We decided to leave a day early to avoid holiday traffic. Our goal was to get to Spokane and see how we felt. We got there and decided to brave the rest of the mission. Almost 11 hours later we pulled into the driveway.

Lucas was wide awake most of the trip, but never cried. Lots of talking and singing....Mimi kept him entertained with dancing. I swear if I hear "Old McDonald" one more time this week I might go crazy!

Our entertainment....Being it was hunting season we got to see LOTS of dead animals in the back of trucks. We even got to follow a HUGE Elk for MILES on a one lane road that was being hauled on a trailer by an SUV. I swear it was looking at me asking for help as its ears flopped in the wind...ONLY IN MONTANA!!!

This is his "I want a fruit snack" face. He must have had a six each way...he would just say..."just one more". Mimi could not give help giving this adorable face everything he wanted!

Reading...reading! I hope he loves it as much as his big brother when he gets older!

For the LONG trip home I wrapped presents for Lucas to unwrap. He is unwrapping some books to keep him occupied for a couple minutes.

This is what Si looks like after 10 1/2 hours in the back seat! With his legs resting on his chest!

This is out of order. Emily and Jeff's dog Moose before we left Great Falls. He is such a cute dog this picture does not do him justice.

Crazy about AUNTIE!

Last time Auntie came to visit Lucas was pretty shy. This time he went crazy for his Auntie! Si says, "what do you expect he likes pretty girls." Lucas and Auntie came up with their own game called "train wreck". They would count and line up all the trains, then move their hands and scatter them while screaming "train wreck". I don't know what little boys love about destruction, but he thought it was hysterical. He is doing really well counting to seven with some help...he usually knows what number comes next. At one point he told me that eleven comes after ten! Wow, little brains are sponges.

On the way home Lucas kept asking for Auntie. I know he misses her. He would point to his seat and say, "I want Auntie right here." and "Play at Auntie's house in the good morning."

We sure hope that she comes home soon so he can see her more regular. Maybe even for sleepovers without mommy and daddy *wink*!

Destruction is FUNNY!

All smiles!

Lining up the trains and counting with Auntie!
The cutest 'Little Turkey'!

Showing off!!! A summersault! Toddler style!

Gobble till you Wobble! Turkey Day 2008

We had a low key, family style Turkey Day in Great Falls. Emily and Jeff had a wonderful fresh 19 pound turkey, but with Emily's Celiac Disease it made the traditional dishes a little more tricky. We hit Trader Joes before leaving Seattle so we could make gluten free gravy and stuffing. It all turned out wonderful. We spent most of the day listening to music, playing, and watching movies. After dinner we watched the Dean traditional "National Lampoons: Christmas Vacation". We laughed just as hard as the first time we saw it. I am so happy that both boys are growing up with tradition like Em and I had as kids.

The boys digging in to the feast! We did picnic style dinner around the coffee table.

Lucas made Auntie a turkey plate with his own hands.

Drue dishing up the goods!

My newly domestic little sister!

Mimi got a quick Turkey Day hug before heading to Lewistown for dinner.

Montana Bound! Road Trip 2008

We packed the car full the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and headed out for Great Falls, MT to spend the holiday with Emily. We decided to do it in two parts on the way there. We booked a hotel in Spokane the first night which was about half way. The next morning we popped out of bed and hit the road. Before we left we got new tires on the car and figured that was our only repair. We shut the car off in Missoula and it would not start. After being pushed, jump started, and spending two hours at the dealer getting a new battery we were back on the road. Both boys were troopers! Lucas did not complain or whine. He looked all around and chatted until we were off I-90 and almost to Great Falls.

He finally fell asleep 44 miles outside of Great Falls!

Big Sky Country, Montana

Brrrr...it was chilly but the road conditions were great!

Lucas loves to take his socks off.

Packed in like sardines! Drue was saved by the iPod.

A Visit from the Littlest Johnson!

Cody, Kira, and little Will bravely packed up and headed out for a quick weekend in Seattle. We were so thrilled that we were able to meet him and spend some quality time with him while he was so tiny! We sure wish the cousins lived close. It seems like a big age difference now, but the gap will close quickly!

Aunt Jess and Will (7 weeks). Oh man, it makes me want a BABY!

Great Grandpa, Grandma, Will, Great Grandma,

Mommy and Daddy!

Lucas experimenting with the camera! Pretty Good!

The three Johnson cousins! Here is an interesting fact!

Drue born Sept. 23, Lucas Sept. 24, and Will Sept. 25.

Of course, different years :)

The first attempt at a picture...everyone was a little nervous.

A Family of Pirates!

We were going to be the "Family of Pirates" for Halloween...Lucas' costume ended up being too chilly to wear outdoors. He was only able to wear the Pirate to Woodside's Bingo night and playing around the house. Si and I dressed up for a party Halloween night, but we never ended up getting a pictures with all three of us together. Bummer! Here are some fun shots of Lucas playing in his costume and then one of us at the party!

Trick or Treating the REAL DEAL!

Nemo on the moving and looking for candy!

Mill Creek Town Center. Nemo from behind.

Making sure he still has the loot!

Daddy helping!

The boys taking a break!

We went down to Mill Creek Town Center to "Trick or Treat" at the local stores. Lucas caught on real quick that people standing in front of the stores meant a treat for him! We then headed over to the "Trunk or Treat" at City hall. It was VERY cool! People went all out decorating their trunks for people to "Trick of Treat" from.

Tricking or Treating at Papa and Nana's

Our first stop on the "Trick or Treating" train was at Papa's and Nana's! Lucas got his first stash of candy and money. He loves to raid Papa's money jar! I try to get him to go for the paper money, but he seems to like the coins. Darn! We did leave with 20 pesos he found in the jar!

Our little family getting ready to head out.
Posing with Papa!

Papa is so silly, or is that Lucas cracking up Papa?

Did you know you get shiney money at Papa's?

Lucas is digging for his treats!

Pumpkin Prowl ~ Woodland Park Zoo

The Sunday before Halloween we headed to the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. We went with our very good friends' the Olsen's. Andrew was an adorable Curious George! Both boys got lots of compliments on their costumes. They loved every minute of looking at the pumpkins, listening to the concert, and of course Trick or Treating at the booths. Drue was an excellent big brother as always, helping Lucas sort through the crowds to get the treats!

Lucas and Mommy in line for the Boomazium! It was too scary!

A scary picture of the boys! They really were having fun!

Too much CANDY!!! Ahhh!!!!

Lucas was not too sure about "Trick or Treating" at the booths at first. As you can imagine after his first try he did not need a reminder. He knew how to handle it on his own.