Niklas Shinner

Niklas unfortunately decided that having bruises on his arms and legs wasn't enough. He was playing with his Geo-tracks last Thursday and was moving a section of track when he slipped on something and fell head first into the coffee table. He didn't have enough time to drop the track and catch his fall and his eyebrow met the table. When we first got a chance to look at the damage (about 30 sec. - 1 min later) the swelling was so huge that you could not see any part of the eye. I got an ice pack on him then we headed to the Bedtime Pediatrics. The doctor said there was no damage to the bone structure (head, nose, etc.), nor any blood vessel ruptures (fluid in the swelling was clear). He was quite the lucky guy to only come out of this with what will end up being a nice shinner. The doctor mentioned that the swelling would go down in a couple of days, but then the area around the eye would develop all sorts of colors. He was right, it was a rainbow of colors. The pictures start after we got home from the pediatrics. Taking a picture of the initial swelling didn't even cross our minds till we got home. The coloring (as of this post) is actually returning to normal. Yeah!

Our Silly Little Monkey

We had an empty box sitting around the other day and Niklas decided it would be a fun thing to play with. It's amazing that even with all his other toys (all over the house) a simple box caught his attention for awhile and was fun for him to play with. There was actually another box (on another day) as well that he was pretending was a car, it's too bad I didn't get a picture of that one.

8th Anniversary

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!!

It's kind of hard to believe that it has been 8 years now. I just thought I'd post a message (for once) and tell Amanda - I LOVE YOU. Thank you for all you do for me and Niklas. Although you say I don't say it enough to you - just know that I love you very much. I have enjoyed being with you for the last 8 years and look forward to many, many more years together - both here and into eternity.

Canning Love it

So this year I decided to can again. I canned peaches, salsa, Tomatoes, and Dill Pickles, Well actually I only canned the peaches and salsa my aunt kind off did the rest for me. I had a really fun time canning my peaches, my wonderful neighbor Celeste wanted to learn how to can peaches and got peaches with me this year. Wednesday was the longest but funnest day I have had. I hope Celeste enjoyed doing peaches to. We first worked on hers and got all of hers done then we decided to work on my Peaches. We got done about 9:00 that Night. We also decided to also invite my other neighbor Melissa to come over and visit. Little did we know that she actually wanted to help. Thanks you guys for a really fun Wednesday. Sorry to Celeste husband for keeping her away all day and night.

Nik's First Day of Preschool

I can't believe it my baby is finally going to school. NO he wasn't sad that he was going to school he was upset with mom for waking him up. Nik started school the day after his birthday party and he was one really tired little boy. Don't worry once he got there he was so excited to be there. He loves school. When we get home from school Nik is so excited to go over the things he learns, He shows me the papers he colors, then when Cory comes home from work Niklas can't wait to show his dad what he has learned. Sometimes I think he would rather be at school then home. He asks everyday if he can go back to Ms. Sherrys and play with his friends there.

We had Niklas Birthday party the Monday we got back from Disneyland. He was so funny when we asked him what kind of party he wanted, He always said that he wanted a Mickey and a Pirate Party. So it was kind of a mix theme. We appreciate our family for coming and celebrating with us. Thanks for all the support you give us. Thanks to all of our friends that came, it really made his day even more special.

This was something fun that happened. We were standing waiting to for the Monarail and the driver asked us if we would like to sit in the front with him. Cory and I can't remember if we ever have been able to sit there before so it was a new experience for us and Niklas. Then once we got to the next stop at Downtown Disney the driver asked if Niklas would like to sit in his chair for a picture of course he did, They also let Niklas honk the horn, He loved it.

Here are some more pictured from our trip. Enjoy

Niklas' Birthday at Disneyland

I know it has been awhile since my last post. So now I am going to post about our trip to Disneyland for Niklas birthday. Niklas turned 4 years old this year and I can't believe how big he is getting. We decided to take advantage of my flight benefits and take him to Disenyland for his Birthday. We had so much fun this time around. It was just the three of us, and Niklas was so much better with the characters he would go up and hug them and stand right next to them for pictures.

Donald was one of our favorite characters to see this year. He was so good with the little kids and we don't get to see him very often out and about. Donald didn't have anyone with him directing the crowd so Donald was awesome he would watch and take the children who were being patient and push aside people who were cutting in front of others. I was very impressed.

I had to post this picture of Nik with Eeyore. I love it. Like I said Niklas wasn't shy with any of the Characters this year. He loves the Winnie the Pooh ride at Disneyland. I think besides the Autotopia ride this might be his second favorite. We also decided that since he was big enough we would take him on Splash Mountain. He has never riden that ride before and he really did like it. On Splash Mountain we really didn't get wet accept for Niklas right at the very end a big wave came over and soaked him. It was so funny.

