Sledding (minus video)

We decided to venture up to the mountains today and do some sledding. The sunshine was fairly deceiving, as the temperature at the pass ended up reading about 23 degrees. We were all bundled and prepared, but I don't think Chloe was the biggest fan. Hey - even her mom was shivering at times. Mason had a blast, but after about 45 minutes, he turned to me and Andrew and said "let's go home and watch a movie and have hot chocolate." Chloe's tears and that request were enough for us to pack up and head out.

Unfortunately, we caught the sledding on video with our FlipCam and as Mason watched it tonight, we think he accidentally pressed the button to delete all. :( Hard lesson learned. Here are a few pics we snapped heading out and returning.

Pre-sledding

Post-sledding - Chloe in meltdown

Christmas Excitement (and craziness)

This year, the holiday seemed to come fast and furious, and boy did I not feel prepared. Work has been absolutely insane, I got sick the week before, and trying to prepare for the holiday with two kids was definitely different from last year when I had more time off with maternity leave and Andrew available for 4+ weeks. But it was all worth it watching the kids tear into wrapping paper, to see Mason's eyes of surprise Christmas morning and being able to spend time with family.

Mason was really into the spirit this year, loving to sing Christmas Carols in the car, searching for Ernie the Elf each morning, helping with decorating, and just generally getting excited about seeing Sanata and preparing for his arrival. His special request from Santa this year was a blue guitar with cowboys and horses on it. Santa partially delivered on a guitar with cowboys and horses on it. The blue was a little hard to find.

Here are a few of the holiday highlights:

Hanging out at Sams' - pre Xmas

The boys - and their smores kits from Papa C

The girls (plus one and minus one)

Mason and his new luggage

Xmas Eve - About the best family shot we could get

Papa and Grandma G - kids did not want to cooperate

Xmas dad - with all Johnsen boys (Andrew, Matt, Nick, Erik, Jerry, Chuck, Arne, Mason, Jim and Michael)

The girls (and one boy) - Bree, Barb, Jan, Me, Mary, Stephanie, Mason

Mason with Cousin Mattie and Bree (Mason loves Bree)

Mason and Grandma Barb

Helping Aunt Stephanie make whip cream











It's the holiday season...

We tried to continue some of our holiday traditions this year - even though it was slightly more chaotic with my busy work schedule, school for Mason and Andrew and holiday parties. On Thanksgiving weekend, we joined hundreds of others to take in Snowflake Lane in downtown Bellevue. Mason loved it and Chloe was in awe of the noise and snow. With all of the crowds, it was a little difficult to snap some pictures, but we did our best.

Mason so excited for the drummers

Mason and Frosty

Chloe watching the snow

Ready for some serious Gingerbread making

Mid-decorating

Almost done!

Kappy holiday Tea - Jodi/Charlotte, Piper/Sofia, me/Chloe



Snow is here!

We can't remember the last time that snow arrived before Thanksgiving and it was quite a surprise - especially with how much we got. The kids really liked playing in it, and Chloe stayed snuggly warm with her new coat from Great Grandma Gable.

 Hi Dad

Cozy warm

Family bday dinner

Chloe's actual birthday fell in the middle of the week, so we had a nice quiet afternoon at home and then had a low-key pizza dinner with Papa and Grandma Gable and enjoyed some present opening.

Chloe is motoring around quite well the last few weeks, scaling the furniture as she gets her stable legs.

We just love her big grins!

 Birthday outfit from Fehler's

 Check out my standing

 Here I come!

What's this - big brother really liked to help 

Double C B-Day Party - Chloe and Charlotte

How is it that a year has already passed since our little girl came into this world. It has been a very busy year and so exciting to watch her change right before our eyes. For the birthday bash, we decided to do a joint party with Miss Charlotte Kusak who was born just three days after Chloe and are kindred spirits. In fact, at each of their check-ups, they continue to fall within oz. of each other and practically dead on with their other stats.

The party took place at the Bellevue Gymboree and was lots of fun. I'm not sure Chloe loved all of the activities - we need to get her in a class, as she seemed uncertain of the equipment. The other kids had a great time, the big brothers thoroughly loved running around and the grandparents had fun watching.

Ready to start the party

The girls waiting for their friends

Big brother is so excited

   

Hanging out with Charlotte and Charlotte

Taking it all in

Enjoying the roller

Here they go - grandparents watching

Charlotte - the birthday girl

Not so sure

Hi Gymbo

Peek-a-boo

Avery Cohen with mom Courtney

Parachute time - Owen, Melissa, Grandma B and Lucy

Hey - where's the cake?

Happy birthday to you!

 Loving the cupcake - and the frosting, too

The big boys digging in

 Playing tricks on mommy

Gotcha

Happy Halloween

Our two kiddos were in a festive mood and such good troopers. We did our traditional Halloween chili dinner and were joined by Papa Craig (grandma is under the weather). Then, we were off to enjoy trick or treating. Chloe enjoyed her ride in the wagon, watching big brother trick or treat and taking it all in. It will be fun to watch them partake in future Halloweens together. I just couldn't believe how unafraid Mason was going up to spooky houses. His favorite phrase of the night "can I go to the next house?"

 About as close as we could get to them both looking

 I love Chloe's shocked expression

 Family pic

 Papa Craig with the kids

Chloe enjoying her wagon ride and holding on for dear life to a big Snickers