Friday, April 30, 2010

Family Dinner

We had an impromptu family dinner the other night, it was the first time we had the leaf in our new table and it was officially the most people I have ever cooked for.  Can you believe we still had leftovers!?!  
Starting with Nana Sue at the head of the table going left is: Logan, Leland, Stephanie, Kelsey, Sean, Gimpa, Norah, Greg, Tegan and Noah.

At the Coast with Gimpanana

April is closing with a special treat... Nana Sue and Gimpa are visiting all the way from Wisconsin!  We kicked off their visit with a trip to the coast.  They helped us do some research around Yachats to figure out wedding details.  If you are looking for more details about the wedding please check out our fancy new website!
www.theknot.com/ourwedding/sarahjohnston&gregmeyer
These are some fun pictures that will give you an idea of the terrain around the beach we are getting married at.  We caught a beautiful sunny day, hopefully we'll have the same luck this summer!

On the trail from the wayside to the house... 
it can get a bit tight, but it's easier than crossing the river!

The girl with her daddy


Clover blooms



Norah with Gimpa on the lawn of the Endless Sea cottage





Gimpanana in the flesh!

Norah catches a ride with Nana Sue.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Rainy Days

As winter turns to spring the clouds settle into the valley and give everything a long drink before the summer heat.  I love falling asleep to rain on the rooftop, but typically that's the extent my enjoyment.  This year, however, I have my own person ray of sunshine to take where ever I go.  This little girl loves to be outside, and that love does not fade in fair weather.  For Easter Norah got her very first pair of galoshes, a necessary purchase after soaking her other pairs of shoes.  When she steps out into the rain her first response is to look up, feeling the rain on her face, and smile.  Finding the nearest puddle is a close second.  

Bishop and Norah size up the swollen Willamette River

Mud puddle, mud puddle, make me a splash!

Squish!  Squish!

Norah splashes the girl in the puddle!

This was the point when galoshes became necessary.

Another favorite rainy day activity is going to Papa's Pizza.  It's brilliant really, all you can eat pizza and salad and a huge play area for the little ones!  I have a feeling my waistline may suffer!  

Baaa!


There's always time to lounge around the house on rainy days...

even Bishop can't get enough of the extra cuddle time!

Here's to the sunshine... in all it's many forms!

Thursday, April 1, 2010

A Walk in the Park

After brunch we headed to the park for some fresh air.  Norah went down the slide a couple of times and then spent the rest of the day being pushed in the swing.  She walks right up to the swing and says "Up!"  I love her ever increasing ability to communicate and interact with her surroundings!  There is not a day that goes by that she doesn't brighten my world.

Norah and Abigail

Norah gives the  swing a try





Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Sunday Brunch

On our last day in Minnesota we had a lovely Sunday Brunch at Grandma's house.  Lori and Abigail came all the way from Wisconsin to visit Miss Norah, I like to think they came to see me too, but really we all know who the main attraction is!  We even caught my Aunt Liz and Uncle Neil on their way through town, a delightful chance meeting!  

Abigail showed off her photography skills with my favorite muse, Miss Norah.
Good use of the shadows

This is just an amazing shot!  The morning light is just perfect!

Smiling AND looking at the camera!
I didn't think it was possible!

It's nice to be in a picture every now and then!

I'm thinking of hiring Abigail to continue this brilliant photo-documenting

Watching March Madness with Uncle Scott

Reunions are the BEST!!

Norah was excited to see Liz and Neil!

Auntie Lori steals Norah for a moment!

Auntie Katie and Super Lou

We had lots of fun visiting with Katie, Lou and John. 
Norah was amazed by all the cool things that Lou could do.


The girls with Auntie Katie

Lou taught Norah how to draw on the sidewalk with chalk.

Check out Lou's amazing artwork.

Lou is an expert bubble-blower

She taught Norah how to pop the bubbles, 
although Norah was more interested in watching them float by.

Katie detected a stinky baby butt

The girls with their girls

Don't these guys make the sweetest little family!

John's girls sure do love him!

Have you ever seen a pink monkey!?!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Johston Family Times!

We have had such a great time visiting everyone in Minnesota.  The weather even warmed up just for us!  Norah has just loved seeing everyone again, it is fun to see her recognize all her favorite Minnesotans!

Good times with Auntie Becca and Uncle Scott after a super skillet breakfast at Bunny's

Uncle Scott gives Norah a night cap

Wazzup west side!

Playing in Como park with Auntie Becca


Such a curious lil girl!

The girls in the park

Norah with Aunite Becca and Grandma!

Norah having fun on a bench with Grandma

Exploring nature with Auntie Becca!

Norah the Explorer!