The Johnson's

Ryan's 7th

2011-12-29T20:26:00.000-08:00

Pledge of Alligence

Garrett up to bat.

Ryan at the mound ready for a hit.

Ryan had the ultimate birthday party. Thanks to our friends, the Odles, we took some of Ryan's closest friends to NBL player, Jack Wilson's house for a party. The boys and Dad enjoyed playing tennis, jumping on the tramp, and an informal game of baseball. It was a lot of fun!

Senior Officer Chris Johnson

2011-06-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

Chris and I at the promotion.

The swearing in.

Chief Lewis and Senior Officer Johnson

That's his new title! Chris got his much anticipated promotion in May. Now he gets to train the new guys (or gals.) The boys have taken a liking to it too. When they pretend to be police officers they address themselves as Senior Officer Johnson. It is way funny!

Mormon Helping Hands

2011-06-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

Ryan's got a trusty shovel.

Garrett looking official.

It was the same as last year for us. Adding and spreading new wood chips at the same park in Camarillo. This year the boys got a little more involved. At least they looked like they were helping!

Birds again!

2011-06-30T21:24:00.000-07:00

There were four this year. So cute!

We have a couple speakers on our back porch just below the over hang which appears to be an ideal spot for a bird to lay her eggs. It seems each spring we get a new set of birds hatching and hear them chirp for a couple weeks each time their mom brings back some food. This year was no different!

Easter 2011

2011-06-30T21:14:00.000-07:00

She's gonna get it no matter what!

Yum! Peeps!

Clarissa got nail polish from Grandma Johnson. It was pink!

Just look at them!

The easter bunny came to visit us. Since Ryan experienced a leprechaun visiting his class at school and leaving behind notes now every bunny, elf, etc. has to leave a note. The kids LOVE it! More than what the character brings! It was the bunny's turn this time. He left a letter with some of our favorite treats but as a joke left some PEEPs and told the boys not to microwave them (it's an inside our family joke.) Chris and I are enjoying this!

Cousins Visiting

2011-06-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

Clarissa with her cousins: Kate, Claire, and Anna

We got the privilege to watch my nieces, Anna and Claire (Kim and Joey's girls), for a few days while Kim was helping at a Sorensen wedding in Santa Barbara. We had a great time with the girls. Too bad they live in far away Georgia!

The Little Red Hen

2011-06-30T21:06:00.000-07:00

Ryan and Garrett after the play.

Ryan introducing the cast.

Ryan had one more play to finish off his year in Kindergarten. It was called the Little Read Hen. Ryan played a farmer (he spoke a few narrative lines) and was also the music director (in other words the kid who pushed play on the CD player.) Of course, he did a great job and we were proud of him!

Simi Duck Pond

2011-06-30T21:03:00.001-07:00

I took the kids out to the duck pond one morning to kill time. I recently found out we might have been killing the ducks too! I have always thought bread is the choice for ducks until an article in the local paper told us otherwise. Apparently we should have been feeding them duck food. I guess that makes sense. Well, we did have a good time at the pond till the bread was gone!

AZ Spring Training 2011

2011-06-30T20:53:00.000-07:00

Ryan and friend, Fallon

Clarissa and friend, Lucy

Ryan and Garrett at a sculpture of Spencer W. Kimball

Here we are at a night game. It was the best picture I had. Three of the four faces are looking at the camera!

We did it again. I'm really starting to enjoy this trip more now that the kids are getting older and sleeping better in unfamiliar places! Chris took the boys to a game and we all enjoyed one together. Of course, we met up with our friends, the Scanlon's, like usual. Also, our friends, the Milford's, had moved there from Camarillo and we got see them. It's so good to see old friends!

Our Friends the Humphrey's

2011-06-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

Clarissa and Lily

Ryan, Matthew, Kyle, & Garrett

Here's the gang with our neighbors the Alfred's and Dana across the street. FYI - I look pathetic, I know, we didn't know when they were coming by and Chris and I had been working on the yards. Doesn't it look nice and green!

Our dear friends from church (who also lived around the corner) were moving to Utah for a new job. Our kids loved to play with each other especially Ryan and Garrett loved Kyle and Matthew because they were older cool kids that would play with them. Here's some pictures from a dinner with them before they left. We miss them!

