Pandemonium (Christmas and Such part deux)

In preparation for Christmas I started with a bath. It was a good bath and I got clean. Mostly I just wanted to include this first picture. My aunt, uncle and cousin of the Smith persuasion came late on the eve of Christmas. So I took the opportunity to exert my dominance over Oliver. Not only am I three weeks older, but my head is much larger and therefore more able to do damage in ramming type situations.

Mommy and Grandmommy worked at preparing the meal while the rest of us steered clear. The most eventful part was when the kitchen sink decided to clog and so Daddy took it all apart, poked at it and found some excuse to get on the roof; but it was all to no avail. During this time the rest of my auntage and grandparentage arrived. They mostly steered clear from then on too. Despite the adversity the women made a delicious Christmas meal which all nine and two halves of us enjoyed around a slightly too small table. After the meal we said our goodbyes to the Butts and got started with the presents. Highlights of this day included an awesome rocking horse (compliments of aunt Courtney), LEGO, puzzles, a funky book and some blocks. In the end I have more toys now than I know what to do with. Some other notable additions to my four dimensional sphere of knowledge: Daddy got a cool helicopter thing that I like to watch, Mommy got a large ball which she exercises with, Grandpa likes to play Mario Kart, Daddy's garage is much noisier now, Mommy gets to buy new clothes and cook exotic things, Courtney makes cool rocking horses, Oliver is loud like me, Christmas is exhausting and messy too.

The next day those still around helped do the dishes. It's kinda hard without a kitchen sink, but the bathrooms worked well. Slowly they all left too and for the first time in a long while it was just the three of us again. I think we sat and let the silence engulf us for about three hours. It was blessed. Then we began cleaning the house and packing for our trip up north. We kicked the tree out and chucked the adorning gingerbread men. Then the real cleaning began. But honestly it was probably better with the hardwood floors than if it had been carpet. The place finally was clean enough and the packing done and we went to bed. Next, the trip.

Until then,

Addilyn Elise

Christmas and such (Part 1)

Hello all! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with lots of family, lots of food, and loads of fun. I certainly had an eventful last few days. Last weekend we made the trek halfway across the state of Kansas to visit the Grandparents de la Mommy (which would make them my great grandparents). Saturday we celebrated with Grandpa's family and Sunday we celebrated with Grandma's. We saw a lot of people I hadn't seen in quite a while and a few I had never even met before. The most noteworthy of the new introductions was between me and this little fellow named Dayne. He was born only 8 days ago and is the new son of Mommy's cousin Ashley. For being so little he was surprisingly mellow and alert. Mommy says that I was a little more sleepy at that age and judging from the fact that I don't remember that time at all, I'll agree. Once again, congratulations Ashley and Derek!

After another long drive and a roaring game of pinochle, we had our Christmas with the Butts' on Christmas Eve. It was loads of fun. With all the practice at the previous 2 celebrations, I really started getting in the opening present game. That paper is pretty cool stuff. I would like to do some more investigating into how that stuff works but I keep getting distracted by all the new toys and books!! Boy did I ever hit the jackpot. I even came away with a rocking green dinosaur. I'm still not sure if I'm ready to ride on it just yet but it is pretty cool to look at and pet.

So that brings you up to Christmas Eve. I will leave Christmas Day and thereafter until our next installment.

Until then,
Addilyn Elise

Vacuuming

Daddy and I were vacuuming and I thought I'd give the vacuum a piece of my mind.

Alright STOP!

Collaborate and listen, Addliyn's back with her brand new invention.



Yo check out the hook while my DJ revolves it.

For more icy pictures check out our web album.

Addilyn Elise

No Internet

So because of a nasty ice storm we are without cable (and therefore internet) for the foreseeable future. We have some pretty incredible pictures of the destruction (and of our adorable daughter) but you'll have to wait to see them. I hope you are all on the edge of your seats.

Stinky Mom/Daughter

So yesterday Erin turned out to be a horrible Mom/Daughter. She not only forgot to post her happy birthday wishes to her daughter on her 9 month birthday but she forgot to call her Mom on her birthday as well. Shame on you, Erin!!

To make up for that horrendous faux pas of a day she decided to dedicate an entire post to not only her daughter but her mother as well.

Happy 9 Month Addilyn!!

Happy Birthday Mom/Grandma!!

It Snowed

Look... it snowed yesterday. Snowy, snowy day. Hooray!

Look... We got a tree!!

