New Hampshire Part 1

Only a few weeks after we returned from Lake George, we loaded up again. This time we headed for New Hampshire. For the first half of the trip Kenny's parents joined us. This was an experience for all of us. It was the first time we had ever vacationed with them, and their first time camping in over 30 years. We all had so much fun. We drove up together, set up and spent the first day relaxing at the pool and campground. Patrick had a great time dunking Grampy in the dunk tank. Grammie taught Renee how to ride her bike.

The next moring we slept in a bit, had breakfast, and headed to Storyland. we went last year and the kids loved it, but Grammie and Grampy hadn't been in years. The kids had so much fun, taking Grammie and Grampy on all of their favorite rides. I couldn't believe how long the kids lasted at the park. We were there almost 5 hours.

Getting ready to dunk Grampy!



Patrick's turn for a dip



Riding the giant shopping cart with Daddy

Love

Relaxing by the campfire

Go Renee go!

We have arrived. Let's get dirty

The Traveling Johnsons Pt 1

Well, we're back! This summer was awesome! We spent most of it traveling with our camper. We went to Lake George, Plymouth a few times, North Conway, and Point Sebago Maine. Patrick and Kenny also took their annual Father/Son trip. This year they went to Connecticut.

Our first trip out this year was Lake George. We went for the Fourth of July with the Doraz family. The kids had an awesome time as always. Patrick loves racing around on his bike with Connor and Jack. The weather was super hot. We all had a great time cooling off in the pool every day. The kids ran around so much, they just crashed every night, which gave the grownups plenty of time to enjoy kid free time.

On the fourth, we went down to the lake for the fireworks. They were pretty good, and the kids had fun together. The only downside was waiting 2 hours for a trolley home. But it made for a good story. :)

                                                                   The Gang

Goodbye Falmouth St

Eight years ago in March, Kenny and I purchased our first house. It was a great house for the two of us and Buster. Once we had Patrick, we were still pretty comfortable. Fast forward a few years, add Renee, and we were more than bursting at the seams. However, it wasn't easy for us to just go out and buy a bigger house. The housing market completely crashed, and with it was our hope of selling the house and getting a bigger one.
Finally, this Spring our dream became a reality. We were able to rent out both floors of our Attleboro house and purchase a new one. We love the new house! It's in a great school system. It has a big yard with lots of room for the kids, and an awesome two tiered deck. They still share a room, but it is at their request. Now they have a room to sleep in, and a room just for their toys. Our living room is HUGE. Totally big enough to host the Harwood clan. :) We are looking forward to creating lots of new memories here at our new HOME!

                                                               Goodbye Falmouth St

                                                      
                                                                     Hello New Home

Adventuring

Usually April vacation is full of adventures and travels. This year, however, was a little bit different. Kenny and I decided it was time to buy a new house. So, April vacation was full of packing up the old house. The kids, my mom, and myself did make time for one adventure though. On a nice sunny day we drove up to visit my sister in Portsmouth. She took us to the Science Center. The kids loved it! There were some sea creatures, and tons of things for the kids to climb on. Later on, even though it was chilly, we took the kids to play on the playground, and explored the beach. It was the perfect little outing for our busy vacation.

Renee turns 3

Well it's happening. My little baby girl is quickly turning into a little girl. Renee is a ball of fun. She is a super outgoing little person. She loves to follow her brother's lead and jumps right into new situations with kids. She is very excited about preschool next year, and can't wait to make "all her own friends." She is a usually sunny, happy, child who is excellent at expressing herself. Her sunny attitude, however, can quickly change into a dark storm cloud if she thinks she's been wronged. She is a goof ball, who enjoys stiring up just a little bit of trouble. She is quick to blame Patrick if she gets caught.

This year for her party, Renee wanted a princess party. Because she only had one party, and Patrick got two we rented her a bouncy house. The kids had a super fun time. Renee was so excited we bought her a Rapunzel cake. She couldn't wait to share it with her friends. I am so lucky to have her in my life. My little bird.

Easter 2013

Easter this year was interesting. Kenny had to work, so I was pretty bummed. I was determined to make it a fun day with the kids. The Easter Bunny helped. He brought each of the kids a Kindle Fire. They loved them! Later in the day, Kenny went to work, and the kids and I went to my parents for dinner. Even thought Kenny wasn't there, we still had a great day. Pat and Renee had fun playing with CeCe, Ruby, and Auntie K and Uncle John. We had a delicious dinner, and the kids did great on their Easter Egg Hunt.

                                                        Dying Easter Eggs

                                                                     Renee showing Grandma

                                                                          So excited

                                                                         Our completed project

                                                              Smallest to Tallest

     

                                                     Happy but missing our Kenny

                                                           The Awesome table

Patrick Turns Five

On 3/14/13 my Patrick turned 5. He is a wonderful child. He is so happy, sunny, and a good friend to everyone. He loves to learn. He is always interested in Science, and loves trying to add and subtract. Patrick is a great friend and big brother to Renee. He wants to make sure she is taken care of. Of course they do have their little battles, but they are best friends. I am truly blessed to be in his life.

This year Patrick was lucky enough to have two birthday parties. Because his birthday is in March, it is impossible to predict whether or not we can go outside, so we invited Patrick's class to Teamworks in Somerset. The kids had a great time! There was plenty of games for them to play, and lots of room to run and jump.

Later in the week we had Patrick's family party at my parent's house. Pat requested a fishing birthday party. He loves to fish, and can't wait for summer to go with his Dad. We had ons of decorations, and I even made a bait bucket cake. The kids had a lot of fun even though it was a bit chilly. Pat says so far being five is pretty great!

                                                           Happy Birthday Brother

                                                                   Buddies

                                                                    Motley Crew

                                                         Mommy and Pat Pat Snuggles

                                                    Giddy up

                                                                Get the Treats!

                                                           Present Time  

                                                                  

                                                                Yummy Cake 

                                                                 Arms full of babies

                                                                         Birthday Hugs

                                                                       Sunggle Time