Some things we learned on our weekend getaway with 3 kids, 5 and under. Very intriguing, I know.

1.  Ice cream for lunch? Yes, please.

Last Friday we told the kids we were going to the beach-which was a little mean because we didn't tell them that first we had to drive almost 4 hours, then daddy had his meeting, and after the meeting we would go to the hotel.  We also didn't tell them that it would be pouring down rain. So after we dropped off Dan at the church, I promised them Chickfila complete with playground. But then to my complete shock, the Chickfila in Panama City was Drive-Thru only!!! Total bummer. So off we went to McDonald's (which also did not have playground) so.... hot fudge sundaes were ordered for all.

2. Welcome Bikers! (And minivans...)

After we finished lunch, Dan called and said he would be a few more hours, so we drove to the hotel to check-in. As we were driving closer to the beach, we noticed that we were surrounded by the thundering sound of motorcycles- I came to realize that it is Bike Week in Panama City Beach.  Kolbe was thrilled!  And "Born to be wild" became our weekend theme song.

3.  Indigestion is inevitable.

Obvious one, but eating every meal out was exhausting. During two of the meals Kolbe had potty accidents. And during every meal we felt like we were at a circus. But kids are kids and we made it through. barely. ;)

                                       

4. Coffee is necessary. Maybe multiple cups.

 

I was close to tears when we walked outside Saturday morning and it was still cold and rainy. But a delicious breakfast and warm coffee helped a lot.

5. It is possible to still have fun at the beach when it rains.

Fun times at Gulf World!

6.  Emma's new dream is to be a dolphin trainer.

Now I know that many go through the "I want to swim with dolphins" stage. But trust me, she is different, I mean she is almost part mermaid herself:

7. The sun will come out tomorrow (or in the afternoon).

8. One free drink courtesy of the hotel is always appreciated.

9. We love our universal Church!


On Sunday, we headed north to Eufaula, Al (About a 3 hour drive) for Mass and for the parish's Family Day. We were invited by the pastor and it was so fun to go be a part of their community for the afternoon.

Our kids had so much fun with the other kids. Emma even got to play musical chairs with Buckaroo Bear (who was actually Fr. Shoemaker and he was promoting their vacation bible school! The kids loved him!)

And after a fun afternoon, we made the 4 hour drive home...I think we had to stop only 6 times...

10. So Worth it.

Traveling with kids is definitely not relaxing. But struggling through the indigestion at meals, the whining in the car, and the tears when they fall or are tired, is so worth it for the all of the smiles and memories we created as a family.

Maybe next time we will be even more adventurous and attempt a 4 day vacation...Born to be Wild... :)

Joining Moxie Wife for 5 Favorites!

1.

Fresh Flowers

If I could, I would have a vase of beautiful roses in my kitchen all of the time.  When I walk in my kitchen and it is an absolute wreck, but then in the midst of the darkness and clutter, there is a vase of flowers, everything would be alright.... 

2.

 Family Weekend Getaway. Who doesn't love that?! Dan has a meeting on Friday in Panama City Beach and we are going with him! Ocean, sand, pool, and sunscreen, here we come!

3. 

A phone call from a dear friend.

I am awful about making phone calls, which I know I need to work on. But I got a call from this girl the other night and it was such a gift. 

4. 

Matt Maher's new album. Love it.

5.

Our porch. 

Dan built our patio last year and we recently decided to screen it in. It is awesome! We are now outside all of the time. Definitely a new fav.

Now click on over to see more! 

Don't worry, because I know you have been...this Johnson Party is alive and well. Last week Dan was in St. Louis for a couple of nights and then in Montgomery.  On the nights he was home we took care of kids with the stomach bug. He was sooo glad he didn't miss out on that. We were also in charge of a ministry event on Saturday and with lots of help, especially from my family, it was great!

The ministry event we planned was a mother and daughter tea that was co-sponsored by Dan's office and a local parish. It was an event for girls 10-12 and the point of the tea was to talk to them and their moms about God's plan for growing up and becoming women and how being a woman is unique and beautiful.  Wonderful ministry...but Mrs. Shy One over here had to give the main talk, because obviously Dan couldn't....and it was probably the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. Harder than birthing a 10 lb 6 oz baby with zero epidural. And no, I am not exaggerating.  I was so thrilled when it was over and thanks to the Holy Spirit I think it went pretty well.  And because God seems to enjoy pulling us out of our comfort zones, I get to give this talk again on Thursday. So pumped.

Enough about me, the kids are much more interesting:

While at my parents house Emma asked if she could bring this life jacket home so she could wear it to school. I won that conversation...

