Paxton is 5!

We took the decorations down and wrapped up Christmas to ring in our middle child's FIFTH birthday on the 28th! With his birthday so close to Christmas, I make it a point to have the holiday all wrapped up so we can put all well-deserved focus on the birthday boy. And his day started out with donuts for breakfast. And in this family, you get a candles to blow out at every meal! The boys were being silly, so Harlow took advantage and blew out the candle. That girl loves birthdays, so much so that we had to sing just to her once too, as though it was her special day. Paxton didn't mind sharing. 

He even let her open two of his presents, since she bawled the whole way through. She doesn't even care what she's opening as long as she's the one ripping the paper. Paxton was more than happy with his gifts, all Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Transformers stuff, he loves both! 

He got his pick for lunch and of course it was none other than Happy Joe's. A favorite of all the kids, just for the games. He's always been a little shy and skeptical of the singing, sirens, and horns, but he'll suffer through anything to get to that sundae. 

His second pick of the day was swimming. I snuck out with the boys while Harlow was napping, and she still doesn't know we left, so shhh!! This was a relaxing trip for me since the boys can swim on their own in shallow or deep. I spent most of the time in the hot tub watching from afar. Scoring their jumps into the deep. On the way home from swimming, Paxton said to me, "Mom, you make birthdays really fun!" Heart melted, day made! 

For supper, the whole family got together and went to Applebee's, then back to our place for cake, ice cream, and a few more presents. 

This boy has gone through many phases, and is currently the sweetest and the meanest of the bunch, depending on the day. He stays up the latest and wakes up the happiest. From the hours of 5pm-8pm every night he is wild, rambunctious and loud and it about drives us crazy. He does anything Hudson tells him to, and is always willing to include Harlow or play with her in her room (which is her favorite). He could drink a gallon of milk a day. He has the sweetest shy smile. He has some great ninja moves that he's awfully proud of. He could play the iPad or Kindle for hours on end. And he gives the best full-puckered lip kisses. He is the perfect middle child, happy to be included but content being on his own. We love him a whole lot (and maybe just a little less during that 5pm-8pm period). Happy 5th Birthday Packy!

elf on the shelf

One night I found Paxton sitting on the dining room table, just like this.......

I asked him what he was doing, and he didn't say a word. I asked again, "Paxton, why are you sitting on the table?" No response. Not even a blink, he kept smiling and didn't move a muscle. I gave up and asked Hudson if he knew why his brother was sitting on the table. He sure did! They were playing "Christmas". Hudson was "Santa", Harlow was "a little girl" and Paxton was "the elf on the shelf". His job was to sit there and watch over Harlow and see if she's being good or not so he could report back to Santa. Doesn't he make THE CUTEST elf on the shelf!?!! 

busy weekends

With all three kids in sports now, our weekends have already turned into running from place to place. Saturdays start with Hudson in basketball and then we head to Harlow's gymnastics (With 40 minutes in between. What do you do with 3 kids in the middle of winter, at 10 o'clock in the morning for 40 minutes??) We always pack the iPads, and Harlow usually has a doll and bag with her. Sunday is usually hockey for both boys. It's hit or miss if they want to go or not. Some days they're both into it, and other days we have to drag them there. And they feed off each other, so if one hates it, so does the other one. But if one loves it, then hockey is awesome!

Harlow still LOVES gymnastics! And I can see a complete difference in her from last season. She listens to the instructor, does exactly as she's asked, and waits her turn in line patiently. She doesn't run to the trampoline or ask to jump in the pit, she stays on task and generally loves to climb, swing, jump, and roll.

And "Ta-da!!!" is her favorite part!

Hudson isn't quite as enthusiastic about basketball but he's a trooper. And I have a slight suspicion that he likes it a little more than he lets on. He has lots of friends in it with him, including our cousin Alec. 

A couple weeks ago, we ran into the Snowman and Reindeer after hockey practice. Harlow fell in love with them immediately. Giving many hugs and kisses and happily posed for a picture. She was near tears when we had to leave because she wasn't sure if she kissed them good bye enough times. 

St. Nicks Day

This was the beautiful picture take on St. Nicks Day.....it may look like a choke hold by Paxton on poor Hudson, but it was all out of pure love, I'm sure of it! 

kids at work

After a late night of work, I got home and realized I had forgotten some important stuff in my office that I needed over the weekend, so I packed up the three  kids in their jammies (no coats, and Harlow without shoes!) and we drove the 60 miles round trip back to my office. The kids thought it was great! Hudson loved using my key card to get into the locked doors. He thought it was like a hotel. They've already been asking when they can go back to work with me.

They look much cuter at my desk!

I've been busy at work and haven't had time to decorate my office. Hudson found my bag of Christmas decorations and was appalled that I hadn't put them up yet, as decorating is a priority in his book. He took it upon himself to get my little tree up and any other decoration he could find. Harlow watched and Paxton drew me pictures to hang up.

Thanksgiving weekend....

