Family Reunion

The Johnson family reunion was a smash hit! 32 Johnson/Sodergren family members were at our house today. Thank God for nice weather. Everything was a smashing success. My favorite part was the three event Toilet Paper Olympics. The events included a relay race, poetry crafting (an Ode to Toilet Paper) and the TP Wrap. Here are some finer moments. The boys also had some fun times with the other kids. The only bad note is that Derek's dad, Bryant, wasn't able to make it. He started having chest tightness on Saturday and is hospitalized. He will be having a double bypass on Monday. Please keep him in your prayers.

Visitors from Japan

We enjoyed our visit with Jeff and Melissa who traveled from Okinawa Japan to visit us. We also had Greg and Anna in from Chicago. We filled the three days we had with a great mini golf outing. Greg had a difficult start-you know what I mean Greg!- but all managed to play very well. Tyler was adorable as a little golfer. He was so serious and wouldn't accept any help. I think he had a few holes where he made par, honest to goodness. Papa Bryant is so proud. We followed up that event with a night out for the siblings. We went to Dave and Busters and had dinner and then played arcade games. Head to head competition has never been so much fun.
The following day everyone came to our house for dinner. We played a rousing game of run-down-also known as pickle. We were joined by Uncle Vic and cousin Eric from Iowa. The impressive play of the night was when Nate slide tackled Uncle Vic. RESPECT YOUR ELDERS, BOY! Hopefully no one was too sore the next day. There is something to be said for those good old backyard games. The next day we all went out on a pontoon boat on Lake Minnetonka. We stopped for a swim and otherwise just motored around the lake. We ended our visit by being served an authentic Japanese meal. I can't believe my brother (with Melissa's help) is a better cook than me. Okay, I believe it. Though I have improved, somewhat. We wish we had had a longer time but maybe someday we can get out to visit them wherever they may be.

Backyard Baseball

And so it begins. Backyard baseball at its best. The boys have fun hitting the ball and running bases. Tyler has been enjoying fielding ground balls thrown to him. He throws it back and then jumps and giggles while it is in the air. He still says he wants to be a soccer player (and a drummer) but it is nice to know if that doesn't work out he has something to fall back on.

4 Generations

A grand time was had by all as four generations covering 84 years descended upon the Twin Cities. GeeGee and Papa Bob (my grandparents) as well as Cousin Jonathan took the train from California and spent four whirlwind days with us. We went to the Arboretum, Zoo, beach, playgrounds, and more. It was fun to see the kids playing with the relatives. Jonathan played with and entertained the boys so well.

All Boys Camping Trip!!!

The camping trip was a huge success! The boys enjoyed a pontoon ride, books by flashlight and visiting the Mississippi River headwaters. They also spent a day at an amusement park riding Power Wheels, playing miniture golf and riding the little train. The only bummer was the mosquitoes which were all attracted to Tyler who spent the weekend in various states of swelling. I do believe that this trip will be repeated in the future.

We love our Diego lunchboxes

4th of July

We enjoyed Eagan's 4th of July parade again this year. The boys have been so excited that they have been playing "parade" all week. We decorated their bikes, then Allie and I sit on the grass while they ride by on the sidewalk whipping candy at us point blank! They did get lots of candy and goodies at the parade. Only two marching bands this year. Derek laments the dwindling marching band programs every year as he is a former marching band geek (read: stud). I do hope there is something left for the kids once they reach high school, as interested in music as they are. Derek's band got to march in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA and also marched at Disney Land. I've seen the Disney Land Parade a few times. Don't you ever wonder if you crossed paths with your significant other long before they were significant? I plan on asking God when I get there. Another pass crossing potential is worth mentioning as the Boys (Danny, Tyler, Derek, three uncles and two papas) are having a camping trip at Lake Itasca. We both have historical pictures of our families gathered around the post proclaiming the start of the Great Mississippi River. I hope they are surviving the weather up there.