S*M*I*L*E

Sarah's new thing is mixing her own beverages in "all by myself"fashion. I was distracted Sunday and not paying close attention to what she was doing. I looked over at her at some point and couldn't help the laugh that burst forth . . . this is what I saw! Batman's Joker?? Turns out she had mixed a pitcher's worth of raspberry ice Crystal Light into 1/2 cup of water and guzzled it down :)

3000+ miles!!

We have had a great 10 days traveling around the North West. We drove over 3000 miles with fun stops all along the way. Here's a "quick" summary of the Johnson Family Summer Vacation 2010! The fun started in Utah! We spent our first night in Park City. On our way we were able to stop off in Provo to see my brother and his family. They had JUST moved into their new home -- which is gorgeous! We hadn't seen them for 3 YEARS!! We didn't get to spend nearly enough time, but we'll be back in a couple of weeks!! (and will remember to take pics then).

We spent the following day in Park City letting the kids take a break from driving -- they had a great time with cousins Tad, Parker, Jake and Kelton. They discovered the thrill of riding big wheels and scooters down the steep driveway. Briant wiped out and got some tough "battle wounds." Later in the day Aunt Cristin brought Maddie, Ben and Anna up to play while the movers finished unloading their things. And then everyone else came up for PIZZA -- I can't believe I didn't take pictures. But I was so enjoying the moment -- sitting around the table with my brother and sister and their spouses. I still feel happy just thinking about it. Just one more year and mom and dad will be at the table, too!!

Emma and adorable Kelton!



Day 3 we drove up to Lewiston, Idaho and made it just in time for a family BBQ. We met Chris' sweetheart Olivia and her family. They entertained us with their great musical skills. Welcome to the family Olivia! We're excited to have you and love seeing how happy you make Chris!!


Day 4 we drove to the Spokane Temple and were able to take part in Chris and Olivia's sealing. Then back again to Lewiston for the wedding reception.


We were so excited to meet Baby Genevieve!! She's such a doll! We all wanted to hold her lots!



Day 5 we drove to Electric City, Washington to Aunt Nikki's parents' house. They were sooo kind to have us ALL stay there. We had so much fun touring the Grand Coulee Damn, visiting the "Turtle Lady", watching the laser show at the damn, and water skiing and tubing!! But the best part of all was spending time with Dave's side of the family and getting to know cousins we hadn't met or seen in years. This was a reunion we'll always remember!!













Day 8 found us driving back toward home. We stopped in Providence, Utah to spend time with our dear friends, the Stephens. Their home is beautiful! The weather gorgeous! The company superb! (AND the Aggie ice cream delish!) A day and a half was not nearly long enough! We wish we could have stayed longer, but duty called. Not that we're complaining. We love living in Tucson, and are grateful for our life here!

Friday Field Trip #3

We had a nice surprise this Friday - Daddy was able to stay home and play with us! We went to Fiesta Lanes (kidsbowlfree.com) for bowling and pizza. Then we headed over to the YMCA for some swimming. Fridays are crazy busy at the Y, but the kids really wanted to try the obstacle course that's only up on Friday. We topped off the day with a date night to the Mesa temple. A busy, exhausting, wonderful day!

Book of the Week #3

This week we read TWO books - both very fun! Skippyjon Jones Lost in Spice (by Judy Schachner) and Frog in Space (by Ted Arnold). Both books are hilarious! We made sticker space scenes. I wasn't sure if the craft was too "easy" for the kids to really enjoy, but they were cracking up as they told the stories of their scenes. (We have a back log of Oriental Trading Company crafts we're working our way through, but I think next week we'll try something original).

Friday Field Trip #2

This post could actually be titled Free Friday or even Free Fat Friday! Today while Bennett and Dave were up at Cub Day Camp we discovered a great splash pad at the Brandi Fenton Memorial Park --it's free and so much fun! Even though there were A LOT of kids there, there was plenty of water to go around! Sarah was a little put out by all the kids and water, so she spent her time at the little park right by the splash pad -- close enough for me to keep an eye on everyone. The kids gave it 5 out of 5 stars, but said it would have been more fun if Bennett was with us. I think we'll go again next week so Bennett can experience the splash pad . . . and we'll invite friends,too!




After the Splash Park we found our way to Krispy Kreme Donuts to celebrate National Donut Day -- they were giving away FREE donuts! Don't worry Bennett, we saved one for you :)

I just have to interject here that I love freebies, and I love that Tucson has LOTS of freebies in the summer time. The public library has a summer reading program every year. The kids keep track of how many hours they read and are awarded little prizes for every 6 hours (or 10 if you're doing the teen program like Emma is this year). Our goal every year is to get the free Breakers Water Park passes by doing the extra credit! Then there are free (mostly kid friendly) movies every weekday morning at Tower Theaters throughout the summer -- we decided to go on Tuesdays since it's so much fun to say "It's Tower Tuesday!" I don't know if other places do this or not -- they probably do -- I'm just not aware of it. BUT, it makes me to happy to be able to entertain the kids for FREE!

Slip Slidin' Away

Book of the Week #2

Today we read coyote by Gerald McDermott. It is a fun legend of the Southwest with beautiful illustrations. Afterward we read up on rain sticks and made some of our own.