Halloween 2021

Johanna dressed as a grim reaper and Walter as a ninja for Halloween.

A bit of a throw back this year, the kids got to participate in the Mercy Daycare Halloween parade. It was fun to see them, some of their old friends, and the other younger kids in costume.

Dad took the lead on carving.  Mom and the kids painted pumpkins.  

Much to Mom's relief, Walter didn't want to trick or treat for long.  He said, "I just want to go home, sit on the couch, watch a movie, and eat my sucker." Johanna trick or treated for as long as she could and enjoyed the decorations on Grandview.

Johanna Turns 9

Johanna ran her first Kids Grandview Gallop this and made GREAT time - here she is crossing the finish line at 8:39.  She was happy to run with her friend from school and entry their free treat together afterward. And although Uncle Drew didn't run this year, he did come to support!

Johanna continues to up in game in both art and baking.  Getting so close to some independence in the kitchen.

A very special recognition this year, Johanna won a coloring contest related to philanthropy.  She was recognized at an awards luncheon, got to show off her drawing on a huge poster, and even received a check! She can keep $25 and is asked to share $25 with an organization she supports.

One thing Johanna is starting to become known for is her different haircuts (one thing her mom was known for too).  At Mercy Daycare, a teacher commented that Johanna's hair looks different each time Johanna comes back to Mercy!  Johanna continues to be known as an athlete.  She certainly looks the part and loves any opportunity to compete, and especially out perform any boys at school.  Johanna continues to be a great student and is reading more and longer books.  

This year was her first year playing basketball which of course she enjoyed.  It was fun but sometimes stressful to watch!

• Favorite to eat: Your Pie pesto pizza, Freddie’s hamburger
• Favorite to do:  bike riding, running
• Favorite to watch: Jessie and Bizardvark on Disney
• Favorite to read: Babysitters Club graphic novels, Geranimo Stillton
• Favorite to help with: helping my teacher in class
• Favorite to learn about: math
• Favorite to hang out with: my friends Reese, Nieve, Lizzie, Gabby
• You are good at: math and art
• Want to get better at: writing and riding bike
• Makes you laugh: Walter
• Makes you upset: Walter, and dad sometimes 
• Favorite happen this year:  We got to go to Galena 
• Look forward to next year: Going to Galena and summer vacation
• Future adventure: Travel the world and go to Niagara Falls, and skydive
• Future learn: how to play volleyball 
• Future where live: Madison and Mexico 
• Future want to do: a zookeeper
• Future not want to do: get in a car crash
• Future spend time with: a get a dog I am not allergic to

Dad's attempt at a 9 shaped brownie instead of bundt cake.  Unfortunately, the hole for the nine shifted a bit while baking but Johanna was happy to decorate with all the M&Ms she sorted.

First Day of School 2021

 

A rainy first day of school, so photos from the porch.  (And no, he is NEVER this happy to go to school, especially when he has to walk - which is every day.)

Johanna spotted some lightening and thunder.

Once at school, Johanna rushing away from us as fast as she can.  She wasn't interested in being walked to her classroom.  

Walter isn't fast enough to get away so we got a picture of him at his desk.

Luckily, their teachers also sent us pictures of their first day!

Johanna, Third Grade with Mrs. Leach.

Walter, First Grade with Mrs. Oberhoffer.

Summer Fun 2021

Johanna and Walter spent the majority of summer at Mercy Daycare but both had special activities planned for the summer too.  Walter participated in St Mark's Heroes Summer Academy which is a half day enrichment program at the Boys and Girls club.  He had an opportunity to learn, but really enjoyed the special activities like meeting humane society animals(even a ferret!), making ice cream, and walking to the donut shop down the street for fresh donuts. Since it was a half day program, he got to see Mom every day after lunch when she picked him up to go to Mercy. 

Johanna LOVED spending a couple weeks at the YMCA Camp.  The full day camp had swimming each day, plus super awesome morning and afternoon activities - including zip lining, axe throwing, crate climbing, archery, black tunnel slide, tie dye, and even more! She loves being active and getting dirty!

As for family fun, we got to visit the Madison Zoo.  

We also went to the St. Paul Parish festival, with WAAAYY more tractors than expected in the parade, Grandma in the parade, and fun at the Worthington park with a few activities and an old school, burn your bum slide.

Most of the summer, however, we stayed close to home since the kids were not vaccinated against COVID yet.  So of course, we had lots of cousin time!

Michelle and Tony celebrated 10 year of marriage while in Galena with the Arnold Family.

Arnold Family Galena 2021

 The kids were SO excited to once again have an Arnold Family Vacation in Galena.  Last year was cancelled due to the pandemic and they were nervous about a potential additional cancellation.  Luckily, we all made it happy and healthy, and was the highlight of the kids summer.

Some activities were limited and we mostly stayed at the house, but we were able to get out to the pool one day.  

Tony, Cali, and Johanna got up close and personal with the hot air balloons prior to their launch.

Food, games, jumping on the beds, water fight, backyard sports, horseback rides, hot tub (even though it was a VERY warm weekend), campfire, smores, and a visit from the Kluesner family.