Thanksgiving came and went a couple weeks back.....It was a busy day for the Johnsons as we had 3 places to travel to. First stop was Grandpa Ray's in New Ulm, then to Grandma Sharon's in Nicollet, and then Uncle Lon and Vicky's in Hanska. The kids all survived with no naps and very full bellies.
Before our adventures started, as usual, I asked for a nice picture together. Clearly a lot to ask for from a 6 year old, almost 5 year old, and 2 year old (going on 14!!!). Hudson was mad because he wanted to be on the other side of Harlow but Paxton wouldn't move, obviously. Harlow was pretty good, but gave me the fakest, not-quite-a-smile smile she could muster. All in front of our naked tree. Needless to say, this picture did NOT make it on our Christmas card this year!

My mom had to work on Thanksgiving and through the night, but she was a trooper and got up with us for some Black Friday shopping.

We hit up the traditional Parade of Lights Friday night and then had supper at Lamplighter. Harlow LOVED the parade, loved loved loved it! She waved and yelled "Merry Pittmas" at almost every float. And her eyes lit up when Santa came by.

Our tradition for years has been to go see Santa the Friday after Thanksgiving, but they switched it up on us this year and moved Santa's visit to Saturday. And on this day, the kids gave me a good picture. Notice Hudson is on the side he wanted to be on!! Made a world of difference!

Meeting the jolly old guy. They waited in a looooong line to see this guy. Hudson asked for 3 scary costumes and a crayon melter. Paxton asked for a fire truck and police car (which I'm pretty sure he has asked for nearly every year he could talk!). And even though her brothers tried talking for her, Harlow stood her ground and asked Santa for a doll and a stroller for her doll. And like every year before, the "Santa" in this family was unprepared for some of their requests and needs to do a little more shopping than originally planned.

Lastly, on Sunday we celebrated Grandma's birthday. Look at those happy, smiling, overly excited kids for their Grandma!! Evident that we love her bigger than the world.

life lately

So it's been awhile since we've had an update, so here's the gist of what's happening in the Johnson household.....

I continue to visit Hudson during his school lunches. I volunteered to help his class at the beginning of the year through October, and since that ended, I try to just go and eat with him whenever I can. However, he recently mentioned that I hadn't been there in a looooooong time (even though it was really only 2 weeks), and I do love going so I was sure to surprise him and show up the next day.

It was sports team day at school and one of his best buddies, Crosby, wore the Vikings rival Green Bay Packers. Man those two are cute aren't they?? I think girls will be fighting over them.

We celebrated Maddi's 26th birthday a couple weeks ago. At her request, we all went bowling!

Teeny tiny bowling shoes!!

Hockey started and the boys in this family sure have the cutest fan in the stands! I'm sure to bring enough snacks to get this girl through their hour long practices. I wish I could bring myself a heated blanket because it is freezing in that arena!

Here they are, the hockey players. They are on the same team this year, New Ulm Eagles PURPLE! I was kind of hoping they'd be on different teams so they separate a little, branch out and not be so attached at the hip, but they are glad they're together. We can already notice improvements since last year. Paxton is FAST!!! Like, flying across the ice fast! And Hudson is a pro at stopping.

This girl is still trouble! By far the most trouble of all the kids! She still pulls that kitchen chair up to wherever she needs to get to. Even though she doesn't need the chair, she can climb on top of anything using just her legs and arms. On this particular day, she found her way to the baking cabinet and discovered a bag of chocolate chips. I asked her what she was doing and she said, "nothing", so I asked her what she had under her hands and again, "nothing"! She's sneaky!

We've been playing a lot of our new favorite game, "Funny Faces". You have to try and make the funny face on the card you pick. It can get pretty hilarious, and Hudson is really good at it!

Soon Hudson will start basketball and Harlow will start gymnastics, and our lives will be lived constantly on the go! Such is life with three great kids. 

Halloween Day and Night

So Halloween has come and gone and we had parties, went trick-or-treating, and have eaten loads of candy since!
The festivities started Halloween day with Hudson's party at school. I was lucky enough to volunteer to help the class. Since Hudson's actual Halloween costume is a little too scary for Kindergarten, he opted for his Mario costume instead. He was the cutest toothless Mario ever, which says a lot because there were probably about 20 other Marios! Along with 50 Elsa's from Frozen! Man alive that was a popular costume!

His kindergarten class all dressed up. I am so thankful I'm able to volunteer for these special activities and occasions. I love getting to know his friends by name and seeing them interact, so when Hudson comes home with a story about Rowan, or Crosby, or Landon, I know who he's talking about.

After school and work, the kids got all dressed up and ready for trick-or-treating. Since they are masked and completely unrecognizable, I'll give you- From left to right; Hudson the "Death Warrior", Harlow the "Doll", and Paxton is "Leonardo, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle". Aren't they the scariest, cutest, and toughest kids ever!?!?! And they loved their costumes!

OMG, I die of sweetness!!!! She did such a good job trick-or-treating. Running behind to keep up with her fast brothers (who found it necessary to run to each and every house!). She said trick-or-treat and thank you, and received numerous compliments on how adorable she was. She was even patient enough to put all the candy in her bag and not insist on eating it as we went.