Tony's basketball game

2011-06-30T20:35:00.000-07:00

Garrett on the dribble.

I think Ryan is headed for the hoop himself!

The boys enjoy watching their Uncle Tony play sports. This year was basketball. They were somewhat familar with the game because we have a hoop in our backyard (or at least did till Ryan started working on the slam (emphasis on slam) dunk.) So the boys would take any opportunity to get on the court and play during half time or game over time, they'd be practicing.

Th BIG 40!

2011-04-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

Yes, it was Chris's special year! Chris's family got together for a little party before we left. As you can tell from the pictures it was BYU themed. Chris and I also celebrated his birthday earlier in the month by going to see comedian, Brian Regan, perform in L.A. It was a great show! We sure love Chris!

More Pics in Snow

2011-04-26T11:06:00.001-07:00

Dad, Ryan, and Garrett shoveling Grandma "J's" driveway.

Cousin, Carly and Clarissa hanging out waiting for the others to be done sledding. They never got into it but they are sure cute!

Visit to Temple Square

2011-04-26T11:04:00.001-07:00

We were able to make it up to Temple Square with the masses just before we left for home. It was beautiful to see the thousands of lights!

Snowy Days in Utah

2011-04-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

Lyman's and Johnson's picture after sledding.

Ryan catching some air with cousin, Scott.

Garrett was in heaven!

Can you imagine any more joy expressed on a child's face!

The boys had a wonderful time sledding with their cousins at a local elementary school. Clarissa just stood by and watched.

Christmas in Utah

2011-04-26T10:51:00.001-07:00

Clarissa would have been happy with just Candy.

The Johnson grandchildren all outfitted in pj's from grandma!

The favorite candy game played with the cousins.

Santa made it to Aunt Debi's house to read to the kids.

The prized gift from Santa, a BYU football uniform!

Garrett couldn't have been more excited!

We had a great time in Utah for Christmas in 2010. Uncle Sam came home from his mission in Argentina and the kids were able to spend some time in the snow. In fact, I think it was their first time. The preparations to get there were difficult for mom and dad but it was well worth the memories spent with our families!

Mother Goose's Goose is Loose

2011-04-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

Ryan had his first play in December. He was the narrator and music director and did a wonderful job! We are so proud of our Kindergardener!

Camarillo Christmas Parade

2011-04-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

Ryan, Garrett, and Clarissa, spending time with cousin Annabelle at the Christmas Parade.

Sadly, this is what all of us felt like doing before the parade ended! It was 2 1/2 hours long filled with way too many karate and sports clubs. What happened to having floats at the parade? It seems most people just jumped in a car or walked down the street holding a sign about their organization. Way too much marketing! If we had known we would have come late to just see Santa end the parade. We will wise up next year!

Camarillo 6th Ward Party

2011-04-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

Ryan was so excited to see Santa! He had a list for him including a BYU football jersey and cowboy boots.

This picture of Clarissa is a classic! She is such a happy girl but not on Santa's lap! We'll see how she does next year.

Notice there is no picture with Garrett. he wouldn't have anything to do with Santa. It was a surprise to us because he has generally been the "braver" child in the family.

Knott's Berry Farm 2010

2011-04-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

Family picture at the park. I think we took about 5 of them and this, sadly, is the best one!

Daddy taking a ride with the kids. It just goes in a short loop. The kids love it, mom can't handle it one bit!

Ryan and Garrett loved watching Clarissa face at she went around the corner. Aunt Heather and Jack are in the car in front.

The kids had a wonderful time at the park with their cousin Jack and baby Kate but after about two hours mom and dad are ready to leave. Our fun is eating out at the Chicken Dinner Restaurant.

Family Photo time

2011-01-12T20:25:00.000-08:00

They can be so cute together!

We had a hard time keeping everyone focused and smiling. Does it ever work out perfectly?

A few pic's from our session with a photographer at the school.

We are outta here!

2011-01-12T20:19:00.000-08:00

Las Vegas Temple

Dinner at the JW Marriott (where we also stayed)

Chris and I finally got a little vacation of our own thanks to the SVPOA, Heather Johnson, and Lora Kelly! Chris attended the PORAC convention in Las Vegas in Nov and I got to tag along. I enjoyed the time reading, attending the temple, and taking a few naps while Chris attended the classes. Both of us enjoyed many good dinners and good nights sleep! Can't wait till next year!

