Yesterday the kids and I went to pick some kale from the garden for dinner. They had the great idea of loading their dump trucks up to transport it back to the front of the house.

 When they noticed the camera, they stopped and got in this pose.

Edith Elaine Johnstone

Earlier this month, my paternal grandmother passed away. She was widowed in 2011 when my grandfather passed away. I've called my grandmother 2-3 times per week since then and enjoyed our conversations.

 She was wise, honest, independent, although happily married to my grandfather for 68 years, a nurse, a great Bargain shopper, loved taking her kids & grandkids to Steinmart when they visited, enjoyed playing cribbage & Bridge and had a routine of shows she watched (Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune).

I so enjoyed time spent with my grandparents! I have great respect for them and am thankful for the many ways they shaped my life for the better. My grandmother passed away peacefully at her daughter's (my aunt's) house at the age of 90 years. She enjoyed Christmas with my aunt's family, told them she was very happy with the life she'd lived and went to bed. It seems she knew her time was imminent and was at peace with that. 

A Girl & Her Daddy

Anna Kate could not get enough hugs & kisses from her Daddy before he left for work

 I love how Trent stayed & enjoyed lots of hugs from our sweet girl

Our Very Own Superheroes

Horse & Pony Party

Hudson & Anna Kate were recently invited to a 3rd birthday party that included pony rides.

  Hudson was SO excited to ride a horse for the first time! He waited patiently in line letting every kid go in front of him. He likes to observe before jumping into something. 

 They could choose between riding a pony (which was a little smaller) or a horse. Hudson went on the pony first, gained some confidence and then rode the horse twice.

 He loved it!

 And has asked several times if he can have horses & cowboys at his birthday party. Without asking, he went on to explain that we simply need to drive out west and pick-up some cowboys. Then, kids can have turns having cowboy horse rides.

 After the pony rides were finished, there were lots of kids running around, having fun & playing. Hudson chose to sit and watch the people who brought the horses clean-up.

Anna Kate watched the big kids ride the horses, she pet the horses, helped brush them & hung out with me. There were several 2 year olds who took a turn riding, but Anna Kate preferred learning about the horses and caring for them without having to sit on one. 

A great shot of Anna Kate that a friend took. :)

Christmas 2012

 Aaron's first fish he caught in the ocean- a yellow fin tuna

 Hudson loves this new outfit he got from our senior pastor's wife. He feels like a real runner/track star when he puts it on. :)

 Erica's "big shark" that barely got away

 playing ultimate frisbee with the family

Anna Kate and I played some frisbee on the sideline

 Christmas morning

 Anna Kate with her goodies from her stocking

 Mark got a karaoke machine for Christmas and everyone enjoyed it

Anna Kate loved the pink cowgirl hat & pink horse in the store, but it stayed there

getting ready to decorate gingerbread houses on the last day of school before Christmas break