That's right; we finally got our tree. We went out on Saturday afternoon to a local tree farm to pick out our tree. Nevermind that it was cold and rainy; we stuck it out and found a wonderful tree. And the best part is it was free!! A local church bought a tree farm last year and was giving away Christmas trees as a ministry and a way to clear the land. We even ended up attending church there the next morning (where some strange boy in the nursery tried to kiss me!!).

So the top picture is of the three of us (mostly Mommy and me but you can see the corner of Daddy's glasses at the edge of the picture) with our tree in the field. The next is of our car as we prepared to take it home. The third was of me after Daddy had put up the tree and started with the lights. It was my first sight of our tree in the house. And the last is of it all the way up and decorated. It's really pretty, isn't it? I'm especially fond of the lights and the red ornaments. I wonder what they'd taste like. Mommy's been watching me a little too closely for me to find out yet but I'll keep trying. I can be pretty stubborn when I want to be.

Until next time,

Addilyn Elise

Two posts in a day???

Oh, check out Addilyn's grip in Video two of previous post. Yeah, she's buff.

Hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way

Hello adoring fans! You'll have to excuse my absence as of late. I was away from the computer for much of the last week and when I returned I needed a couple of days to recover from the exhausting trip. What a four day weekend! As many of you I am sure know, Mommy, Daddy and I traversed the treacherous highways this past Wednesday in our quest for Grandpa and Grandma Butts' house. While the roads were a little slick and the atmosphere less than crystal clear, we persevered and made it to Kearney safely and with only a minor run in with an eerie patch of wind turbines (they would appear out of no where and then return back into the fog; creepy!). Regardless our car liked the trip; see video 1. Once in Kearney we enjoyed a weekend of food, family, and fun. Grandma prepared an exquisite meal on Thanksgiving complete with my new favorites of mashed potatoes w/ gravy, sweet potatoes, rolls with peach jam, peach pie, cool whip, pumpkin pie, etc. Great grandparents Diamond and Great Great Uncle Richard joined us in Kearney for Thanksgiving Day which was fun and meant that I got more than enough attention to slake the thirst of my budding ham within. Other notable events included meeting a wise, ancient sage in the form of a patchy-fur cat, and a hyperactive dog in the form of a hyperactive dog. It was a fun trip. This week has been fairly productive thus far. We almost got a Christmas Tree but we did manage to procure a stand. We almost bought a tree but it had an alien infestation and as everyone knows once you get those in your house, the never leave. Dad has been gone a little more often that usual at night. He joined a Hapkido school here in town; Mom is looking into joining the community center, and best of all tomorrow's payday. We are looking forward to hosting Christmas this year and making our plans accordingly. Should be fun.

Well, Mama wants to make animal noises at me so I have to go.

We'll keep the light on for you......

Addilyn Elise

SNOW

New Post

So it has been brought to my attention that we have neglected our audience for the past couple of weeks. Our loyal readers have let us know (in no uncertain terms) that they are frustrated by our lack of interest and communication. For our laziness, we are sincerely sorry. In our defense, it has been a relatively rough couple of weeks. Between a nasty illness and the crazy boys downstairs, we haven't got a whole lot of sleep lately. For those of you that aren't already familiar with it, a fiendish virus has been passed around the Johnson (& Smith) family and finally ended with our household. When we went to Tyler's parents a couple of weekends ago for pictures and birthday celebrations, I wasn't aware that we were stepping into the den of the lion so to speak. Tyler's entire family had passed around an illness so cruel, so foul and with nasty, big pointy teeth. The particular strain was so potent that it caused even the 15 year keeper-down-of-food to regurgitate in a most unwanted and fierce manner. The weekend at the Johnson's was fun though for the most part. There were pictures and motorcycle rides/drives and even Tub Time with Lisa, sans Lisa. Then there is the depression caused by K-State's newly found lack of defense. Losing to a top 5 team is nothing to be ashamed about, but losing three games in a row by a combined score of 83-153 is just embarassing, especially since two of those teams broke long time losing streaks by beating us. But life goes on, this weekend we are all feeling much better which is great. Tomorrow we leave for Kearney to give thanks with the Butts. Should be a good time. We haven't all been there for about 7 or so months.

Happy 8 Months!!

Addilyn is 8 months old today. Hooray!!

Mmm... Pictures!!

