Sunday, October 14, 2018

~Halloween Is Upon Us~

Reminiscent of former days when Travis and I were younger, more fun, and full
of spontaneity, we took the kids on a quick Hobby Lobby Run (at bedtime) because the kids were sad we didn't have many Halloween decorations so set up, so we bought a few more. 
We came home and the kids had a GREAT time setting up the new decorations
while listening/dancing to Haunted Music :) 

We were able to fit in our last football game for each boys (tournaments have been cancelled) in between the constant rain and flooded fields. Maddix's game was 38 degrees... Aaron's warmed up to 42 degrees. 
Maddix had his best game and was able to run 20 yards on one run, and made another good run on a rush. He ended on a high note. 
Aaron also had his best game because he ran the right way :) At the end of his game, we ended up locked out of the car and had to wait for Travis to come save us. Thankfully, the sun came out while we were waiting; Aaron declared "It's a Halloween Miracle!" This is his declaration each time the sun makes a brief and rare appearance... 

I'm really not exaggerating! I once felt bad for people who live in Seattle because it's so rainy... until Travis pointed out that at least their winter's are mild! I also found out our winters are colder here than in Poland, Germany, and Russia! You literally have to go to S to find a colder winter than here! 
Okay... I'll get off my soap box! 

Actually, no I won't because today it snowed. A real, stick to the ground, big fluffy flakes type of snow! It made us really glad that yesterday we took advantage of the decent weather to get the yard work done, take down the tramp, and fit in a little Ultimate Frisbee... that may have been our last outing for this year (WwwhhHhhAAaaAAaaAAA)
Okay,.. NOW I'll stop. 
Ugh... this weather... 
Okay, okay, NOW

In great news: that BYU Game was AWESOME!! 
Maddix planned the best F.H.E lesson for us last week! 
Travis cooked the most Delicious lunch and dinner for us today and then we built a fire and all fell asleep on the rug in front of the fire, with full bellies:) 
And tonight for F.H.E we flipped through old family albums to remember how important family is, and just how blessed we are. And we enjoyed some cookies. 

So here's to a new week, to going back to the gym since I'm feeling better, and to winter... since it's inevitable at this point. 
Happy Sunday! 

The Stages of Learning to use your own spoon, taught with oatmeal: 
Freshly bathed and ready to get back to exploring :) 

 So... they tried to tell us they DIDn't mess with the iPad... hmm. 
We showed them the evidence and Maddix said, "ha ha ha, we should've deleted the photos."
 This chaos is what i keep coming home to each night, and I love it. 
Aaron's first football season!!!
(He's the middle one, with the Gray hood)

Our Decorations this year! 









And then today.... it snowed... :P

But it won't stop us from grilling... in flip flops

Sunday, October 7, 2018

A Magical 8 Year Old Harry Potter Birthday!!

Our Maddix Liam Johnson is officially 8 years old today. This is a special birthday year because he is now old enough to be baptized and receive the holy ghost; this is something he has been excited for and preparing for by going to church, reading his scriptures, and always making sure to say his prayers.
At first Maddix was pretty sure he wanted to have a "rock" themed birthday... just rocks; I was pretty excited! That is simple enough! And then, inspired by this summer's adventure of reading all the Harry Potter Books, and then finishing all the movies, he decided he REALLY wanted a Harry Potter Party.... not as simple, but to Pinterest I went!
I found too many good ideas. I spent too much time... and too much money on this party! But it was fun thinking how excited he would be! And when he declared this was the most amazing birthday he'd every had, it made it all worth it!
Maddix also declared he was fine with inviting all the kids in the families we are friends with, so that Aaron would have kids his age to play with too, I though, "Oh wow, that is so sweet to think of his brother; I am proud of him." And then we ended up with about 25 kids, along with babies and a few adults... and the weather didn't allow us to stay outside for very long... that was the mOsT Chaotic thing I have EVER done in my life... ever.... like, ever!

So, Moral of the story, making our kids happy is awesome! Makes us feel like a super hero; however, the aftermath reminds me that i'm not a superhero, I'm only human and I could FEEL my body being DONE with all the prep, chaos, and "fun" that accompanied that party! lol! What an insane blast it was!

We had his party Friday after school. There was "Pin the Scar on Harry Potter," and Prisoner of Azkaban Photo prop, want selecting and painting endless treats, a "create your own Fantastic Beast Station," and while the weather held out, "capture the horcrux," which was just kick the can. It began raining so we ate our ButterBeer treats and bday cake in the garage and then the kids ran around like crazies until all the parents came back to pick them up!

Maddix, I love you. You are an incredible young man. I love watching you grow. And you are so worth the craziness that came from shoving all those young people in our tiny house!!!! Happy Birthday, Maddix!!!!!
 These were his Birthday Invitations 











Bricks were representative of platform 9 3/4, or Diagon Alley 
















And then this morning, on his actual Birthday:




Lucky duck: his bday is on a Conference Sunday, which means
getting to stay home in pj's all day!