On a run

Today, I was inspired to get off my butt by a friend who ran in this today - http://www.bmlt.org/crush.  I basically haven't done a thing in a month because of a shoulder injury.  Never thought a shoulder injury would stop me in my tracks so dramatically but I'm feeling a bit better so I thought heck with it!  Deven, Sam and I strapped in and on to the stroller and we did a loop that conveniently included a park for Deven to play and me to take a break.  On the run out, Deven told me, "everything is icky momma, are you icky momma?"  I of course said, "heck no, I'm cool, I'm awesome, I'm a momma!"  Deven follows up with, "no, momma, your just a mom."  Not sure what to make of that but thought I would share some of Deven's thoughts.  We made it to the park and back in one piece.  The new baby didn't put up much of a complaint so I think we are back in business with this working out thing.  No races for me, just to be safe, but at least I can still get out!!  These are some fun pics I took during out break.

My guys

We are all playing fort in Deven's room!

A night away

We had a great excuse to take off for the night this weekend.  Our friend Codie turned 30 and we were celebrating down south so we called in the grandparents for back-up.  September was pretty rough for the Johnston family what with our latest section of siding construction project, my silly shoulder developing tendonitis, not to mention just the normal every day stuff of making sure Deven eats and sleeps normally!!  So I decided that Nick and I needed to relax for a bit.  I found this fabulous bed and breakfast on Capitol Hill in Seattle.  If you ever need to stay in Seattle book a room here - http://www.11thavenueinn.com/.  It's close to down town, a great park, the new location of the Elliott Bay book store, fun restaurants and what looked like some pretty cool bars!  After a fabulous homemade breakfast (omlet stuffed with spinach, cherry tomatoes, green onions and goat cheese topped with homemade pesto and grated parmesan) Nick and I walked all around the area and found a great cafe recommended to us by a friend called Odd Fellows.  We decided...why not eat again and got some yummy pastries and amazing espresso.  Just next store was the Elliot Bay Bookstore where I bought a baby name book and a new book about Otis the tractor for Deven.  We had such a great time.  These pics are of our room, our walk and of the place setting at Odd Fellows.  A night out well spent!!

Art

Here is some more pictures of Deven's art so I don't feel guilty about not keeping and framing every piece!

WWU hockey alumni game 2011

Today we ventured up to good 'ol Bellingham for Nick's annual alumni hockey game.  They don't keep score but between my chasing Deven around the rink trying to stop him from eating stray skittels and breaking the water fountain I saw a few goals go in (not in our favor).  No worries though after the game we had terrific photo ops, Deven got to hang with the guys in the locker room for the first time and with a stop for lunch at our favorite boundary bay brewery the 'loss' was all but forgotten!

Visit with the Block's

First stop was Pioneer Park

The first of many practices on the tractors available for all toddlers to 'test' out.




Peach and Orange Ice treat!

Buds!

Future accountant??

Nick and I love visiting our friend's Shannon and Andy and their kids Hadley and Jameson in Walla Walla. While visiting any town where you have good friends it makes the experience much more enjoyable but I am positive people would love it regardless. Wine, gourmet restaurants, farmers markets and fabulous weather...seriously what's not to love. Aside from getting to spend time with our friends one of my favorite things about Walla Walla is how small it is. I'm sure there are draw backs to small town living but honestly it is so refreshing to be able to walk anywhere and if you do drive everything is within 5 minutes.

While we were there Shannon scored us a baby sitter that allowed all four parents to leave all three sleeping babies two nights in a row. We grown ups did the Fair concert/beer garden the first night. I had never heard of 'The Band Perry' but let me tell ya, the lead singer is one awesome performer. If you have the chance to see them live do it! The next night we celebrated another good friends 30th birthday in a nearby town...a full 20 minute drive (nothing compared to our usual 50 minute drive to Seattle) and ate some of the best food and had some of the most unique drinks that would rival any restaurant on this side of the State.

We spent the rest of the week chasing our insanely cute children in their gorgeous back yard, at the country club pool while the boys played golf and at their newly purchased office building where they will be moving their tax practice to this week now that renovations are complete. We had an amazing time (again) and feel so honored that they keep letting us come back to invade their home and make their kiddos share their toys and parents with us!!

Carnival Ride Junky...

No not me, no, not Nick...Deven. This kid can't get enough of the carnival, fair, rodeo scene. I'm not just talking the mari-go round. Deven loves rides that go fast, high, twisty and he will let you know if it isn't good enough. He loves bull riding and calf roping. Deven LOVES ice cones and mini fried donuts!

We just had a visit to Walla Walla for the fair/rodeo. Deven liked it last year but this year he really knew what was going on. There were a few mini fairs here in the Snohomish, Lake Stevens area earlier this summer so he was well practised and fully prepared for the mother load of fairs.

Along with his besties Hadley and Jameson, Deven had the chance to ride ponys, sit with and pet baby calfs, pet and talk with the beautiful horses competing at the fair, stay up late to watch his first bull riding competition, sit in a fire truck while being presented with his very own fire helmet and try his first fresh squeezed lemonade. Needless to say he has not stopped telling me that he is both a cow boy and a fireman now.

To top Deven's first real Walla Walla fair experience off he was able to 'ride' on a bungy jumping apparatus thingy...I would not have gone on this if I'd had the option (no rides for preggos). It is hard to see it but look closely at these videos and you will see the smile plastered on Deven's face. I will post more pics of our week at the Block's in the following blog.

The Warm Up

Dare devil in the making