First day on the Spirit

Our embarkation day was not at all what I had pictured in my head.  It was very wet and rainy.  We had a blanket over the stroller to keep Emily dry---good thing we did, the blanket was DRIPPING with water by the time we got inside.  Brian didn't have any type of jacket with him and since the wind was blowing the rain directly in our direction, we bought ponchos.  This is now our second set of ponchos.  We better have some with us the next time we might need them!  Instead of getting right onto the ship, you have to go through a holding boat first.  Thankfully it was covered so Emily got to run around.  She walked right up to a group of kids and played with them until their zone number was called.  We were zone 3, so we didn't have to wait too long to be called.  

We're home!

We just got back from an eight day cruise with Brian's family for Christmas.  There are many pictures to sort through, so I am sure I will have more up eventually.  I saw these three and just loved the beauty of my daughter and the ocean behind her.  These pictures were taken on the balcony of the "parental units" room.  All I know is that I am SO thankful for motion sickness patches!  I don't think there is anyway I would have been able to step foot on the deck without them.  I will try to have more pictures and stories up soon.  For now, enjoy these three!

I miss her.

I know the quality of this picture isn't great---blurry and all, but I just love the happiness that is exuding from little E in this picture.  We celebrated Oliver's 1st birthday (Pirate theme--please take note that we pulled out the "surrender the booby" shirt for one more adventure.   Ironic since that was the first day of no nursing.) a few weeks back and this picture was taken after the party had ended and so had their naps!  Emily's hair is crazy and Oliver still has a sleepy look, but they were happy and content playing.  

I found myself jealous of other people's kids today.  We have to run tons of errands for our Christmas with Brian's family and Emily is just not in the best of moods.  She becomes a total bear when she is teething. I can see the little white molar underneath the gum.  Every single store we went to today....one of us had to walk out of with her because of her gifted lungs.  I got lots of looks from parents (as if their child had never thrown a tantrum) and also saw lots of sleeping angels with other parents.  So, I guess I was reminiscing of the days of quiet, happy Emily and found this pic.  

Brrrrr

So, the Johnson family headed to Disneyland yet again yesterday.  Emily and I had to wait a LONG time for daddy to renew our passes---so we spent a lot of time running around the personalized bricks.  We haven't visited since they decorated for Christmas.  The halls were certainly decked.  Joe/Alisha/Oliver met us there for some Disney Christmas fun.  It was super crowded and quite chilly for our sun-spoiled southern california bodies. Emily and Oliver got to meet with Santa.  Unfortunately for Santa, Emily met him 30 minutes past naptime (hence the picture with the pacifier--we really don't let her have it unless it is naptime/bedtime).  She fell fast asleep afterward! Anyway, I just wanted to post some more updated pictures of my sweet little punkin' head.   

Bah Humbug???

I absolutely LOVE Christmas.  There's something so special about the holiday season.  Families spend more time together---friends seem to have more get togethers.  In general, people intentionally think of other people by making cookies/gifts, shopping for the perfect item that just screams the person's name, chipping in on a gift for a family in need etc...

Brian and I normally set up for Christmas the week of Thanksgiving, but with Emily having the flu and several other things that have come up....we just didn't get around to it.  We weren't home all day yesterday and that's probably when we should have set up......so.....I can't believe it....we are not setting up for Christmas this year.  I think we might do minor decorations and maybe even a strand of lights outside, but we just don't have the time to do the major decorating.  It feels very strange.  

Don Sewell....the early years

For Diane Davis

At work, I was researching some private schools and came across a website that linked me to HIU.  The picture next to the link was this picture....thought you would get a kick out of it.  

thoughts

I haven't taken any pictures since Thanksgiving--sad I know.  I don't really have anything too exciting to share, but I can't stop thinking about something.  That something??? Budget cuts.  Without boring you all with the details.  Brian and I are both facing possible budget cuts in the next month or so.  It's quite unnerving, but we feel confident that if either of us are to lose our jobs---there is a reason behind it.  We obviously hope for the best.