Garrett's 4th b-day

2011-01-12T20:06:00.000-08:00

Garrett's probably used the Touchdown hero more to tackle than to practice throwing. Thanks Grandpa and Grandma Di!

Cousin Jack was helping blow the candles out.

Our young man had been waiting for this day since Ryan had a birthday. He is a real tackler so we decided a football theme was appropriate. Theme meaning the cake was in football shape!

Our 6th Ward Primary

2011-01-12T20:02:00.000-08:00

Cam 6 primary

We had an activity in primary where we put together a package for a 4 year-old girl who has a brain tumor. Gracie, her name, lives in another state who's family is friends with a family in our ward. The kids got together to make her get well cards. It was well received. This picture was taken with all the children that attended the activity (which is also most kids in the ward.)

Halloween shirts

2011-01-12T19:59:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if we have a single picture where all three are looking at the camera!

Grandma Johnson sent the kids some special Halloween shirts. Each message on the t-shirt was so appropriate for the child wearing it! Garrett's was best..."Beware of ghosts?...beware of ME!"

Halloween 2010

2011-01-12T19:50:00.000-08:00

Garrett and Dad snacking.

Ryan, Annabelle, and Garrett collecting candy. Garrett must have so much he is having a hard time keeping his costume on!

Mom and Clarissa

Ryan's parade

Garrett had a party at school where mom, dad, and Clarissa were able to join in on the fun. Ryan had a parade at his school. We also went to our stake trick-o-treat for the night.

Ryan couldn't make up his mind. He ended up being an astronaut at school and a magician at the stake trick-o-treat. In the end, he wished he had been a magician the whole time because he loved the mustache!

What to do with her hair?

2011-01-12T19:44:00.000-08:00

Still so cute!

Clarissa has fine blonde hair that is slowly growing in and also quite a few cowlicks to make it all look so lovely. The one nice thing she has going for her is the bit of curl on the ends. Many times her hair hangs in her face and she gets food in it. Barrettes, pony tails, you name it they fall out. One day we got a bit creative and put 5 or six pony tails in. Above are the results.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-01-12T19:42:00.000-08:00

Mom felt bad about not taking Garrett and Clarissa to Underwood farms as she had in the past with the preschool so off we went as a family to another local pumpkin patch to get a few decorations for Halloween.

2nd B-day!

2011-01-12T19:39:00.000-08:00

Posing with her kitchen.

She also immediately put on a Disney princess dress she got from Grandpa & Grandma Di.

It was all about pink for our little princess. She received a kitchen for her birthday where she pretends to feed her baby. It is so fun to see her play!

Our Clarissa

2011-01-12T19:37:00.000-08:00

Clarissa really enjoys dressing up (sometimes it's also dressing down.) Here's one of her "glamour" outfits.

Dodger Game!

2011-01-12T19:35:00.000-08:00

Ryan, Garrett, and Elliott.

The boys finally made it to Dodger game with their Dad thanks to our new neighbors, the Alfreds.

Jog-a-thon

2011-01-12T19:10:00.000-08:00

Ryan's 1st Jog-a-thon. He took it very seriously. He wanted to run the most laps ever!

What about Clarissa?

2010-11-11T21:19:00.000-08:00

Yes, she is still with us. We have decided to keep her even though she continually changes her clothes throughout the day and makes art with her poop (you don't want to know about it!) She seems to prefer to wear anything but her own clothes (unless it's a princess dress.) Often she is running around with just a diaper on as she is in between outfits. A few favorites are putting on a pair of Ryan's underwear with soccer shorts and jersey, running around in the boys swim trunks or a swimsuit of mom's, or just one of mom's sports bras. There are just too many choices with all the clothes in the house! Yes, the laundry is piling up faster!

This is a common look. "Where are we going now?" and "Can I have another donut?"

Enjoying ice cream with Dad and the boys on the playset. She is between outfits.