Of course we can't leave out any pictures of Tigger, Nik decided to kinda play around with him he tried to show Tigger his hand shake that Nik and Cory made up.

Here is our little Family. We had so much fun even though it was pretty crowded. I know Niklas will always remember his birthday he spent at Disneyland. I have decided that we won't be going back to Disneyland during the Summer again way to crowded for my taste.

I know it has been a while since my last post. As soon as I get some of my pictures download I will being posting. Please be patient with me.

NIKLAS AND GRANDPA ON THE TEA CUPS

OUR FAMILY ON THE SMALL WORLD

MOMMY AND NIKLAS

AMANDA AND ADRIAN

NIKLAS ON AUTO TOPIA HE LOVES THIS RIDE IF YOU CAN'T TELL

Disneyland Trip April 2009

GRANDPA AND GRANDMA JOHNSON

NIKLAS AND HAYLEY

DADDY AND NIKLAS ON SPACE MOUNTAIN

OUR FAMILY WITH PLUTO :)

LOOK MOM I AM FINALLY TALL ENOUGH!!!!! :)

So I decide that it was finally time to blog about our Disneyland trip. We had so much fun with our friends the Christiansen Family and Newell and Colleen. Thank you for coming with us on this trip. It was so exciting to have Niklas tall enough to finally ride more rides. We took him on Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain, Star Tours, Tower of Terror, Soaring Over California, Jelly Fish Drop and The Swings. I can't think of the others right now. We also took him on all the rides he likes. He really loves Autotopia and Buzz Light Year. The weather was so nice it wasn't to hot but it wasn't to cold either. We also spent one day at the San Diego Zoo. Wow I have never been to the Zoo before it was way cool. I totally loved the panda bears and so did Niklas. I will post more pictures so you can all see the fun we had.

Niklas First Dentist Apt

So today Nik had his first Dentist apt. We went to the Dentist this afternoon, at first Niklas didn't want to go but I explained to him that we were going to a Doctor for his teeth to make sure they were all healthy, I also reminded him that they had a train track that he could play with while we waited for his apt. When the hygenist called us back to clean his teeth Nik was a little timid. She showed him everything she was going to do and started cleaning his teeth. We got all the way through brushing his teeth and rinsing then she wanted to floss his teeth and Niklas said no that he was done. The Dentist then came in and looked at Nik's teeth and said that he has no Cavities and that his teeth are really good and healthy. He must get that from his dad. I always had cavities. Hopefully the next time we go Niklas will allow them to finish the cleaning. I guess we will see. Boy how he is growing up so fast. I don't know where the time goes.

SWEETS CANDY FACTORY

So today Niklas and I went with our neighborhood playgroup to Sweets Candy Factory for a tour. It was so fun. When we first got there we had to check in all of our purses and bags and then we had to watch a short film on the factory. Once that was all done they brought out hair nets that we all had to wear. Stupid me I forgot to get pictures of me and Niklas in them. Nik looked so cute with the hairnet on. Oh well. The funny thing is I actually took my camera with me this time. We then went back to where they made the candy it was really interesting to see it all and see how they made the candy. They also had some really good candy that we were able to try. Once the tour was finished they allowed us to buy candy from the gift shop. Which of course I had to get some. Who can blame me it is candy, and who doesn't love candy. Niklas had a lot of fun with all his little friends. Thanks Tami for planning the fun activity for today.

family vacation just around the corner

I am so excited my family will be going to Disneyland in 16 days. I am so excited and counting down it has been a long awaited vacation. To keep Nik in the count down we made him one of those rings that you tear one off a day. He loves doing that . I can't wait.

So not much is going on right now. So I haven't blogged in while. Right now I am working alot to get our family to Disneyland. We are way excited to be going. We are going with Cory's mom and dad and my friends Adrian and her family. I can't wait my little family is very ready for a vacation. Niklas is really excited to be going with Grandpa and Grandma Johnson, also he very excited to have Hayley going with us and her parents. We can't wait. Cory is been really good to with me working so much. He has been helping around the house and making sure Niklas gets to bed at a decent time. It has been great. Well other than that we are just getting ready to plant my veggie garden. I am so excited to try and grow a garden this year. I am going to attempt to grow Sugar Snap Peas, Cucumbers, lots of squash, Pumpkins to carve this year, Tomatoes, and bell peppers also Watermelons. We will see how it goes, I will keep you all updated:) Anyway that is about all that is happening with us right now.

