Cousins are fun!

The boys and I were able to spend some time with Bjorn and Norah on Saturday while Ryan and Michelle took in some Winter game activities. It was quite fun and busy. They all play really well together but they are all so busy! Caleb is about 5 weeks older than Bjorn and they are just about the same size. Ironically Isaac and Bjorn were dressed in the same shirt on Saturday so I had to get some pictures. Getting a picture of 4 kids under the age of 4 is quite a task.

Isaac- 27 months, Caleb- 18 months, Bjorn- 17 months, Norah- 3 1/2




Good buddies


Too funny!


Buddies~Cousins

Just had to share

Saturday I took a bunch of Valentine pictures of the boys. While taking a break from pictures Sammy was trying to get a lick of Caleb's sucker. I soon found them nose to nose and snapped a picture. I think it is the cutest thing ever. The boys love their dog, the feeling is pretty mutual except when Isaac thinks Sam is a horse and sits on his back and says "go horsee go".

18 month update

Caleb is 18 months...what, how did that happen? He is such a little ham. He tries to do EVERYTHING Isaac does and I do mean everything. If Isaac sits at the table without a booster then Caleb must do the same. If Isaac sits at their little Toy Story table, Caleb does the same. It's so cute. Lately Isaac has been treating Caleb pretty well. It's so cute when he comes over to Caleb and kisses him on the cheek. If Caleb is naughty and in time out, Isaac tries to come to his rescue. Caleb is talking up a storm, he copies everything we say. He's already putting 2 word sentences together. He loves doing puzzles, especially farm puzzles. He loves trucks, tractors, combines, trains. He's not into movies or tv shows like Isaac is, but he does know who Barney and Elmo are.

Caleb now weighs a whopping 26 lbs 3 oz. and is 32 3/4 inches. I can't believe how fast time has flown by. I miss the newborn days, but then I remember how much I love my sleep and I'm thankful we're past that point.

Christmas celebrations

Finally!!!!!! We finally had the chance to celebrate a few Christmas gatherings. January 1st we celebrated with Ross' parents and siblings and January 9th was with my family. This year we went to Brandon and celebrated Ross' side at Brad and Gina's house. Grandma W fell and broke her hip and has been in the hospital. We figured it was a good location being so close to Sioux Falls so we could go visit her afterwards. We had a nice meal, a good variety of soups, bread and crackers. The boys weren't the best eaters but they were also missing their nap so I didn't worry too much about it. They did surprisingly well as tired as they were. Cousin Caden kept them quite entertained. The boys got a lot of neat presents. They both got a Hawkeye stocking cap from Grandma and Grandpa K. They had already gotten their kitchen so that was their big gift from the Grandparents. They both got a White tractor from Aunt Erin and Uncle Nolan. That was a BIG hit and they love them. They also got some books, puzzles, nesting cups, and a hand me down toy guitar. After spending Christmas with the family we went and visited Grandma W in the hospital. Then we made a quick stop at McDonald's for a couple hungry boys and headed home.

Saturday, January 9th we had 2 family gatherings. My Aunt Marline and Uncle Bruce rented a big room and we celebrated there. Just about everyone was able to make it except for Aunt DeAnna, Uncle Mark, Lydia and Leah. We had a great time. The room was quite large so I brought the boys playland tent to play with and I think that was a hit. The boys behaved quite well and enjoyed running around with Bjorn, Norah and Addison. By 4:00 they were really tired and both ready for naps. Ross and I joined in on the Grab Bag again this year. I ended up with a label maker which is really nice because I intend on organizing the boys toys as soon as I can get my 9 cube shelf. Ross ended up with a mini flashlight which is great too. It seems we are in need of smaller flashlights now and then.

At 5:00 we headed to my parents. I don't think we were out of the parking lot and Caleb was asleep. Isaac was asleep before we were out of Arnolds Park. We ended up driving around for a while so that they could get a quick nap in. Then we went to my parents and celebrated there. We had a great time. The boys ended up with some nice toys and clothes. The biggest hit was their big dump trucks. Bjorn got one too, but he was quite content to play with his basketball, football and soccerball. The little kids exchanged names this year and I held the master list. We had a little bit of a mix up and poor Emily came out short handed. I felt pretty bad for her, but it was a pure mistake. We'll just have to be careful next year.

Here are some pictures from the Christmas celebrations!!!!

Uncle Nolan with his nephews...Isaac, Caleb & Caden


Isaac trying out Caden's old boots


Isaac kissing Aunt Erin for a drink of pop


Aunt Erin and her nephews...Isaac, Caleb & Caden


Caleb trying out the guitar


Caleb trying out Caden's boots



Boys trying out their new tractors


Isaac and cousin Norah


All the little kids at the Johnson Christmas~
Caleb (18 mo.), Isaac (2), Emily (8), Daryan (12), Bjorn (16 mo.)
Norah (3), Kim (13) (Colton 2 mo.) Addison (3)


Caleb (18 mo.) Bjorn (16 mo)


Johnson Family Christmas ~ (Front row) Michelle, Kim,
Colton, Emily, Daryan, Bjorn (2nd row) Ryan, Grandma J,
Grandpa J, Amber, Isaac (3rd row) Di, Dad, Mom, Norah,
Addison, Marline, Bruce, Caleb, Ross (back row) Chad,
Will, Travis & Juli


Isaac opening presents


Caleb with Grandma J

1 2 3 Magic

Ross and I have been trying to find the "perfect" way to parent/discipline Isaac. He's a very very strong willed little boy and he's 2 so it's the perfect combination for disaster. I have been quite stressed out with him, especially when it comes time to meals. I've tried a few different things, but nothing has seemed to work and I end up frustrated and upset and Isaac the same. Our good friend JoAnne told us about 1 2 3 Magic. I've been reading the book and we've been watching the video. I am completely amazed at how quickly Isaac has caught on and how much easier it has been. It's so much more enjoyable with him in the evenings.

1 2 3 Magic is a way of disciplining/parenting children ages 2-12. You allow the child time to shape up. If the child receives a 3 they are to go to "time out" or "rest". It's a way of counting them without emotion and most importantly without talking too much. I've been doing this with Isaac for about 2 weeks now and the changes have amazed me. By the time I get to 2 he usually shapes up and it's not THAT often that he has to serve time out.

I'm so thrilled with this and I intend to keep using it. I've been trying it with Caleb which is working somewhat, but he's still a little young for it yet. I don't have to put him in time out very often, but he's now 18 months old and catching onto all the tricks big brother has pulled.

This weekend we have 2 more Christmas celebrations. I'll be able to post some pictures after that. We're looking forward to spending time with family. Isaac is looking forward to seeing his cousins. I also turn 30 this weekend. I can't believe I'm ending my 20's in a few short days. I can't say I'm real excited about turning 30 but I hope that just means many more happy years to come!

That's all for now. I'll check back soon with Christmas pictures and a well-check update on Caleb.