Ryan's 1st Day of Kindergarten

2010-11-11T21:12:00.000-08:00

This was what Ryan had been waiting for all his life (so were his parents!) He has loved being in Mrs. Newton's class and has made many new friends. We were beeming at our first parent/teacher conference. Mrs. Newton asked if Ryan was one of her fall birthdays turning 6 because apparently he is near the top of the class. Maybe reading each day with the kids really has some value!

First day on the rug.

Another cheesy smile!

First Day of Preschool

2010-11-11T21:08:00.000-08:00

Garrett couldn't be more excited about preschool starting up. He now has Ms. Tammy, Ms. Terry, and Ms. Annette just like Ryan did the year before. Garrett also goes to school four days a week with Friday's off (same day's off as Dad.) Just one more year till kindergarten. Apparently, kindergarten is where it's all happening according to Ryan!

He sure is a handsome kid!

Soccer, Ryan's 2nd year Blue Sharks

2010-11-11T20:43:00.000-08:00

Ryan has enjoyed playing another year of soccer. He enjoys making new friends and following the ball all over the field and he does well at both! Mom was team mom again and made the Blue Sharks banner (not as cool as last years, but it works!)

Demitrious and Ryan...I guess they are defending the goal???

Not a very good picture but it shows what I want it to show. Ryan is with the ball. He is really good at getting to it and sticking with it. I think he scored almost every game. Go Blue Sharks!

Annabelle's B-day 6th

2010-11-11T20:42:00.000-08:00

Pitts Ranch Park...water games and cupcakes...kids had a great time!

Father's and Son's

2010-11-11T20:38:00.000-08:00

The boys and dad finally got to do some camping at the end of the summer. Father's and Son's was at a camp ground in Santa Paula. They couldn't be more happy hanging out with the guys getting dirty!

Ryan's cheesy grin.

This is a common pose for Garrett.

Kick Buttowski

2010-11-11T20:31:00.000-08:00

Ever since Kick Buttowski, a Disney cartoon, was introduced to our household the candid shots now include hand gestures (no, not the bad one's!)

Ryan's 5th Birthday

2010-11-11T20:18:00.000-08:00

We had a great party but, sadly, I don't have any good pictures! Ryan was so excited for his 5th birthday because that meant he would be going to kindergarten soon. Everyday he would ask when was school going to start. After I told him how much longer he would respond "That's too long!" and storm off mad. It didn't matter if it was a month or a day. It was too far away for him.

And the winner is....Uncle Tag. Ryan got this Dodger uniform for his birthday. Notice the grass stains Ryan already has on his knees? Oxyclean is regularly used to keep this pants clean!

As you may already know, his favorite team is the Dodgers. (Somebody needs to wash those windows!)

Utah - Summer Fun 2010

2010-11-11T19:54:00.000-08:00

We headed up to Utah once again this summer. Only this time for a bit longer. I drove up with the kids and my sister, Julia. Chris met us about a week later. We had a great time driving all over Utah County visiting with friends and, of course, family! The kids especially enjoyed playing with and getting to know their cousins better. We stayed for a little over two weeks but they could have been there the whole summer. Naturally, there is no place like home. While vacations are fun, it is just nice to be back where you belong.

Our yearly pose in front of the Salt Lake Temple. Maybe next year we will have more smiles!

Sparklers with the Johnson cousins.

Ryan and Garrett at BYU's baseball field watching Uncle Tony at Baseball Camp.

Hot air balloons early in the morning on the 4th weekend in Provo. The kids loved the pig balloon best. Garrett makes me feel cold just looking at this picture!

Wow April!

2010-11-11T19:50:00.001-08:00

Blog, no, I haven't forgotten about you! You are still on my mind like everything else I need to be doing (cleaning the house, reading my scriptures, genealogy, and on and on!) I've got some serious months to fill in with updates on the family. I guess I better hop to it or the months will be years and then it will be just too long and too embarrassing to add anything else.

Cute moment

2010-04-29T20:45:00.001-07:00

Her smile is contagious!

Easter

2010-04-29T20:39:00.000-07:00

Where are all the eggs?

Clarissa preferred the egg basket as a hat!

Easter was rather uneventful. We did have a nice dinner with the missionaries, Uncle Tag and Tyler. The highlight was watching the kids on their egg hunt. Clarissa really got into finding eggs until one of them cracked open. Once the candy started spilling out she sat down and shoved it in her mouth!