But lost this one...This is what Emma wore to school yesterday:

Yep, it is her "cast" because she had a "scrape" on her knee....I am dreaming of a white and green uniform...

When I picked her up from school, the "cast" was in her backpack. Her teacher was laughing because once Emma was around her friends she was healed of  her broken scrape. That and she couldn't bend her knee when sitting at her desk.

 Kolbe tried to wear this to bed last night:

He eventually realized that it might not be that comfortable for sleeping.

Joshua has not gotten into wearing safety gear yet, although now that he is close to walking, it might not be a bad idea! His favorite place to be is in his highchair. YUM.

89.6% of the time these three are making messes and definitely keeping us on our toes...and then there are sweet moments like this:

They DO love each other!!  ;)

Today is a special day! 

Today is Grammy's birthday!

Emma Rose loves Grammy because:

"She gives us the best presents and sends me letters.

She has a cat named biscuit.

She lets us play with the barn

and she gives us big hugs!"

Kolbe loves Grammy because:

"She lives with Papa

and she gives us mail,

because we play swords at her house too."

Joshua loves Grammy's hugs and kisses!

We love you Grammy and wish we could spend the day with you and Papa!

Yes, unfortunately (and sometimes fortunately) our kids are growing up.  It is amazing how they manage to change weekly, it's hard to keep up sometimes.... 

So I thought it would be fun to link up with the Mrs. Bean over at Bean in Love and write a little update on my three goobers.

1.

This week we went shopping for Emma's school uniforms that she will wear for KINDERGARTEN next year. Can't believe it. I was nervous to take my rowdy crew to the uniform store being that I chose the most ideal time to go- right after lunch, i.e. nap time. But thankfully the employees were so helpful and gathered everything she would need. Emma did have one meltdown in the dressing room. She DID NOT want to wear the collared puffy-sleeve shirt. JUST the DRESS, MOMMY!  She calmed down when she got to pick out a matching headband...I am not a fan of bribery....not really....

Above: Proudly modeling what she has to wear next year and then an example of what she likes to wear now. She was still wearing the scarf when I picked her up from school. She has her own style and I actually might miss the clothes battles in the mornings next year....

Emma is also very affectionate with Joshua and loves to be a "little mommy."

 

Emma is also a DAN'S GIRL 100%. And nope, my feelings are never hurt when all of the artwork that comes home from school says it is for him and not me. All of the artwork actually says "To DAN Love EMMA."  I think it is hilarious, Dan, not so much. He said, "I am Daddy, not Dan, I don't want to hang up artwork that says 'to Dan love Emma'...I am her daddy!" So yesterday we had lessons on how to write "Daddy."

Best Friends

2.

Now Kolbe...Kolbe, Kolbe, Kolbe...he is just like his daddy...a smooth talker and oh that grin...it is so hard to get mad at him. Even Dan has a hard time keeping a straight face when disciplining this kid. 

We are currently in the trenches of potty training. We are "late" in doing this according to the rest of the world, but I am ok with that. He is now ready and he is so proud of himself when he goes by himself. So there you go.

He is on the chocolate and sour cream diet. Haven't heard of it? Me either.

He loves to play ball and roll around in the dirt. He is also getting really good at playing house with his big sis. He looks up to her so much and sometimes watching them play just makes my heart melt. Kolbe also is talking so much more and he says the cutest things:

Walking out of his room this morning with sleepy eyes, "I saw my bruder crying.  Can we get out the awful maker and eat awfuls? I will get the horks."

3.

Joshua is 10 months old and on the move. You can tell he is the third child because he will crawl off while I am cooking or something and then I ask the older two to play the "who can find Joshua first" game. Emma and Kolbe love this game and so do I.  Probably bad, I know. He is usually found in my shower or here:

Waving his white flag.

He is getting so big and just wants to play and do everything his siblings do.

Joshua is fluent in grunting. And this little big guy loves to eat. Anything and everything. Edible and unfortunately inedible. 

He is still very attached to his mommy- which I love, but it does make it hard to get anything done sometimes...but he is sooo snuggly and I am just trying to remind myself to enjoy it because I now know it won't last forever.

And here is one last pic of our growing family, curtesy of Emma Rose:

Emma is left-handed, so I think that is why she sometimes writes her name backwards, maybe? And once again, the whole "Dan and Lauren" thing. I promise she doesn't call us that at home. Dan and I have an ongoing discussion about whether or not his hair is black or very dark brown...Emma cleared that one up for us. And I am digging my red jumpsuit...

That's all for now folks!

Now if you haven't already, click on over to BeaninLove to read about those precious bean twins!