Ryan's 7th

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.