We stopped at Hudson's teacher's house and met up with his best bud Crosby and his family. Hudson has THE BEST kindergarten teacher! We all love her and Hudson is really hoping Paxton gets her next year, and I'd love it as well!

Hudsy and Crosby

All the kids stuck it out trick-or-treating for awhile, and before we hit up the big State Street hoopla, I asked Grandma to take Harlow back to Sheri's house because I simply could not imagine having her on that crazy, scary, dark street. I took the boys, hand in hand, and never let them out of my sight. There are hundreds of kids with police officers at the end of blocks. With fog, smoke, loud music, zombies, and ghosts, this place is right up Hudson's alley! He loves it! He is in his element, all except for the long lines. And when Paxton got too cold and tired, Hudson just wasn't ready to be done yet, so we dropped Pax off at Sheri's house and Hudsy and I went back out for more. When I told him that there just wasn't that many houses left with lights on, he insisted, "Well then drive me to a street that does have their lights on!" So we went back to State Street for the second time! I was careful though to make sure he wasn't doubling up on houses and candy. This kid lives for Halloween! And there was a couple times throughout the night when I was walking with them, that I made the conscious effort to always remember these times, to keep these memories and hold them tight. We had so much fun together.

1st lost tooth

Hudson had his first loose tooth last week and didn't tell a single soul. He and I were playing a game when I thought I noticed a space between his teeth. It was so loose that he could pull it all the way back, according to him it had been loose for "like 100 days". I asked him why he didn't tell and he didn't really have an answer, but knowing him the way I do, it was likely to avoid the very reaction he got out of me!! I smothered him with kisses, asked a million questions, and got teary-eyed. All of which he said was "weird". He went to bed and when I woke him the next morning for school, he told his tooth had fallen out through the night. I asked him a million questions, but all he said was "I don't know, but it's right here", pointing to a tiny white tooth laying on his bed.

The Tooth Fairy came the next night, leaving five SPARKLY dollars and a letter. He also thought that was "weird". I asked him to smile for a picture and he told me that from now on he'd have to smile with his mouth closed because he looks silly without a tooth. I assured him that everyone loses their teeth and he's still the cutest 6 year old there ever was. He has a second loose one already.

a walk in the woods

With the gorgeous weather yesterday evening, we decided to talk a little walk in the woods. Jamie wanted to show the boys where his deer stand is this year for the park hunt. I asked him several times if it was a walk we could all physically do, and he assured me it was, even Harlow (and me!). And it was beautiful, I wish we had gone a couple weeks earlier to really take in the changing colors. But nothing could really beat 65 degrees and sunny. Each kid took a turn go climb up the deer stand and Jamie showed them where the deer would be coming through if there were any, but I'm pretty sure these three kids scared the deer (and squirrels, and chipmunks, and birds, and probably even insects!) away the second they stepped foot in the woods. 

Hudson's Field Trip

When Hudson's teacher emailed parents asking for chaperones to go on the field trip to the State Park, I immediately replied, "Yes! I'm in!". Thankfully when I asked Hudson later that day if he'd like me to go with, he said he did. He said anything that I could go with to, he wants me there. That's my boy! I hope he still feels that way when I want to chaperone his 8th grade dance!! Ha! I love watching him with his friends, I love seeing the interaction, and I love how proud I am of the way he behaves and treats everyone. An example; another girl in his class was really hoping for an orange magnifying glass and when Mrs. Maudal handed her a small clear one she was disappointed. Later on she noticed that Hudson had an orange one and she told him that was the color she wanted. Without even thinking he immediately told her that he would switch with her if she wanted. Her eyes lit up and she smiled and quickly grabbed that orange magnifying glass. Such a simple act that I'm sure Hudson didn't realize was kind, and I'm so glad I was there to see it.

The class hiked on the trails, searching for signs of fall; changing leaves, squirrels, log hotels (what they call fallen logs with holes that creatures can live in), chipmunks, deer (which a loud, excited class of 5/6 year olds have no chance of spotting!), and pumpkins (didn't find those in the woods so I told the kids to look out the windows on the bus and they'll find some in front of houses they pass). After a long hike, we stopped for a snack, a class picture, and they played a game called Predator and Prey.

Hudson and one of his best buddies, Rowan.

During the Predator and Prey game, Hudsy was hiding behind this tree with a girl in his class. They were trying to hide from the predator and didn't have much room, so the girl grabbed Hudson and moved him really close to her, which is when the giggling started. I couldn't hear what they were saying to each other, but it was the cutest thing I've ever seen! A little kindergarten flirting.

The class picture; Hudson is in the second row, third from the left.

The kids thought it was pretty cool that the water in the pool was drained making them a giant sand hole to run and play in. Even at 31 years old, I still thought that was kind of cool too.

I love my new role as a parent chaperone!! I can hardly wait for the Halloween party in a couple weeks!