Hi all. Here are a bunch of pictures of me taken over the last few weeks. I thought I would quickly update you on how everything has been going in the Johnson household. As we mentioned a couple of weeks ago, Courtney came for a visit. We had lots of fun in Kansas City and taking pictures of me in my Halloween costume. After that, Daddy spent many hours in our garage trying (and suceeding) to get the Mazda running again. He took apart a good chunk of the engine in doing so, but was finally able to get everything back together and running beautifully. Mommy was thoroughly impressed (especially after she saw all that went into taking it apart).

Last weekend we went on a long trip to Mankato for Mom's cousin Ashley's baby shower. We had a lot of fun hanging out with family and Daddy had his first piece of Mulberry pie (which he loved; we haven't really found a pie yet he doesn't like, except for maybe pumpkin). I had a great time as I was the center of attention in pretty much every room I entered.

Other than that there hasn't been a whole lot going on. I have gotten a bit of a cold this week but am proving to be a trooper and am powering through it as best I can. No runny nose is going to get me down! I have allowed myself to sleep a little more than usual but not out of weakness. No, I heard a rumor that sleep is good for recovering from illness and thought I would give it a try. So far it has seemed to help so I think I will continue on with this tactic.

As for the pictures I've included: the first one is of my duck and me showing off my new favorite expression. The second is of me playing in my toy (which Daddy just bumped up to the highest notch; that makes me feel tall). The third is of me sucking my thumb; I've become quite attached to my right one. The fourth is me showing off my new coat; Mommy & Daddy bought it a little over a week ago and already it has become a big hit with all who've seen it. The fifth is just a cute picture of me and my teeth that I thought I'd throw in there. And finally the sixth is of Daddy and I reading before I go to sleep; it looks like we were reading "Good Night Gorilla" (which I definitely recommend!!).

Well that's all I have for now. For most of you, I'll see you this weekend! For the rest, I'm sure I'll see you soon.

As always,

Addilyn Elise

Happy Halloween!!

Happy Halloween everyone!! Addilyn is super-excited to finally reveal her costume and to show off her newest skill. Enjoy!

Check out the rest of her Halloween pictures (courtesy of Aunt Courtney) posted to the side.

Been Hanging Around

Hi all.

So the last week has been pretty nice. We haven't done a whole lot but have had the chance to just hang out. It's been pretty fun. Last weekend we didn't have anywhere to go so we hung out around the house and enjoyed getting to sleep in (well Daddy did; Mom and I got up around the same time as usual). We listened to the K-State game which Daddy hooked up to play from our laptop through our sound system. Other than the game being pretty heartbreaking at the end, it was an enjoyable time. Here is picture of me enjoying a bottle of Moutain Dew during the game.

Sunday we were able to go to a local church. The people were nice but we're still not sure if that's where we'd like to stay or if we want to try someplace else before settling down. We'll see.

After church, we took a leisurely trip to St. Joseph where we ate Chipotle and wandered around an outdoor shopping center. It was pretty fun. All in all, it was a wonderfully relaxing weekend.

This coming weekend should be a lot more eventful. Aunt Courtney is coming up to visit tomorrow. This will be her first time seeing the new place. It should be fun; I know I'm excited already. Other than that, I'm not real sure what the plan is. There has been discussion about going to Kansas City for a Tae Kwon Do demo and to exchange a snow suit for a smaller size (According to Mom that brown thing isn't supposed to fit like that. Oh well, I enjoy it anyway). But I'm not real sure I like the Kansas City idea. I've heard that there is going to be a parade right outside our front door on Saturday morning!!! I don't know about you but I'm not sure I want to miss that.

Anyway, until next time I leave you with a video of Daddy and me enjoying some Tae Kwon Do training. Boy, Daddy needs to work on his blocking, doesn't he?

As always,

Addilyn Elise

Jumping, Jumping

Hey all. Here is the promised video. We had a little difficulty with uploading pictures/video from our camera this week but don't worry, Daddy fixed it. Isn't he awesome?!!

A

My Candidate has arrived

Stephen Colbert is running for president.

K-State No.25

Hi again adoring fans,

This last weekend was a fun-filled, jam-packed, weekend of fun, and jam. It all started when Daddy got off work Friday around 3:30. From there it got pretty crazy. We sat around the house for a while, watched a little TV and prepared ourselves for what lay ahead.

