Happy Birthday, Grandpa Craig!

Happy Birthday, Grandpa Craig! These pictures were taken today, just for you... we hope you have a great day!





THOSE TEETH!!! :)

Make sure to have your speakers turned on for this one... watch out world, here she comes! :) Mckenna will be 8 months old, two weeks from today. Where has the time gone?

Memories of Japan...

It's hard to believe that it's already been almost a year since Matt and I took a group of students to Japan for MA's June Term experience. This week again is June Term at MA, and I can't help but think back to a year ago... I was six months pregnant and hoping all would go smoothly in Japan, including feeling well, being able to handle our busy schedule while there, making sure the group stayed together and enjoyed the trip, etc. We had a fantastic trip, one that Matt and I will never forget. When we went, it still seemed crazy to us that we were actually going to have a baby in a few short months! While in Japan we wanted to pick out a small souvenir for the baby, but all the while it felt to me like we were picking something out for another baby - maybe for friends of ours, but not our own. We didn't have a lot of time to shop, and we ended up settling on this little onesie with a Japanese character on the front (not sure what it says!) and a heart on the butt. I distinctly remember picking it up, choosing the largest size they had in the store, and wondering why I was buying something for someone that I hardly even could wrap my mind around actually being real. I don't know if that makes much sense to you, but I remember it being a very real, and almost confusing feeling... was I really going to have a baby, and would she really wear cute little outfits like this?

So, a long story to say, Mckenna just starting wearing the outfit we bought for her in Tokyo. Now looking at her in this, it's hard to believe that there was ever a time when she wasn't with us... we love her so much!

Up to the lake!

Well, I know I am way too busy when I absolutely don't have one free second to update the blog (or look at other fun blogs!) I am just now getting around to putting up some pictures of our nice, relaxing Memorial Day weekend at the Johnson cabin on Middle Eau Claire Lake in Barnes, Wisconsin, which is near Hayward. Kristi came with us to hang out and help out with Mckenna, since Matt was gone most of the weekend with Cam and his cousins at "Little Sis" - the Anderson cousin's cabin on Little Sisabagama lake, about 45 minutes away from Barnes in Stone Lake, WI. We had a great time, and it was especially fun to have Mckenna there - her first of I'm sure many, many visits to this awesome place!

It seems like it takes twice as long to drive anywhere with Mckenna than before she was born. Stopping to change a diaper, stretch, eat, etc. Here we were at a gas station, on our way to the Wisconsin northwoods...






At last - we made it! The beautiful cabin and shiny lake... it really never gets old to see this sight.




The next morning we drove into Hayward to meet Cam, and then the brothers went on to Little Sis to spend the weekend. Mckenna loves her Uncle Cam, and she needs to start getting used to the idea of Matt and Cam and big fish... fishing is a border line obsession with these guys! Here they are at Pastika's, a favorite bait and tackle shop in Hayward. Of course Pastika's was the perfect meeting place of choice. :)


"Daddy and Uncle Cam are gone, and now I'm ready for a girls only weekend!"


Back at the cabin, having fun in the Johnny Jump Up. Hands down, one of Mckenna's current favorite activities - the girl jumps like crazy!


The next day we went back to Hayward to walk around, enjoy the shops, and most importantly, enjoy the beautiful, sunny weather. Mckenna wanted to wear her new sunglasses - we Johnson girls love our accessories! :)


A Hayward favorite, Tremblay's Sweet Shop. Something tells me that Mckenna may be really liking this place as she grows up - I certainly do!


Out and about in downtown Hayward... Mckenna was really having fun! I can't get enough of that smile! (And for those of you wondering if this mega cutie is a figment of your imagination, she's not - she's the real deal!)








Trying on mommy's new prescription sunglasses...


After our fun afternoon exploring Hayward, we drove to Little Sis to hang out with Matt, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Del, and the Anderson cousins. We also couldn't wait to meet Nate and Kristen's new little girl, Elise. And boy, is she ever little! She turned 4 weeks old over Memorial Day weekend, and only weighs 6+ pounds - such a little peanut! She is so sweet, and Mckenna was pretty cute with her.


Proud new papa, Nate Anderson.


Mckenna is familiar with the "be gentle" reminders from playing with Nemo, so she did great with little Elise. We were all commenting on how Mckenna looks like she should be going to kindergarten next to teeny baby Elise! :)


Mckenna with her great-uncle, Del. Here we were out to a local restaurant in Stone Lake for their famous fish fry - yum! Del was nice enough to keep Mckenna entertained while Matt and I enjoyed our dinner.


It was so fun to hang out with the Anderson's for the evening - Matt and I love them! From L to R: Bjorn, Kristen, Elise, Kathy, Nate, Mckenna, and Del.


After dinner, we drove back to Middle Eau Claire and slept in a bit the next morning before packing up to head back home. Mckenna woke up a little early, so I took her out of her crib and put her in bed with Matt in hopes she would fall back asleep for a bit. I couldn't help but snap a few pictures!


Her sleep was short lived, however.


And then I thought I should lay down and cuddle with my loves. :)


Jumping again while we pack up to hit the road. Kristi had to work late afternoon on Memorial Day, so we had to get going and beat the cabin traffic heading back to the Twin Cities.


A walk down to the lake before we leave... we can't wait to come back this summer!


A family picture...


We know Mckenna really enjoyed her first visit to the lake!

- the pointe, lake calhoun, & the park -

Last Saturday we went to an annual neighborhood garage sale near our house. The area is called The Pointe and has 40+ homes that participate in this big sale, which is always the weekend after Mother's Day. We've been before, and it's pretty fun to walk around and take it all in. There are even homes that sell snacks along the way, including BBQ hot dogs and burgers, mini donuts, etc. The day was unusually chilly for mid-May, with high winds and temps in the 40s. So we bundled up to walk around outside, including Mckenna. We found some nice toys and good deals for the summer - a swim/sun hat, a couple of swim diapers, and some cute blue sunglasses. Mckenna didn't seem to love them at first, but didn't really try to take them off either. Such a cool dude! :)



Back home, and time to eat - more carrots!


Look at those two little bottom teeth - so cute!


The next day was much nicer, sunny and warm. We drove to the Lake Calhoun area, had lunch outside, and then walked around the lake. Here is Nemo and Mckenna ready to leave the house for the lake. We thought it was cute that Nemo hopped in the car seat and Mckenna was hanging on to her leash!


And it was even warmer on Monday! We usually try to get outside and walk every day that it's nice, so we decided that we would take Mckenna to the park by our house. She has been once with our neighbors, Tim, Nicole, and their 9-month old son Carter, but we've never taken her before. She loved the swing! Matt and I also climbed around a bit with her on the playground. We had a fun first park visit as a family!






















And Nemo waited patiently for us while we played. She wasn't complaining though - she got a lot of attention and love from other kids at the park. :)