WHERE OH WHERE IS SPRING

So I am so ready for spring to get here. I am very tired of the snow. Cory isn't he wishes it would snow more and more because he loves the snow. I on the other hand am ready for the warm weather to come I miss the flowers and the leaves and the green grass and sending the kids outside to play and to take Niklas to the Zoo. Niklas keeps asking to go to the Zoo and I keep telling him we have to wait until it gets warm. So as soon as it is a warm day without any wind I will be taking him to the Zoo. Which will be our first trip to the Zoo this year. I can't wait. Not much else is really happening in my family. I am working alot to earn some money to go to Disneyland in April, with Cory's parents and my friend Adrian and her family. We are anxiously awaiting to go. We are so ready to have a vacation and go someplace warm, See I am totally ready for the warmth and so is Niklas he keeps asking everyday are going to Disneyland this day or are we going to the Zoo today. It is cute but also is kind of crazy. Any way that is my thoughts right now on the weather.

Happy Valentines Day

First off we want to wish everyone a happy Valentines day. Cory and I decided to have our Valenitnes celebration last night so that we can attend our Stake Confrence. We decided that we wanted to go to the Roof Resturant for Valentines. We invited my best friend Adrian and her Husband Brian to join us. We also wanted to invite some of our friends from our neighborhood so we had Thiess and Jamie Lindsay and Wade and Sandra Hadlock join us. It was really fun. I am kind of a dork though because I totally forgot my camera so we don't have any pictures. We had a great view of the temple and we had fun just talking about everything. It was a fun atmosphere as well. The funniest part of the whole evening is when the Hostess had to let us know that the next reservation for our table was checked in and asked if we could leave and go to a place that we could sit and chat. I knew we only had a certain amount of time but we were talking so much and laughing that we didn't pay much to the time. I must say I have never been asked to leave a resturant but it was totally understandable. Cory and I had a blast with all of you. Thank you for joining us on our Valentines Celebration. I also just want to let Cory know that I love and appreciate all that he does for our little family. He is a great man, and had to put up with alot from me. I will always remember this Valentines because it was nice to be out with friends. Again Happy Valentines Day to everyone.

Niklas said the cuttest thing

So yesterday at church Niklas' sunbeam teachers told me about the cutest thing Niklas said during their lesson. They were talking about how Jesus once was baby and did an activity showing each child a picture of themselves as a baby or a toy that they used to play with. Aparently the children started talking about there sisters and how some of their sisters were at home or in a different class. Then Niklas told his class that his sister is in heaven. I just thought it was the cutest thing for him to say. Man how he has grown up. He also was asked to give the closing prayer in primary yesterday. I was so proud of him for getting up and doing it with no problems. We love this little boy so much he makes us laugh all the time and he is so sweet.

Day two of potty training

I am pleased to announce that Niklas went poo on the potty, unfortunately we did have another pee accident but he is doing so good with the potty trainging. I am so excited. Can't wait until he has finally got it down.

Niklas is finally potty training

So today I decided that I have had it with diapers. When Nik woke up this morning I put him in underwear and have been making him sit in the bathroom every 20 minutes so far he has been doing pretty good. We have had only one accident all day. Unfortunately he hasn't gone number 2 yet but he has peed three times on the potty. I am so proud of him, but it is just the start. It has been a long struggle just to get him to go to the restroom. I have promised everything from a great big toy to a movie, nothing seemed to work but today I decided from the advice from my neighbor Amy that I would pay Niklas evertime he actually peed and we would put it in his bank and once that was full he could either take the money and buy something at the store or use it in Disneyland. He has decided that he wants to use it in Disneyland, I also told him we won't go to Disneyland until he has had no accidents. Since Disneyland is his favorite place to go it actually has been working. I am very happy with him right now hopefully tonight won't mess things up.

Well I know it has been awhile since my last post. I wanted to wait until something happened. Our ward just split a week ago, and our neighborhood basically became the new ward. We received a call from our bishop that he wanted to see us. We went on Wednesday evening which he then proceeded to give us our new calling. We have been called as the Activites Chairmans. We are very excited but also very nervous. Having to plan activities for your ward is a whole lot different than planning things to do with your friends. So now I am asking all of you for ideas, we need to plan a family activity in the next month to help us get to know the families in our ward. So if you have any fun activities that would help us please let us know. The beginning of the year was also new for Niklas as he is now a Sunbeam. He loves it, the first Sunday in sunbeams he had a little bit of a hard time going but now he goes straight to class with no problems. We also are now going to church in our brand new building which is totally awesome. It will be nice when the weather turns warmer in the spring and summer and just walk to church since it is around the block. Others in the area have commented the same. Thus instead people driving to church we will need to have designated stroller parking areas (lol). I love that all the classrooms now have windows, it makes it a lot easier to check on your child to see how they are doing in class. Well again if you have any ideas for us we are totally open for help.