Oh Fred Bear, walk with me down these trails again...

A success full hunt was granted to the Johnson boys opening morning. A cool fall morning with a touch of snow left our ears on overtime as each grunch in the woods put us on alert. But in the end a kill, with irony and trickory.  Not a huge rack, but a large buck and meat for my family.  I'd like to thank Fred Bear as his spirit was upon us as we slowly but carfully snuck up on this buck with his girlfriend and also the Johnson game ranch for their hospitality and providing me with the opportunity to take this small trophy. The buck weight was 150lbs.

Welcome Annika Keefer

Here is a picture welcoming Baby Annika into the Keefer family. Mother is doing well after a delivery via C section. She is expected to leave the hospital in a couple days. Annika I believe was a little over 7lbs and 20 inches long with a touch of hair on her head. Congratulations Keefer family...you'll never sleep again.

Enjoying Life.....

Hello Again Everyone,
      The johnson family has been oh so busy lately. Will Halloween done and behind us, two birthday celebrations I think we are going to be taking a breather... until something else comes on down the line.



No more monkeys jumping on the bed




How fun are the fall leaves?

  Below is the birthday boy. A quick trip over to Duluth left us eating well and also allowed two crazy monkeys (above) to play in the leaves with their grandpa.

Happy Birthday Hank

 Caps for Sale! A monkey! Man who just got off his bike.                Priceless

 A couple fun halloween pictures. This year our church hosted Trunker Treats. A parking lot filled with cars, energetic people made for a great trick or treat begining as hundreds upon hundreds of pieces of candy were handed out from the trunks of cars to the children of Iron River.

                Above is Marc Ralston, a long time legend in the town for being crazy at Halloween.

Above was another birthday party in honor of our very own Lisa Hjelm. A chipotle styled dinner, beverage exploration and some sweet desert left our bellies full and our faces tired from so much laughter. Happy Birthday Lisa.

Carving our first pumpkin

Good Monday Morning everyone,
              This weekend we had the opportunity to carve our very first pumpkin with Laurel. She absolutely loved it. She didn't however like getting her hands dirty with pumpkin seeds, that's where her father stepped it. A quick 20 minute project provided lots of fun for Laurel. Later in the night we lite the candle and snapped some pictures. Even the computer background is of a pumpkin just so she can see it.  Also this weekend we went to Phil and Pearl Carlson's house with the youth group kids and made some home made apple cider by manually pressing with a contraption that Phil has. This is now the third year that Linnea and I have participated in this with the youth and it is aways a hit with our kids. But for the students who hit the apple cider to much, not good for them the next day.

Blessings

                                ICKY

 Laurel shouted, Triangles as dad cut out the eyes.

Why our daughter doesn't have shoes on, I don't know!

A praying child....Priceless

Good Morning Everyone,
           Not alot to report from the Johnson family. Though it seems our weeks our packed with continual events by the time Friday has come I've completely forgotten what took place on Monday.  The weather  in Iron River is getting colder. The leaves are just about all gone and morning frost is becoming regular. Living  here is such a wonderful time. The changing of the seasons, color, smells in the air. These last couple weeks the aroma of tried, dead, burning mulched leaves has hung in the air. Yes for some of you that makes you wrinkle your nose but it's a great sign that winter is just around the corner and I am so excited to see how much fun Laurel will have out in the snow. Her little self lately has had such a large personality. Almost full and complete sentences. Heck, dad himself struggles with that.  Laurel is making so many faces, entertaining herself. She even gives us the daily report of what took place at day care and who spent time in the corner. Everyday I am some how amazed at my daughter, and even more amazed when she prays.
        Last night Linnea, Laurel and I went to Bill and Lynn Fishes house. Steak was on the menu with a side of salad and some grilled vegetables. But before we could eat we asked for the blessing. Holding hands we all closed our eyes to return thanks. As I closed one eye and opened the other to watch Laurel I was humbly surprised. She sat there holding Mom and Dad's hand perfectly still with eyes close like she was sleeping and prayed with us. While watching her I was in awe. My child is getting so big.

 Picture time with Dad, while she is still eating a carrot.

 This is a typical Laurel face saying. Dad, I see you, I hear you, but I just don't follow!

Don't focus on my tongue please,  Focus on Laurel :)

Loves to paint, and then tell you what she painted about 100 times.  

Blessings
-Johnson's

Stronger

Hello Everyone,
            This year  three of the Johnson girls headed to the covenant women's retreat held at CPBC. A gorgeous weekend with bright fall colors, great food and good weather made for much fun as the women gathered and enjoyed fellowship with one another.  Below are a couple pictures of the girls as they carefully navigate the high ropes coures and become stronger.   Great job ladies.

 Aunt Rachel really stretching herself physically and emotionally. Ray Ray isn't fond of heights.

 Look at the upper arm strength in Aunt Ray Ray :)

 Lisa going out on a limb for that hard to get camera shot.

 Linnea is enjoying herself as Laurel watches mom from below.

Mom trying hard and keeping her focus to achieve her goal: Reaching the zip line.

I am pretty sure tha is you mom... way to go!!!!

Rain fallen, puddles remain

Hello Everyone,
           Several inches of rain have fallen again in Iron River. My prediction is that our winter is going to be very white with much snow.  Life is great for the Johnson family. Linnea and I have three weeks of school tucked under our belts. As for myself I love my position. This year however, many students have asked why I do this job. My new response, I am a disabled Marine with a prostetic leg, and the position is only volunteer. HAHAHA. No disrespect for those who have served and lost a body part.  But the response from the students is classic. They really believe me and always want me to lift up my pant let. As for our daughter, Laurel has adjusted well to playing with her friends at day care.  At this point I personally think she prefers day care. It must be more enjoyable than hanging with mom and dad at home. It's hard to believe that sooner than later our daughter will attend school. Laurel is getting big as you can tell by the pictures. Last weekend we did the worst to her, we had taken away the pacies.  Next on the list is to get her going on the toilet so we can save a buck on diapers. At times I wonder how many total diapers we have used. But do we as parents really want to know that number?

A beautiful fall morning. Laurel and I had a cleaning lesson. We talked about washing and waxing. Different techniques when washing and waxing and finally appropriate products needed to complete the task. She loves to clean... and that makes dad happy. After fresh wax on the truck she took it upon herself to clean her trike.

 Below a classic request...read me a book.  Lately we have had to sing Laurel the ABC's. It helps calm her, after all we did take away all her pacies.

Thats all for the johnsons we are going to try and keep good updates for the winter season. Take care all of you blog stalkers.