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

Days Out

A few weeks ago we split up by gender in the Johnson house. The boys went to see Monster Trucks, while the girls went to Disney on Ice. The whole week before they kept talking about how excited they were to be going. Early in theRenee and I got ready and took the train up to Boston. It took forever to get there. Once we arrived we quickly found our seats, which were awesome! We were the second row back from the ice. Renee was so engrossed with the show; I had to drag her to the bathroom at intermission. She was so worried she was going to miss something. She really wants to go back next year. While we were at the Disney show, the boys went to Providence to see Monster Trucks. This was the second year they received tickets. They had so much fun. The winner of the day was Crushstation, who Pat said is his favorite. He too wants to go back next year.
Later that night the boys went to the Attleboro Winter Festival. They go every year, and love it. Renee and I were too tired after our day in Boston to go. They got to go on a hayride, see fire jugglers, and check out some ice sculptures. Next year, I hope we can all go as a family.


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Blizzard 2013

After a reasonably mild winter, and virtually no snow we got hammered. The weather men had been building up the hype all week, and after days, and days of the snowfall totals creeping up, I started to pay attention. The storm was supposed to roll in sometime on Friday, and the schools wisely canceled for the day. Even Kenny's work canceled. We enjoyed the morning as a family. The kids and I played some games and watched the flurries fall. Around 12 the storm finally began. The flakes began to fall faster and faster, and pile up on the roads. The govener declared a travel ban and everyone had to stay off the roads. That evening Kenny cleared the heavy wet snow from the driveway. We watched a movie as a family, and put the babies to bed. Kenny and I had decided that we would clear the driveway around 10 since we were supposed to get close to three feet. However, around 8 it was snowing so hard we couldn't even see. We decided to brave the storm and head out. As we were clearing the driveway thunersnow started. I have never seen anything like it. While we were clearing the driveway, the lightes went out. It was so eerie. We finished clearing the driveway and headed to bed, because there was nothing else to do. The next morning we woke up and it was freezing in the house. Poor Renee had climbed in our bed during the night. When we looked outside the sight was amazing. I have never seen so much snow at one time before. Kenny and I bundled the kids up, and made sure they had plenty of toys. He and I went out to clear the driveway. It didn't take as long as we thought because we had worked on it the night before. Once our driveway was clear, even though the travel ban was still in place we went to Grammies because we still had no power. The poor kids, by the time we left the house it had dropped to the 40's inside. Grammie welcomed us with open arms and heat. The kids ate lunch and watched tv while Kenny and I dug out Grammie and her neighbor Bev. Luckily by the time we got home our power had been restored and our house was once again toasty warm. This was an experience I don't care to repeat in the near future. .