Spring Training '10

2010-04-29T20:32:00.000-07:00

Ready for the game. This was obviously at the beginning!

Playing on a statue at a restaurant. Where are their parents?

She makes this face often. Too cute!

We had another great year at spring training in Arizona. Heather's family joined us again. We did some swimming. Tried some eateries recommended on Diner's, Drive Inn's, and Dives (eating on vacation is very important to us!) And of course, got in a Dodger game as a family and Chris and Christian made it to a game with out the crazy children and wives.

Garrett's First Day

2010-04-29T20:28:00.000-07:00

Door to Ms. Michelle's class.

It was important that Garrett make the same pose as Ryan for his first day of school. He hand selected the batman backpack.

Garrett started preschool on March 22. He goes two days a week this year. We are so excited that PEEP had a spot for him. He loves it! Garrett is especially excited to have Ryan's teach from last year Ms. Michelle.

Swim Lessons

2010-04-29T20:24:00.000-07:00

Garrett, Lindsey, and Ryan

Notice Garrett drowning? Thankfully, somebody eventually did because he is still with us today!

Spring break was filled with daily swim lessons at the YMCA. Ryan and Garrett are progressing but unfortunately will still need to repeat this class. We had a great time and they really liked their teacher Lindsey. Not only was she a good teach but she was their uncle Paul and Sam's friend.

Career Week

2010-04-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

Ryan asked his Dad to come and visit his preschool class to tell them about what a cop does. He could not have been prouder to be Chris's son!

Dress Up

2010-04-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

Clone troopers

My little princess

I can tell you what they are wearing but I not exactly sure what they are trying to be. They both have on a shirt of Chris's and are using baseball bats as light sabers.

The kids all love to dress up. Ryan and Garrett are most often found dressed up as a jedi, clone trooper, buzz, a policeman, or a baseball player (I need to take a picture of Ryan as a player, it is too funny....he pulls his jeans up high, tucks in a baseball shirt, and wears his black church belt. Not only does he look funny but he also talks with a deeper voice and will stand with his hands on his hips like he's the coach!)

Cousins

2010-04-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

Did you notice the towel covering up Jack perfectly?

Clarissa and Jack are buddies! It is so fun to see the both of them play together. Jack makes her laugh. It is so cute to see the two of them play together.

Our photographer

2010-04-29T20:07:00.000-07:00

We can always tell when Ryan runs off with the camera to take some pictures. Fortunately, he's not a very good criminal as he incriminates himself with a self photo every time (not to mention, he usually takes pictures around the house or yard with no one in them!)

Sweats, Sweet!

2010-04-29T20:02:00.000-07:00

Grandma Johnson and Aunt Tami personalized the sweats for the kids for Christmas. The boys have a football along with their initials and the number where they lineup as a Johnson grandchild. Clarissa are pink, of course, with some flowers. Once again, they look like they love one another!

Family Pictures 2009

2010-04-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

Here's are latest family picture. I just love the one of the kids. They really look like they love each other!

Moving on

2010-04-14T20:12:00.000-07:00

We'll unfortunately December was a difficult month for our family. Chris and I went for a routine appointment to check on the baby growing in my belly and found out the heart stopped beating. It was the Monday before Christmas and surgery would have to wait till after the holiday. This rocked our world. We felt much peace soon after the news but it still took time to adjust back to the real world. Since our minds were preoccupied with the miscarriage we forgot to do some important things like TAKE PICTURES AT CHRISTMAS! Sorry kids, we will do better next year. Promise!

Garrett's 3rd B-day

2009-12-10T22:10:00.000-08:00

New truck with lights and sirens. Mom would love it more if it didn't randomly go off at night and freak everyone out!

Clarissa really got into the cupcakes at Garrett's party.

We had some family and friends over for Garrett's birthday this year. I know it's hard to tell by the picture, but he was pretty stoked about the fire truck and still plays with it daily.

Halloween 2009

2009-12-10T22:06:00.000-08:00

On the front porch, just before attending the ward Trunk-or-Treat.

This picture says it all!

