Seattle-Megan's Wedding, August 2011

Megan and Matt got married in August in the Seattle area. They got married on Lake Washington and it was a great party. Bubbie, Raegan and I went to Seattle for a few days. We stayed with mom and dad's friend, the Grohs. We stayed just outside of the Seattle area on Snoqualmie Ridge. Such a pretty place and also the town that Chris and Katy live in. We had so much fun spending time with the William's crew and of course doing some Seattle touristy things while we were there. I wish we could visit the William's every year. I miss having them close and my girls just adore them.

Gatlinburg-Novak Family Reunion

Bryan's family decided to have a mini family reunion this summer. We met somewhere in the middle of all 6 families, in Gatlinburg, TN. There was a lot to do, too much and a lot of time to spend with family. Unfortunately Clay and his family weren't able to make it. But we had a blast spending time with Beth and Rachel's families and of course Patti and Larry. We rented a great 4 bedroom condo. This place was awesome and had so many ammenities. We were able to do a few family meals and spend time together at the pool. While we were there we also visited Dolly Wood and Ripley's Aquarium. We also took all of the girls white water rafting and zip-lining, along with the Chorley gang. It was so much fun. The kids had a blast and it was great to spend time with Bryan's extended family that we don't see enough.

Hot Springs Village

We headed out for the Novak family reunion and decided to take a stop in HSV on the way up. We spent a day there before getting in the car and going the rest of the way to Tennessee. The girls were able to get on Becky and Larry's boat and go tubing. They also spent some time on the beach and of course fed the fish in Becky's babbling brook. It was nice to spend time at mom and dad's new place, however short that time was.

Soccer with the Dallas Cowboys!

Raegan attended a Katskills camp this summer. It was indoors and she needed a break from the heat. The camp was just so-so but the best part of the camp was getting to play with several Dallas Cowboys! The guys were there training due to the NFL lockout. They took part of the field the girls were playing on. They got to scrimmage with the football players and play a few fun games with them too. The girls had a blast. Some of the football players there (that I can remember) were Miles Austin, Teddy Williams, Doug Free, Buehler, McGee, the backup quarterback, and several others. So fun!!!

Johnson Girls' Beach Trip 2011

This year was our 8th annual trip to Rockport/Port Aransas. This was Raegan's year to bring a friend. She chose Kylee DeLong, a buddy she's played soccer with for several years. The girls all had a blast together. We started the trip with a day at the beach and our trip to the dolphin boat. Of course we saw T-Joe there. Ellie was a mad woman on the boat but everyone else had a grand time. The girls got along so well together and really enjoyed the beach this year. Ellie was great on the beach too. We didn't run into much seaweed like last year, which was nice. But we did see lots of jellyfish on the last 2 days there, which was a bummer. We didn't spend as much time in the water those last two days. As usual, we can't wait to go back next year. Grandma and Grandpa Bowers really provided their grandkids and great grandkids with a wonderful place to go and relax as a family. I'm certain they would be happy watching the kids play and enjoy their beach.

RIP Spooky Man- July 5, 2011

We got Spooky Man in March of 1999, so that Mexi Kitty would have a playmate. Bryan and I were still living in a one bedroom apartment. The cats ran crazy in there and were our first babies. Spooky Man was a weird cat and for the first 8 years or so would eat holes in anything and everything. If clothes were left out, Spooky Man would chew a hole right through them. He once chewed off the corner of a leather couch. He was weird but such a loving cat. He enjoyed sleeping with the girls and really loved on the twins when they were babies.

Spooky started going outside when we put the dog door in in 2008. He loved it outside. He rolled in the grass and would wait for us on the front porch. Unfortunately an animal found his way into our yard on the night of the 4th. Spooky Man is greatly missed. Not a week goes by that Raegan doesn't say she misses him and misses him cuddling with her. RIP Spooky.