Baptism in Muncie

It was important for us to have Leah baptized somewhere that meant something to us - just like it was important to get married somewhere with meaning. 

We choose to baptize Leah in Muncie at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, a church I grew up attending with my Grandpa Peggy (now promoted to GG Peg) and have had some 'memorable' experiences there. 

The service was wonderful - we were practically the only family attending that day so it felt like a private service just for us!  Most of the other members in attendance that day were in their late 70's and 80's, so I'm sure the young faces were a treat. 

It was a special day and Leah, as usual, did an amazing job!

And to wrap things up, we were able to sit down and get a 4 generation photo!  How cool!

Leah's first swim lessons

As expected, we started swim lessons with Leah a few months ago and, not to disappoint, she LOVES it!  We're taking lessons at Foss Swim School out in Chanhassen and, even though it's a little bit of a drive, it's totally worth it! 

The pool water is really warm (so Mom likes to get in too...) and she's learning so quickly!  She might be the smallest kid in the class, but she's certainly the most talented. 

A day late and a $ short...

Sincere apologies for the lack of posting...as you can imagine we've had a very busy last few months with the holidays and all.  Holidays have now taken on new meaning for me (not one to be a big fan of dressing up and opening gifts).  I feel I have an obligation to teach my daughter (as my parents taught me) about all the great and 'fun' things the holidays have to offer - then allow her to make her own decisions about whether or not she actually enjoys them. 

I'm going to try to start from where I left off to tell you about our past 3 months as we lead up to Leah's 1st birthday here in 1 month + 1 day.

Christmas, Christmas and more Christmas!

Our first festivities started with the Johnson crew at our house to kick the Christmas season off right.  The party consisted of me cooking the traditional swedish potato sausage (thankfully, not ruining it...), the white elephant exchange - that I'm pretty sure we just made up these rules:  rolling dice and when you get doubles, you get to steal a present...

Leah refused to let the party go on without her and stayed up until the very last person left that night.  Chrismas can be so much fun!

Then off to Erwin and Joan's for the Christmas Eve celebration with swedish pancakes and opening presents.  Leah's first time to tear into that wrapping paper!  She didn't quite get it, but it's only a matter of time...

Finally, it was off to Charlotte for my family's Christmas with Leah.  Leah, as usual, was a great plane traveler - chatting it up with everyone around us. 

Leah's new baby doll from GG Peg! Yum!

G.G. Peg made the trip as well, which made for a great week in NC! The weather was just what we needed to pep us up for the long haul in Minneapolis - we wore our flip flops and Art was able to work in a few runs outside. 

Such a great holiday season...although I got off pretty easy this year.  I'll be planning for Santa Claus next year along with all the secretive work that surrounds it.  Any advice is always appreciated!

Dear Great Grandpa Johnson,

Our dear Great Grandpa Johnson was such a great man, lived a great life and left a great legacy!  I am very honored that I was so fortunate to spend as much time with him as I did, thanks to my wonderful husband. 

We're very excited that Leah had some quality time with him...to see his face light up when he saw her was truly an amazing feeling.  She brought him such joy! 

We honored him this fall in a ceremony at Arbor Lake, probably his most favorite place in the whole world to spend his time.  We spread his ashes next to Great Grandma Johnson by the lakefront at their house. 

It was a wonderful weekend with family and at the most peaceful place on earth.

Halloween - a Pooh of a good time!

As you can imagine, we had to go trick or treating with Leah this year, however we aren't really very friendly with our neighbors...So, we went over to Grammie (Joan) and Grandpa (Erwin)'s neighborhood, which is very family friendly and of course, we know a handful of their neighbors better than we know our own...

Leah had such a great time, I think she thought she was just getting to go visit all these people, so of course she LOVED seeing all the houses.  We helped Leah walk up to the door and would knock on the door, when they answered, Leah would just start walking in their house.  Every time.  It was a riot!  And of course everyone thought she was the cutest thing...

What a great Halloween...I'm afraid next year, we'll all have to dress up when we go trick or treating...better get those costumes ready!

Photoshoots, miscellany

Lots of play time and time for a photo-op!

Another Great Grandparent visit

Leah is such a lucky girl to have so many Great Grandparents!  Grandma and Grandpa Swander came to Minnesota to visit us at the end of the Fall.  We had a fantastic time, even though it was a quick trip. 

We took them on a walk around Lake Harriet and to eat at Convention Grill (burgers and shakes...that's it).  Grandma tried reading to Leah, but at that time, she was really just more interested in exploring rather than sitting and reading...

NYC, baby!

The week prior to Sept 11th in NYC - what a trip.  We spent the weekend in the city for (Godmom) Bree's 30th Birthday and saw as much of the city as possible with a 6 month old. 

Of course, we had to take part in the Missoni for Target festivities...

Had lunch at Bryant Park Grill...during Fashion week...

Leah already had the list of places she wanted to go see...so we started at the top, here at Bryant Park.

Well, then it was a lot to take in, so we all took a nap...

Back out and about...Next stop - TIMES SQUARE!

And then the Shake Shack with Auntie Bree...

Back to the hotel for some 'down' time...

Whew...what a whirlwind trip!  Love NYC!

With all the tension of 9/11 surrounding the city, and Fashion week in full swing, it was such a wild weekend to be in NY.  The city is just amazing and not to mention, seeing it up close and personal is the way to do it.  I think we walked at least 6 miles in a day (since traffic was ridiculous) it was actually faster to walk than to jump in a cab. 

Disney world, here we come!!!  (Just kiding...not quite ready for that...)

The Great Grandparents

A few weeks ago, Leah had the pleasure of meeting her Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Swander.  They drove to Minneapolis for the weekend and spent some great quality time with the girl.  She had a blast hanging out by Lake Harriet with them and playing with the new toys they brought for her.  



They also brought another present from the other Great-Grandma, GG Peg as she is now known.  See that beautiful butterfly painting?  Yep, that's the present!  We are so thrilled with it and it's the perfect addition to Leah's room.