Saturday morning we had a leisurely
morning, getting up at 7:00 and leaving town around 8. After three hours of driving, including a unintentional detour through Troy, Kansas, we arrived in Manhattan. Our plans to meet G&G Butts were delayed due to the delayance of said Butts. So in the meanwhile we perused the mall for a clean ring, and some tiny warm clothing; finding both, but delaying the latter. After the mall we went to The Pathfinder where Mommy had her bike seat replaced. The darn thing just snapped off one day. Luckily they covered it since it was indubitably a most freakish accident.

At about the time of cessation for these events G&G Butts arrived in town. We met them at 4th
Street Cafe and ate a yummy meal. From here we scoured the mall and upon leaving managed to take some stuff with us. G&G got me a warm suit, Mommy bought me a different suit (more on this in 15 days), and Daddy bought me two books: That's Not My Dinosaur, and Good Night Gorilla.

Anyways, after this we got in the car and the next thing I knew I was at Java and everyone had empty cups. I just hate wormholes. Well I got some food there too, Applesauce, mmmm. Then we headed to Varney's to check out some K-State gear and garb. From there we ate some Pizza and then, finally, got on the bus to head to the game.


K-State vs. Colorado. It was my second K-State game, and it was a blast. Unfortunately we couldn't get 4 tickets together so we didn't get to sit with G&G Butts. I don't think I could have been given any more attention, though, had they been there. Everyone around us was so nice and every time we would do good they would give me high fives. I smiled at them a lot. I watched a whole lot of football and then
they stopped playing and left the field, K-State had won 23-13. Yippee. Mommy changed me and fed me and the next thing I knew the teams were playing again and it was 47-20, dad-gum wormholes. Since the game started at 8:15 we didn't get home until 1. And by home I mean the Floersch's of course.

In the morning we got to hang out with Matt, Karlene, Ian and Ayla for a while and then we went to Java for a nice hearty breakfast of Biscuits & Gravy/Banana Nut French Toast, anyone who knows my parents should be able to pick who ate what. From there we went to check out Master Moore's new Tae Kwon Do school. He finally found a building that suited him and got his school started. Daddy's jealous. He'd like to be in Manhattan sometimes.

Well after that we left for real home. We were tired for most of Monday but all managed to make it up by today. Umm what else........ I have two teeth now. Mmmm OH and there was another video that I was planning on posting but it wasn't working and I couldn't figure it out, I'll make Mommy or Daddy do it later. Besides, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

So grow fond all of you,

Addliyn Elise

Daddy View

Shhh, she's sleeping

Addilyn as she is right now. I know it's kind of a dark picture but I thought it was too cute not to share with the world.
Oooo, and happy 7 month little girl!!

Hey Look

I have a tooth. Can you see it? Momma's trying to pry my mouth open to show you. It's my right side bottom incisor. I bit Daddy on the nose yesterday like usual but he didn't seem to think it as fun this time. I wonder why. Here's a super cute picture of me which also features my tooth. I'm really starting to work on building up some assets so I can afford college someday.

It's been a little while since we've spoken. I've been a little lazy as picture 3 shows. Daddy thought it would be funny if it looked like I fell asleep in mid feed. I didn't. Heck I don't even feed myself yet. Not to say that I couldn't but if someone will milk the cow for you you don't need to go and buy it.
I went to the doctors a little while ago. The prick pricked me again. I wasn't too happy.
Last weekend G&G Johnson came to visit; they stopped by on their way to some retreat in Nebraska (ewww). We had fun.

This weekend we went to Kansas City (again). Daddy competed in the Tae Kwon Do Tournament there. He hadn't gone to this one since he was a green belt. He's pretty out of shape for tae kwon do, but he did well.
He got first in forms although he was going really fast. Then a while later he had his fights. He was in the lightweight division and only had one other person in the division. They had two two minute rounds and in the end Dad won. It was pretty close and Daddy was really tired afterwards. I enjoyed playing with his trophies, they're really shiny. The day wasn't perfect though. K-State lost to KU (who is apparently ranked now).
We tried to tape the game while we were in KC but the darn thing never started.

Next week we are meeting G&G Butts in Manhattan for the K-State vs. Colorado game. It should be fun. It will be my second K-State game already. I'm pretty sure we'll win. They've never lost a game I was at after all. Anyways it should be a fun weekend. Daddy's old tae kwon do
instructor just opened a new school there so we are going to check that out too. And then there's Java, and 4th Street Cafe. Mmmmmm Needless to say it should be a good time. Oh and the game doesn't start till 8:15 at night, crazy.

Well, that about does it for me. I'm going to go take a nap now, cause that's what I do.


Till next time,

Addilyn Elise