Erik's Preschool Christmas Pageant

Erik Blaine had his first ever Christmas Pageant today. He did really well. There was no singing for him, but there was no crying either so I think it was a winner. At one point he saw me being one of those bad parents who kneel up at the front to video, and then at another point he started waving. He is such a good boy, he stayed right in place.

First Day of Preschool

Bittersweet perfectly describes Erik Jr's first day of Preschool. I was so happy to see him grow up and be out there doing his own thing, and then it made me really cry. I was able to hold it together until we got in the car and drove away. When I looked back I could see him getting on a smock to play in the water table. Somehow that moment tore down the wall.

These pictures show the journey to school and back in reverse. You may notice a couple things. One: He has on different clothing from begining to end. You would think he had a potty training accident, but you would be wrong. He just likes playing in the drinking fountian. Two: He left with a bump on his head. I think that he didn't know that it wasn't a good idea to run directly into moving bicycles. Now he does.

We have completed week two of school today. He is going two days a week, half the day. Now I am not the one crying. When EJ, his dad, picked him up on day two, one little boy shouted, in greeting as he left,"Bye Screamin Kid!"

Ride Horsey?

This past Sunday Erik Jr.got to ride on a horse for the very first time. His cousin Amy has a horse named Hawk that lives at a ranch out in Pine Valley. Our cousin Liesa's Family and ours met out at the horse resort, and Amy showed all of the little ones the ropes. Erik Jr. even got to ride Hawk. He wasn't super comfortable with the idea, but he tried it and did a great job.

Erik Jr. was very excited and talked about the horseys for days before we went and all the way there. Even now he tells random people we see in our comings and goings, "Ride Horsey!" Thank you Amy and Aunt Gwen for sharing your horses with us. It was a great, outing.

Happy Halloween!

It was yet another crazy fun Halloween. We went Erik's little buddy Simone's house for dinner and trick-or-treating again this year. We had a great time seeing them all play together. It is crazy to think that these kids were just babies together not long ago, and now they are the big kids you see here.

Two Years and Counting....

Erik Blaine Johnson Jr. is now two years old. I can't even believe it, but not in the tired way that everone says how time flies. For me it feels like two things in one. Part of me feels like he has been in my heart my whole life, even before he was concieved or I even knew his dad. The other part feels like I can't belive I ever lived a day without him. Like looking back on the days before he came into our lives seemed so sad and empty. He has been an amazing blessing to me. Seeing how he was made, how he grows, and how he learns just proves to how amazing God is.

My good friend Penny is a photographer in the making, so she offered to take picture of Erik for his second birthday. We had her eldest son, Rowen come along to offer some great entertainment for Erik Jr. hoping we could catch some good smiles. Quickly we both realized that they both move way to fast. =) So here are some beautiful shots she created, and then we hope to try again soon.

Enjoy!

He get's his way in Oklahoma

These are pictures from our last trip to Oklahoma.It was a whirlwind, last minute adventure that all started with a sad little text message from my sister-in-law, Nicole. She was lamenting on how much she wished she could share the 4th of July holiday with us. I happened to have a ticket sitting on my desk from my brother. I asked God and he made it happen. The next day we were on the first of many planes that would bring us to our family for the weekend.

I was looking back at the pictures today and realized that when we go home to see my family, this kid gets just about anything he wants. =) Here is the proof.

He gets to do the sweeping, one of his all time favorites. He also gets to wear fun clothes he borrowed from his cousins. This is especially meaningful to me, because my niece used to borrow my t-shirts to sleep in when she was a wee one, and now my son is borrowing t-shirts from her. =) It comes full circle.



Aunt Nicole, let him help water the flowers which of course led to drinking out of the hose, and his all time favorite, getting all wet.


Then of course, when it comes to strawberries, Erik J will not be denied. I am pretty sure he could have turned into a strawberry by the end. Aunt Nicole loves her Baby J.

On the way home from the airport, The Suiters had to stop to make sure Erik Jr had everything he needed. This stop included a wiffle bat. I think this picture explains the rest.

Then of course, after making the 4th of July cake he needed have his own beater to taste. Mmmmmm Good!


Of course in tradition Erik J style, he found something to jump off. So he spent quite some time jumping off the porch with Uncle Dabe! They had a great time. Then I got a bit of my wish and I got to see a real storm. I miss storms. It just sweats in San Diego. =)

Then after some hard playing, he needed a drink. When your on vacation you don't have to hold your own water. Your Grandma Chell will do it for you.

His Uncle Kirk even let Erik Jr. play with his walkie talkies! Breaker Breaker 1-9. Breaker Breaker 1-9.... this was followed by many games of chase with Emma and Lauren. Cousins are the best!

And then, when he was too tired to go on any longer, he had his Lauren to snuggle with. She shared her blanket and even shared her books.

Vacation- isn't it the life!