Rewinding to 4th of July weekend…

July started off quietly – no work, no activities, just playing and walking.  The 4th of July was cold and rainy this year, so plans for the parade were postponed to next year.  The Johnsen picnic was even postponed until the 5th.  Instead we decided to have an indoor “cookout” with sausages and brats.  It was fun having everyone over.  We played Wii and board games.

A lazy start to our rainy 4th.

Mary decided to build while waiting to see what the day’s event would be.

Mary was feeling generous with her attention, which made Grandma’s day!

Jack was excited that his Godmom (Aunt Melanie) could still pick him up – not much longer before he’s taller than all of us!

Katie wanted the cool headband (she wants to be just like Aunt Melanie).

I think Grandpa was getting an American Girl lesson from Grace and Katie.

Catching up (this may take some time)

I can’t believe it has been over two months since we’ve posted anything in our blog!  Oops?  School is now in full swing.  We have FINALLY redone our kitchen (we’ve only been talking about it for 3-4 years!).  We have all succumbed to and then overcome “swine flu.”  And that’s just part of October!  Soccer (finally) wraps up this weekend after a couple rainy Saturdays extended our season.  Our little Mary turns TWO on Saturday as well.  That one is hard to believe until she starts talking – she is extremely articulate, and she KNOWS what she wants (down to only a certain colored straw for her yogurt).  There will be no getting lost in the shuffle for our Peanut!  She *may* need a haircut sometime before kindergarten, but she definitely doesn’t yet.  I am assured that Melanie’s hair came in just as slowly, and Melanie has beautiful, thick, wavy hair now, so I’m hoping Mary follows suit.  We are heading into basketball season.  Jack is playing for an AAU team through the high school.  That brings back memories!  They are teaching them drills I learned in middle school.  It was great to show him the “correct” form for a lay-up (and show Bryan at the same time).  I still can do it – even 7+ months pregnant :)!  Grace is going to be playing for the YMCA and is very excited about playing.  Katie is going to finally start dance classes – somewhere!  And we are trying to start getting ready for baby #5.  Everyone is very excited.  The kids have all decided the best Christmas present this year is the baby.  We feel really blessed as we begin to think about Christmas and the baby that made the first Christmas.