Star Wars was the theme. I sewed together some jedi costumes (don't look too closely) for the boys and a Princess Leia for Clarissa. The boys loved their light sabers and Clarissa was just adorable!

Clarissa's Ride

2009-12-10T22:00:00.000-08:00

At about 10-months-old when she began to walk, Clarissa started to hitch a ride on the back of this trike. She just jumped on one day and was hooked. Since we had a hard time keeping her off we decided to pull out the boys old helmet and at least make it a little safer. I think this is only the beginning of her daredevil days!

Underwood Farms Pumpkin Patch

2009-12-10T21:54:00.000-08:00

"Say Cheese!"

All three in one shot. Now, if we can only get them all to look at the camera!

Dad and Garrett on hay ride.

Clarissa and mom by one of the hundred scarecrows at the patch.

Ryan's class went on a trip to the pumpkin patch and we all tagged along. It's December and Garrett still asks daily if we can go to the pumpkin patch. I tell him, "Sure, we'll go next year." I don't think he understands what next year means because he seems to be fine with my response. He's a funny kid!

Clarissa's 1st B-day

2009-12-10T21:49:00.000-08:00

"YUM!"

"What is all this singing and clapping for?"

Clarissa turned one in October. She enjoyed a pink cupcake with family cheering her on!

September trip to Utah

2009-12-10T21:44:00.000-08:00

We couldn't be any happier!

Bridal Vail Falls, Provo Canyon

Salt Lake Temple (Ryan's the newest photographer in our family, he does quite well!)

We spent just over a week in Utah visiting both grandmas and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Of course, the trip needed to last another week so we could enjoy more time with family and friends. We visited BYU, Temple Square, and Provo Canyon. Chris and I even took a night away to Park City. That trip is definitely on the list to do again! We enjoyed some of our favorite eateries like Jay Dog's and Cafe Rio. Here's some more pictures from our trip.

BYU v Colorado

2009-12-10T21:39:00.001-08:00

"Boy, those are some sharp teeth!"

Lavell Edwards Stadium - Typical look for Garrett when he gets his picture taken.

We attended a BYU football game while in Utah. It was a blast because the Cougars won! Ryan couldn't be more interested. On the other hand, Garrett was done after the first half. Later that same week Chris took the boys back to see the stadium and field without the crowds.

Birthdays in Utah

2009-12-10T21:36:00.000-08:00

She's just too cute!

Grandma Johnson and Aunt Tami put on a birthday party for Garrett and Clarissa while we visited Utah in September. Of course the cupcakes were as cute as ever thanks to Aunt Tami. Garrett had the blue sheriff cupcakes and Clarissa's were pink princesses.

Santa Barbara Zoo

2009-12-10T21:31:00.000-08:00

Garrett ate the tree often!

Apparently this is fun!

The favorite activity for the kids at the zoo is not looking at the animals. It's a park area where they have a hill with artificial grass. Kids slide down on cardboard just like ice blocking. Garrett was always running into the tree. It was just too funny to watch and of course very difficult to get them to leave!

Ryan's U5 AYSO team

2009-12-10T21:25:00.000-08:00

Coach Erick and Jaime, with players Christian, Brayden, Braden, Tanner, and Ethan (not pictured), and team mom (me.)

Ryan's first year playing soccer was fun for everyone. He loved playing and we enjoyed cheering him on. He really took the game seriously and was a star player (when he felt like playing!) His number was 7, just like James Loney from the Dodgers.

If we can't find Garrett.....

2009-12-10T21:21:00.001-08:00

always check the laundry!

Another reason to be thankful on Thanksgiving

2009-11-23T18:39:00.001-08:00

The newest Johnson Grandchild...arriving June 2010!!!

Funny Sayings

2009-08-15T05:40:00.000-07:00

The boys are coming up with some of the funniest things lately, I just want to write them down so I can repeat them when they are older.

"I got blood."

"Doing great."

"Who's that guy?" Garrett asks (The first time I noticed him say this it was as he pointed to a big girl with short hair we were looking at just inches away from us. I was embarrassed thinking he thought it was a guy but later realized he call everyone a guy.)

"Then what" After we tell them the plans for the day.

"What's he does?"

I'll add as I hear and remember more of their one liners.

