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. .

Christmas Day 2012

Christmas Day in the Johnson household was interesting this year to say the least. A few days before Christmas we went to visit my sister and John in NH. On the way home, Patrick got very sick. He had a brief period on Christmas Eve where he felt better so I thought he was on the mend. Boy was I wrong! Be started throwing up again at the end of the party. Poor boy continued to be ill all through the day. Of course on Christmas, both Kenny and Renee became sick as well. We tried to make the best of it. The kids loved opening their presents from Santa. They both got excactly waht they asked for. Both Kenny and I loved our gifts as well. They kids painted me birdhouses, which I can't wait to hang in the spring. After gifts at our house, we went to my Mom's. Both my brother and sister were there. The kids had fun, but tired quickly. Both Kenny and Renee started to get very sick. I brought them home and put them to bed. Patrick stayed with my parents for a while, and flew his new helicopter. Later in the day Kenny's parents came over. We did gifts quickly, but then had to send them on their way, because both the kids started throwing up again. Not the best Christmas we've had, but certianly the most interesting.

Santa left us some clues

Christmas Stockings

Princess Renee is excited about her stocking too

Opening the gifts from Santa

Renee loving her new duck. The one gift she asked Santa for

Daddy's turn

New sweatshirt

Christmas at my Mom's

Present time

Mom and Grammie checking things out

My turn

Poor sick baby

Loving his new helicopter!

More Christmastime fun

Every year since Patrick has been born, we've been trying to get to the Dighton Tree lighting because my dad drives Santa's train. However, something always comes up. This year we were actually able to go. It was absolutly freezing, but the kids had a great time. They were part of the live nativity scene. Then, they were able to ride on Santa's train with Papa and Daddy.Renee even sat with Santa.

My little shepards

Papa's Train

Cold but fun

Merry Christmas

Christmas Continued

Our Christmas festivities continued with a trip to see Santa at Bass Pro. Patrick was super excited to see Santa. He really wanted Switch and go Dinos this year, and he drew Santa a picture so he would know exactly which one he wanted. Renee was still a little nervous about Santa but she was more than willing to pose for a picture. Patrick ran right up to Santa and gave him his picture, and of course gave the camera his wining smile.

Drawing pictures

Getting ready to see Santa

Meeting Santa

Getting Ready for Christmas

The kids were so excited for Christmas this year. Patrick is really begining to understand all about Christmas, and Renee is excited because she sees how excited Patrick is. The first weekend in December Patick and I did a CHristmas clean so our house looked great. Both the kids really enjoyed helping me set up our decorations.

Later in the day we went to pick out our tree. Patrick remembered picking out our tree last year, and was eager to show Renee how it was done. They kids raced around the tree place ignoring any of our suggestions. They eventually picked out a great tree that was perfect for our house. Renee completed the trip by making sure we had two wreaths for our front porch.

Our Tree

Helping Daddy

Renee wants to help too That night we decorated our tree and the kids got to open their first present of the season. They looked so cute in their new jammies and bathrobes.

Cute little elf

Our tree

First gifts of the season

Hands down cutest kids ever!

Thanksgiving

Anyone who knows me knows I love Thanksgiving. This year was even better, because even my inlaws were able to join us! I loved having my whole family together, and so did the kids. They were super excited. Our day started with Kenny's race, which of course I forgot to bring the camera to. Later, we went to my Mom and Dad's for the rest of the day. We took turns riding the gocart, eating a fabulous dinner, and decorating the Christmas tree. Here are some pictures from the day.

Two handsome boys

The cool table

The big people table

The old people :)

Happy Birthday Uncle

Tree time

Serious tree decorating going on

Hug time

The gang