Two and a half hours is a HUGE difference in the morning!

You should see my mommy ;)

Huan Ying YeYe!

Welcome Home from China Grandpa!

We were so glad to make a visit tonight after Grandpa's return last week. He spent TEN days in China for work and then came home sick so we didn't get to have a welcoming dinner. It's not that we didn't want to see him....but I sure don't want to catch some strange strand of the Asian flu. Just kidding Dad, I know you're feeling much better. Of course he brought everyone back some goodies:) Tim has an authentic Shanghai Harley T-shirt and I received a strand of pearls! Very nice!

But Gavin...now he was the lucky one!

Grandpa brought him home not just one, but THREE new Chinese silk outfits. Not your typical park wear or trip to Kroger's, but we will have fun with them. I just know it! He brought them each in a different size too...good thinking Grandpa!

I really wish I knew what he was thinking right here. I can see the gentleman on TV is really impressed. Doesn't it look like he is staring down at Gavin while he sips on that Coke?!

This is obviously the largest of the three new styles.

Makes me think of playing ball in this one....from the side anyway. Something tells me that the Chinese aren't known for their basketball abilities. Maybe it's the lack of height. I don't know. I worked at a sports bar almost ten years to learn that much. Yes, that's all I know. Basketball I mean all sports are not my area of expertise.

Careful letting him play with your phone Grandma, he may call China. I'm not joking. He has called many people with mine without permission. I have to wonder what people hear me saying/singing/laughing/reading/playing or TV is on in the background. I really need to remember to lock it more often all the time.

Ummm, yah, this face has trouble all over it. I just want to squeeze him though!

Did you go see the Lady Bug Festival like Kai-Lan Grandpa???

Someone missed his Grandpa a whole bunch and was ready to curl up with a book...

immediately followed by some intense puzzle time on the fireplace.

Welcome Home Grandpa!

We are very happy you're home!

At the park

I beat the boys home from work today! I was so excited that I got changed out of my dress clothes and was ready to go to the park as soon as they got home. (it was only about 15 minutes after me) But I've never beaten them home when working. Let alone with some beautiful weather and hours left of daylight! We headed down the street to one of the local elementary school playgrounds. We first headed to the back playground, but there were big kids jumping all over it and acting inappropriate. These kids were well over elementary age. They didn't even get out of the tunnel slide to let Gavin go down. One couple was snuggled in the tunnel with blankets and another was jumping crazily on the bridge shaking all the equipment. I was afraid to let Gavin near as the "suspension" bridge was jerking all around and these "kids" had no regard for a small child's safety. I was somewhat disturbed by the minors, but quickly realized that it would be better for us all if we just headed up to the front play area. This area is smaller and enclosed with a fence. Gavin ran circles around the sidewalk smiling away! This side was muuuuch better! After some running he decided to check out the slide. Sure are some steep steps there kiddo! (maybe mommy will help you up)

This next picture makes me chuckle because I can't stop thinking about how he sat at the top of the slide and then turned around the same way he goes down the steps. This is not how we use the slide Gavin...but whatever makes you comfortable:)
Yes, I let him win.
We jumped on the suspension bridge quick while the big kids stepped off. Gavin wasn't impressed with it.
Coming out...
and then going in again. Over and over and over again.
There isn't any toddler swings at the school...naturally, but someone really wanted to go for a swing.
Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!
I'm coming to get you Daddy!
He was running and running!
Run Forest Run! I won't be able to keep up soon! He has this tendency to stick his head out when he runs more often than not. Nope, can't explain it. He just does it. This picture is perfect!Peace!
My favorite of the week! Click on it. You'll love it!

Peek-a-boo!

The great outdoors!!

This past week has been unbelievably gorgeous outside! We have had temperatures in the 60s already this March!! Hip Hip Hooray. I knew it wouldn't last long so we had to take advantage of a few moments outside. It is a sign of welcoming weather soon :) There isn't much to say about some fun outside this afternoon. Our little curious boy wanted to touch the leaves, step in mud, run in the grass, and pick up sticks. What little boy wouldn't want to explore every inch of outdoors he could after a few months indoors. Summer's comin...and I can't wait!!

My favorite boys!

Couple new things

We've come upon the most amazing season to have canines. The end of winter beginning of spring season. The snow is finally melting and everything under the snow is showing. I bet you can't imagine what that is.....no...then you don't have dogs. I love our two big Labs. I also love having a husband who went outside to scoop 3 garbage bags full of, well, you know...

While Daddy was outside cleaning up, we stayed inside and cleaned up. The other best part of having dogs during this season is enjoying a muddy kitchen! If only all the raindrops really were lemondrops and gumdrops then my kitchen floor would have a chance!
So while I was mopping the muddy footprints up, Gavin thought he would play with the dog food a little bit. He likes to pick pieces up and feed them to the dogs. The dogs are very good with him.

The last few weeks we have been working very hard with picking up our toys and putting them away after we play with them. This also goes for books, socks, shoes, and sippy cups and food thrown on the floor while eating. Yes everyone, I make him pick up everything he throws now. It was quite a challenge in the beginning as he would throw himself on the ground rather than pick up the pieces of fruit or veggies under the table. However patience has been my virtue through it and now he picks things up with less of a fight AND there is less being thrown! So it was much to my dismay when he picked up the entire dog dish and scattered it ALL over the kitchen after I finished mopping. The little Stinker! Yes, I made him pick up every last piece as I stood over him. You don't think I was going to let my efforts go out of frustration at this point, do you? Especially since the broom and mop were so close at hand. Nope. This took a little more time and patience than food under the table, but we got it all cleaned up:)

This past weekend we also removed the high chair tray and he sits at the table like a big boy!! I love having dinner every night as a family. We have done our best to eat together every night at the same time. Routine does wonders for us all. Let's hope we can keep it up with all the changes potentially occuring around here over the next few weeks.

You can tell he is excited to sit up at the big table now!! My current patience activity...no feet on the table. Apparently since the high chair tray isn't blocking them from going up, they do just that. They constantly go up. It's almost like they have a mind of their own.