Bonfire at the Beach

2009-08-15T05:36:00.000-07:00

Buddies, Twins, Father and Son - Dad and Ryan

Garrett adding to the fire.

Clarissa's first soda. At least I hope it was!

We went with our friends the Milfords, Palmas, and Bryces for a BBQ and bonfire on the beach. It was a lot of work but always worth it!

Buena Vista Lakes

2009-08-15T05:28:00.000-07:00

Aunt Heidi, Garrett, and Mom ready for our ride.

Where is everybody??? Garrett stayed on but cousin Ethan and Uncle Matt fell off. Way to go Garrett!

Ryan was quite content staying on the boat.

Christian and Heather offered to take their boat out to Buena Vista Lakes just west of Bakersfield. Matt and Jamee's family along with us and my sister Heidi meet them for a day of tubing and wake boarding. The kids all LOVE the water. They had a blast just swimming in the lake (Baby Sa splashed) and enjoyed the boat rides. Garrett loved it so much he had to tube. We had a blast and would repeat that day in a heart beat.

Pioneer Day

2009-08-15T05:22:00.000-07:00

Ryan took this very seriously.

Garrett was really concentrating on the ride.

Our stake celebrated Pioneer day with a BBQ, crafts, and a little horse riding. Look at our cowboys.

Garrett's "Got Blood"

2009-08-15T05:13:00.000-07:00

We had our first trip to the Emergency room. Ryan and Garrett were running around the house with Ryan's nerf guns he had just got for his birthday. Garrett fell on top of his and cut the skin below his lip in half. It took a whole two stitches to fix. He was so brave at the hospital. Ryan on the other hand was a mess. He was crying for Garrett safety. Whenever the boys get hurt, whether there is blood or not they say, "I got blood!" Chris and I are reminded every night when they bath and put on jammies. They'll say, "be careful of my blood," with all seriousness. It will last for weeks!

Ryan's 4th B-day

2009-08-15T05:09:00.001-07:00

This picture says it all. He is really into having numbers on the back of his shirt. Ryan will even wear a shirt backwards if the numbers were on the front. He couldn't have been happier! It was another fun b-day!

July 4th

2009-08-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

Grandma's yearly 4th of July out fits. After looking at this picture Chris took of them, it appears we need to teach Clarissa to be a bit more modest.

With friends: Fallon, Matthew, Kyle, Andrew, Emery, and Marisa

Disneyland Trip - Reunion

2009-08-15T04:38:00.000-07:00

What a rare sight. The boys are sleeping and they are scrunched next to each other in a chair pullout. So cute! Why doesn't this happen all the time or at least a little more often?

Ryan, cousin Scott, and Garrett

I couldn't leave "Baby Sa" out!

Proof we did it! We visited Mickey's house and he was even home!

This was funny! The boys were a bit nervous about the fireworks (particularly Ryan) so they figured out if they shot them with their pretend guns they wouldn't be scared anymore.

At the hotel with cousins Robbie, Brett, and Tommy.

It was a fun time at Disneyland in June. You might ask, "How could Disneyland be fun in June?" Well we were in the midst of good company for a family reunion. We stayed in the Fairfield with Chris's siblings, their families, and Maureen. The kids had so much fun (and the parents too!) Ryan keeps reminding us we will be going there for Garrett's birthday in November. Although we haven't mentioned it yet. He just might get his wish sooner! We have found it best to not tell the kids we are going somewhere till the day of because they constantly ask, "when are we going" and then when the plan doesn't materialize, watch out!

LA Temple

2009-08-15T04:32:00.001-07:00

Ryan likes to pose for his pictures lately.

I couldn't pass up this picture of Clarissa!

Wow! Our family of five!

We stopped by the LA Temple on our way to the Maureen Johnson Family Reunion at Disneyland. Ryan like to call it "the White Temple."

SeaBe Days 2007

2009-08-15T04:25:00.000-07:00

Our first time on touring a war ship with our little ones (It maybe the last for a while.) They were a handful, to say the least!

Fathers and Sons Campout

2009-06-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

Uncle Tag works in Ojai where the boys camped. He stopped by to say "hi". Those who didn't recognize him thought he was there to make sure no one was starting fires. There was a big fire in Santa Barbara also a red flag warning out that weekend.

