Big Sky Country (JFR 2009)

In an earlier post, you might recall that we suggested holding the next Johnson Family Reunion (JFR) at Glacier National Park (GNP). There wasn't much response to this suggestion, but we did a bit of research anyway, since group lodging quickly fills far in advance at Glacier. We researched doing a cabin like in Wyoming where we all can stay or doing separate hotel rooms, and the group cabin turned out to be the cheapest. Here is a link to the cabin we found:

http://www.haymoonresort.com/LODGING/northstar.htm

It does require a 4 night minimum stay which, after the Montana 7% bed tax, would bring the lodging total to $147 per person for a four night stay. (Rates go up slightly after Feb. 1st, 2008). We thought it might be convienient to hold the reunion around the 4th of July and know that the cabin has no current bookings for the month of July, 2009.

We're also researching a Bed and Breakfast that we hope to have more info on after talking to someone there. Here's the link to it:

http://www.badrock.com/index.html

Let us know who's interested. We're definitely planning on going to Glacier that summer, and think it would be a great place to hold a JFR. There aren't many places that compare to the beauty of Glacier as seen above, so how can you resist? If we plan on it now, it gives everyone

1 1/2 years to save money and plan for transportation. The good news is that it's conceivably within driving distance for most everyone. See below:

Idaho Falls: 434 mi – about 6 hours 48 mins

Salt Lake City: 646 mi – about 9 hours 38 mins

Springville: 693 mi – about 10 hours 23 mins

Arvada: 1,018 mi – about 14 hours 36 mins
Las Vegas: 1,064 mi – about 15 hours 28 mins

Pittsburgh: 2,056 mi – about 1 day 8 hours

Share your thoughts! We're waiting...

Christmas in the 'Burgh

We had a Merry Christmas in Pittsburgh and have a few pictures to share. I never take as many as I intend to on Christmas Day, so some are from a day or 2 after the big celebration. We had a Christmas house guest who made his way into a couple of the shots. We are very ready for Otto's mommy and daddy to come pick him up this evening. We never thought we'd meet another soul more needy than our boys, but this Christmas we did.

Christmas In Idaho Falls - 2007

Here are some pictures of Christmas in Idaho Falls. As evidenced by the pictures, Riley and Macie made out like Queens. We are just waiting for the broken limbs to occur due to the rollerskates and trampoline.

KJ needs a new shoe...

I'm sure it is no secret to our family, my co-workers and now UTA commuters in SLC, that I LOVE my freaky shoes. So if anyone is wondering what to get me for Christmas, feel free to go onto Zappos.com, find the craziest size 13 you can find and order me only the left shoe. (There's got to be a market for single shoes out there with all the amputees hobbling around and tipping over out there. Maybe my million $ idea...ANYWAY)

The reason I need the new shoe is because I rammed my foot so far down my gullet with my last blog rant that I can't seem to retrieve my shoe. Everytime I burp it tastes like rubber. If only I had put that Heinze horseradish sauce on it. Next time.

This is the part where I apologize to Valerie for being a jackass (me being the jackass not her). Certainly she and Todd have a lot on their plate right now. I obviously wasn't taking anyone else's situation into account when I let me fingers do the walking and my brain do the napping. But coming from a dad of two girls, I can say with some authority on the subject, that T&V are great parents and have amazing kids. There is no debating that my fiesty little 4-yr-old niece is giving Todd premature gray hair. Good. He deserves it. :-) But don't be discouraged. Riles is, and always will be, a head-strong individual. Heaven knows there are a few of those types who have done the doggie paddle around the Johnson gene pool over the years. In the meantime, hang in there. If you need to send her to Uncle KJ's Boot Camp for Nieces and Midgets (the two markets were too small to stay afloat on their own) send her on a long-distance field trip. I don't have any magic tricks or wise advice to give when it comes to raising kids, but I can take her everywhere I go on the bus and train and keep her occupied during my adventures downtown. It helped Wendy and me with both Bubba and The Weasel.

In conclusion (finally) let it be known that I concur that there are more important things than a $15 gift at Christmas. Fortunately, in our family, there is no doubt in anyone's mind whether they are loved....no matter what (I can attest to this personally from many situations that have occured in my life. I've never felt any judgement or lack of support. Thanks) so in actuality, a small gift is just a simple token of a much larger, more important gift that could never be purchased, packaged or EVER returned.

If you need anything T&V, just say the word.

KJ

Our chumpty little ELVES???

Apparently I have too much time on my hands, but hopefully the result will be entertaining for the rest of you!! Watch our little elves get dddooowwwnnn!! :)

(You have to click on the link below to see the action!!)

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1530892445

Let's hear it for ME!!

I just submitted the grades for my class, and I am happy to have it over with! Whew! Here's hoping that I don't find reasons to stress and second-guess...that became a hobby of mine this semester. It was a good experience, but I am GLAD it is over and look forward to having some free time on my hands! Free time...what's that??

On a completely unrelated note, here's a picture from my Disneyland adventure with Jamie. There are many more to share, but this will be a little teaser for you!

Riley's 4th B-Day/Santa Clause/Snow

Here are a few pictures of Riley's Birthday and the happenings since.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

We got our first good snow storm last week and here are some pictures of us having some fun. Notice in the last couple of pictures the boys are in melt-down mode and ready to go inside. I love how it takes 20 minutes to put all the winter gear on, and I'm lucky if I can get the boys to stay outside for 15 minutes! Although, Felix and I did spend almost an hour out one day while Rex was napping. So far there have been no black eye sledding incidences. We'll keep you posted.

Hurricane Rex

I noticed that I have a series of pictures of Rex singlehandedly destroying the house. (Felix does his fair share, too.) I feel like we live in a pig sty and here's why. Also is a picture of the little piggy's stitches.