Coming up for air

We returned home last night after almost three glorious weeks in the California sunshine. I'm almost at the point where I can put together a decent holiday-themed post. Stay tuned for more.

Ice skating

This afternoon Piper and I went ice skating. It was her first time and the first time for me in almost ten years. It's amazing that I never went when we lived in New York. In any case, we had a fun time. It was a special parent/preschooler outing so there were cookies and hot chocolate. We skated for about 45 minutes. Piper didn't do too bad but she was tired and crabby near the end so I didn't get any smiley pictures. She did like it though. We'll have to try it again another time; maybe Rick could go with us.

Ready to go home

New arrival - our couch

Hooray! Today was a great day for the Johnsons. After waiting over six weeks we finally are in possession of a couch.

Here's a shot of it; sorry, it's not a great one. It's a Pottery Barn Greenwich couch in caramel brushed canvas.

I'm not sure about the furniture arrangement yet. I'm sure Rick will have somethiing to say about that when he gets home tomorrow.

Now we can all sit on the couch together. And have a place for guests to sit too.

Gingerbread house

Last week Piper and I made and decorated a gingerbread house. I think it was the first time that I had made the entire thing myself. I used my mom's tried-and-true recipes and pattern. I think that it turned out well. Piper enjoyed it too. She's been good about not eating the candy either. She's been really excited whenever someone comes over and she gets to show them the house.

The before shot


The after shot - a proud girl


Another after shot


The back of the house

Happy Anniversary!

Last week Rick and I celebrated our eighth anniversary. He was traveling so we exchanged gifts from a far. Rick sent me these beautiful flowers. Totally unexpected but just gorgeous. I had the hotel send him up half a dozen chocolate chip cookies. We then had a "virtual date," eating our respective dinners in front of the webcams. It was a fun night. Here's to eight and eighty more years together.

More dressing up

Piper found a pair of my pantyhose and put them on her head. I promise there was no coaching from me. It's surprising that she still looks so beautiful and put-together despite the hosiery dangling from her head.

Great Lakes Science Center

A few weeks ago Piper and I went to the Great Lakes Science Center. We had a fun time; Piper's favorite thing by far was the dressing up.

Eh batter, batter. Dressing up as a baseball player


Moo, moo



Snack time!