Jim White made a rope swing for the boys to swing on. Pictured are Ryan, Garrett, Jake Moody, Micheal White, and Blake Bryce.

Dad, Ryan, and Garrett

Since the Father and Sons camp out last year, Ryan couldn't wait to go again. Garrett tagged along this year and had just as much fun sleeping in the tent and ruffing it for the night. Hopefully the new tent will get to be used much more often as the boys grow up.

Ryan's Ouch

2009-06-01T20:48:00.000-07:00

Is this a sad look or what?

Ryan got blood or so he says. Both he and Garrett say "I got blood" whenever they get hurt wether blood is involved or not. While in Arizona this year he fell down outside the hotel. Needless to say after lots of crying we had to bandage him up so he'd feel better. Note that the top bandaid is covering the wound. The others are there at Ryan's request (he said he needed them).

Arizona Trip 2009

2009-06-01T20:37:00.000-07:00

Dad and the boys at a Dodger game.

Ryan, Garrett, and Quinn (friend Emily and Jason's son) enjoying time together.

Every year since we have been married we drive to Arizona for a MLB Spring Training game. This year we took Heather, Christian, and Jack along with us. As usual we had a great time and hope to make it there again next year.

Missouri

2009-06-01T20:29:00.000-07:00

Clarissa's first time in a plane, and Amber's first time without the boys for more than a few hours.

Grandpa Gibbs, Mom, me, and Clarissa.

Dad's siblings - Aunt Linda, Uncle Scott & Aunt Annie

Cousins - Alex, Tommy, and Allyn

This was a trip for just the girls. Clarissa and I went with mom, Paul, Heather and Jack for cousin Sarah's wedding reception. Clarissa and I had a great time enjoying visits with dad's family. We sure do miss him!

Santa Barbara Zoo

2009-06-01T20:20:00.001-07:00

The boys love the flamingos.

Posing with the giraffes.

Garrett makes some of the funniest faces. We see this one every now and then. He's so cute!

These pictures are from a trip to Santa Barbara Zoo with Ryan's preschool class. They are always up for the zoo so we indulge in the family pass each year.

Our little Easter Bunny

2009-06-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

Grandma Johnson sent down some cute bunny ears for Clarissa (at least we assume they were for Clarissa) at Easter. I couldn't wait to put them on her. Doesn't she look adorable???

Ryan's Potty Trained

2009-06-01T14:46:00.000-07:00

We are so excited Ryan is now wearing underwear. We have been waiting for this day to come! It was taking white and chocolate chocolate chips as the reward for peeing and chocolate peanut butter treats (Reeces) for pooping. He may have gained a few pounds over this last month but it has all been worth it. One down, now two to go!

Daddy's Helpers

2009-03-06T14:26:00.000-08:00

Chris is a good father to his boys. They want to being doing everything that he does (including making messes!) Here's a few pictures of them hard at work keeping our home looking nice.

Visit to Fire Station

2009-03-06T14:21:00.000-08:00

Ryan had a field trip through preschool last month at the Fire Station on Pickwick. Funny thing, as much as Ryan knows and talks about fire trucks, he was nervous about getting in one. No problem for Garrett; we had to pry him out!

"No more talking"

2009-03-06T14:16:00.000-08:00

Garrett has turned into a tape recorder these days. He asked the same question repeatedly over and over again. It gets on our nerves, and needless to say, Ryan is also a bit annoyed. The other morning I was taking Ryan to preschool and Garrett asked the same question, "Are you going to school Ryan?" repeatedly. Ryan kept answering although each time he would respond louder. Finally, Ryan said, "Yes, I'm going to school and NO MORE TALKING Garrett!"

It's not chocolate

2009-03-06T14:10:00.000-08:00

About a month ago, Clarissa was playing with Garrett on the floor in the living room. I left for a few moments and thought how cute they sounded playing with one another. When I returned to the room. I found Clarissa with something brown smeared all over her out fit, Garrett had it on his finger, and it stunk! I can't wait to get this kid potty trained!

We did it!!!

2009-01-11T21:36:00.000-08:00

Or at least I have finally done it! We now have a family blog for all our family and friends to enjoy checking us out!