More of Connor James Johnson

See previous entry with informationa about Connor. . .

Welcome Connor James Johnson

We had an exciting Memorial Day Weekend, to say the least. Wayne went south Saturday (and north that evening) to help pack up all of Ken's things in his house to get it ready to put on the market while I went North Friday night to wait for the arrival of my new little nephew......I didn't have to wait too long as Connor James Johnson was born sometime after 2:00 in the afternoon on Saturday, May 29th. He weighed 7 pounds 15 ounces and was almost 23 inches long. As you can see by the pictures, he is adorable!!!!!!

Graham was so excited to meet him that when we were at the hospital for the first time, the nurses came to take Connor for some routine things and Graham got very upset. He kept saying, "Bring him back!" It was so cute and precious! He will make a great older brother.

Besides the excitement of a new nephew, I enjoyed spending the weekend with Graham while we waited for the big moment. We had so much fun reading books, coloring, doing sidewalk chalk, playing outside, and singing/dancing that I was wore out by the time Wayne and the kids arrived Saturday night. Forgot how busy 2 years olds are, but it was so fun!

I am sure there will be lots more pictures of Connor, but here are a few. His middle name of James was also Ken's middle name. . . . .bittersweet. . . . Ken would be very proud of his new little nephew. . .I guarantee it. . . and proud of his little sister Sara too!

Congratulations Sara and Derek!

Never Forgotten. . . Carolina

As the song by James Taylor goes:

"In my mind I'm goin' to Carolina. . . ."

Those of you who know my family well know this is the time of year where we would spend 2 weeks with my brother in the Outer Banks of North Carolina (me, sometimes 1 week, but Wayne and the kids always had 2. . .lucky them!) . .Ken would be there by now. . . we would just be getting ready to head out and make the long drive to the beach. . . .priceless memories made that will forever and always be close to my heart. . . . that brought so many people together for a small moment in time.

wonderful memories. . . never forgotten. . . We will be back soon. . . .I am sure Ken is sitting by the ocean, having a beer, or running the beach up there . there has to be an Outer Banks, NC, in heaven right?

"Yes. . .I'm Goin' to Carolina in my mind." Miss and love you Ken!

"Take Me Out to the Ballgame"

Alex's baseball season is well under way and they are going strong! A while ago I blogged that their first tournament was in Denver, Iowa. Well. . .they came out placing 3rd in a tournament when all the teams were 6th graders except our team, which are all 5th graders! It was a great tournament. . . .and yes, Alex's team beat his cousin, Blake's team. It was a good game and friendly competition. We had a lot of family members on the field that first game: his cousin, Blake, playing for Denver, his great uncle, Dean, coaching Denver, and his 2nd cousin, Ryan, umping behind homeplate. Oh yeah. . .can't forget his own dad, Wayne, helping coach his team. (Do you think baseball is a popular sport on my side of the family??? :) It was like a small family reunion on the ball field! It was a great tournament - chilly - but fun! Alex ended up doing some pitching and playing his usual, first base. The team picture included in this blog is the team after their third place tourney win! Don't you love their sharp uniforms? :)

Last week we played the 6th graders from New Hampton (not sure why we are always playing older kids but oh well. . .????). That was not quite such a pretty picture but the boys tried hard. Lots of little errors and just couldn't hit the ball. We'll get them next time!

Last night the boys played in Cresco against Oelwein 5th graders in a double header and won big time. Everyone hit the ball well, fielded super, Alex had 2 doubles, and it was a fun game to watch. This time, Alex played 1st base, pitched a few innings, went back to first, and finished at 3rd base. I have included some pictures of him batting, playing 3rd, and base running.

Bleacher butt hasn't set in yet. . . .thank goodness for lawn chairs. . . .his team has a week off and then back at it with another tournament the weekend of June 5th! Should be an exciting summer - lots of softball and baseball!

Elyse Places 2nd in High Jump at Conference Meet

It's been a while since I have made a post in my blog so I thought it was time I get the world caught up on how Elyse did in track, now that it is over. She had a very successful season in track this year and I think she really enjoyed it..... a lot more than last year.....mainly the high jump. Throughout the season she ran the 400' and the 200', usually placing 5th in the 400' (not so much in the 200'). Her determination really played into how she did in the high jump as she practiced almost every weekend. It was fun for Wayne and I to watch her determination. . . .She consistently placed 2nd after the first track meet in the high jump. . . .making 4'4" and 4'6". . . always getting 2nd place and very proud. That "consistency" carried over into the conference track meet. She competed against girls from 6 or 7 schools (can't remember)and came out placing 2nd overall! She was so pumped and excited! She easily cleared 4'6" and then attempted 4'8" but couldn't quite do it. It was between her and another girl. . .the other made 4'8". So 2nd place it was again. . . . great job Elyse! She has set some goals for next year and high school in the high jump that I know she will accomplish if she puts her heart and mind into it. Awesome track season Elyse! We are all very proud of you!

I wanted to also congratulate Wayne's niece and nephew, Miranda and Brandon Kerian, on having awesome seasons in track as well. Miranda broke the 8th grade record in at least 2 running events, and Brandon made it to state in three events! Yes. . .they are fast!!!! Way to go Miranda and Brandon. I did include one picture of Elyse and Miranda after they finished running the 400' at Charles City. Miranda usually does not run that race, but coach put her in, and she broke the record for the 400'! So, I thought it was a good picture of the two girls "starting" and "ending" the 400' together!

So. . . Elyse is now busy practicing for 9th grade softball. First game next week . . .can't believe my baby girl is playing high school ball already. (tear, tear). Looks like I better invest in one of those cushions for sitting on the bleachers. . .