Johanna Turns 13

 

Johanna officially became a teenager in 2025!  She requested a "Girls Day" in Madison so Michelle and Melissa joined in the fun.  We went to Farmers Market and stopped at the WI Capital, ate lunch at Shake Shack, went to Build a Bear and Dave & Busters at the Mall, and finally rode the escalator.

Tony and Walter took care of things at home.

And Johanna found a way to get an extra cake from Grandma and Grandpa.

And she had a sleepover at friends who also have fall birthdays.

As Johanna becomes a teenager, she is officially no longer a morning person.  She needs a little extra push in the morning (much like her mother) and can sleep in longer (not as long as her mother yet!)  Johanna continues to be helpful at home - specializing in organizing the pantry and will use her kitchen skills.

She has activities most days after school.  On weekends, she likes to have some sort of fun activity with family or cousins, plus have some R&R time.

She continues to be the typical big sister who can really enjoy time with Walter, enjoy picking on him, or get fully annoyed by him.  We keep warning her that he could be bigger than her some day but, for now, she is much bigger and stronger. 

She loves playing trivia and cards. The kids like to create their own trivia games using Canva to display on screen.  We also score a Trivia Pursuit game.  Her favorite cards games are Uno, Speed, and Euchre.

Johanna's feet have grown to adult size 9.5 and height to the same as her shortest aunt (over 5 ft).  She only wears t-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, comfy pants and sneakers.  

Favorite to eat: Texas Roadhouse rolls, Shake Shack burger, Tater Tot casserole.

Favorite to do: Ride my bike 

Favorite to watch: Steel Magnolias, Happy Gilmore (original movie)

Favorite to read: Hurricanes of Weakerville

Favorite to help with: Help in the Wash library, alphabetizing.

Favorite to learn about: History 

Favorite to hang out with: Naya, Gabbie, Reese, Olivia, Esme, Autumn, Willow, Evelyn, Nevie.

Something you are good at: Softball 

Something you want to get better at: Softball 

Makes you laugh: Walter falling off his chair, or Walter doing stupid stuff.

Makes you upset: Walter, Dad sometimes, Mom sometimes.

Favorite happening this year: Indianapolis vacation, going to Gainbridge.

Looking forward to next year: Going to Canada, and Tim Hortons!

Future adventure: All inclusive cruise, preferably Icon of the Seas with Mom

Future learn: Teaching 

Future where live: Dubuque 

Future want to do: Teaching

Future not want to do: Have Walter live in my basement.

Future spend time with: Mom, Dad, Walter, Friends.

Favorite teacher: Mrs Leach, Ms Lobianco (Bryant), but mainly Mrs. Leach.

Thanksgiving 2025

 

We continued our Thanksgiving pizza making tradition.

At the Kluesner Thanksgiving, we had our traditional family kahoot. This year euchre was also a big focus.  Johanna was a euchre rock start, with perhaps a little beginners luck.

Tony gets the award for best AI picture of the year.

At the Arnolds, we continue cookie decorating tradition and also played some euchre.

Tony and Michelle were lucky enough to score Jen and Michael's basketball tickets over the holiday.

Fall Fun 2025

 

In October, we were able to take a trip to Milwaukee.  The kids enjoyed visiting the lake, skipping rocks, and hanging out with Melissa and Charlie.

Michelle went on a bus trip with her mom and aunts.  Ironically Michelle and Millie dressed like twins! We all tried to make some baskets at the Pumpkin Patch and we visited Stonefield where a friend used to work. 

Tony and the kids enjoyed a Dubuque Senior Football game.

Walter took us all crawfishing.  He enjoyed his field trip to Swiss Valley so much, he insisted we go back and we even bought a fishing net.  We surprisingly caught quite a few!

We were able to Trunk or Treat and go to a Pumpkin Patch in North Liberty with Crystal and her family.