Cassidy's Cuteness

It's so hard to keep up with this funny girl with what comes out of her mouth. Here's a few...

• Cassidy Loves books! We go to the Library quite often and she helps me pick out books. One day she added the book in the picture to our pile. The title reads: "Girls Think of Everything!" It made me laugh! I had to get it! It was actually a fascinating book of different inventions and creations started by Women.

• Cassidy tried some Chocolate Souffle at Costco and her reply was... "It's Brownie Soup!"

• Mommy: Would you like me to help you pick up your toys?

Cassidy: Yes, you may!

• Cassidy was being "Extra Good,and Quiet" then I realized she was cutting her hair.

Daddy: Cassidy lets have a talk. We don't cut our hair, only paper that we give you.
Cassidy: How about Mulan? (of course she's right, Mulan did cut her hair)

• Mommy: Derek, I'm M-A-D (spelling it out to him)

Cassidy: Takes a break from playing with her toys and says, "Mommy are you M-A-D (spelling it out like me) at Daddy?

• Daddy: Why are you climbing on everything?

Cassidy: Daddy, I'm a climber, that's what climbers do!

• Cassidy tries to take advantage of EVERY prayer. She then takes the time to THANK Heavenly Father for EVERYTHING! Mommy's Chicken, Daddy's Chicken, Cassidy's Chicken, Dolly, Bear, Big Girl Bed, our house, water, starts naming cousins, aunts, and uncles, our clothes, President Monson, on and on. At least she's grateful! ;)

• When we have a Tickle War Cassidy will call out "Tickle Break!"

• She's starting to name her little friends. One morning, she came up to me with her baby in her arms and introduced me to "Africa". Her dolly is now Brook-a-lyn. Cousin is Aday. I have no idea where she comes up with these names.

• When she sees the Disney Castle on TV, (before the Disney movie starts) she says, "Disney Temple!"

• Cassidy pretends my Elliptical machine is a Giant, named Pete and he's her friend.

• Cassidy is also a very great cook! She always makes sure I eat a Salad with some toast. The other night I ate Chicken Noodle Soup. She was excited to get this kitchen from Santa for Christmas.
  

Christmas in Arizona

Our drive down to Sierra Vista, Arizona we had the chance to meet up with my brother Derek and his family in Las Cruses, New Mexico. We stayed at the same hotel and the kids had the chance to go swimming that night after a looong drive and the rest of the night for all of us to relax and enjoy each other. We didn't even plan on meeting with family along the way it just worked out that way, and we were ALL glad!

During the early, early hours of the morning my sister-in-law Lina got really sick. My brother had to take her to the ER. We were so glad we were able to be there for them and to help out. Throughout the morning we would get reports from my brother on how Lina was doing. As we waited, the kids and Derek and I enjoyed the complimentary hot breakfast and the hotel's famous cinnamon rolls. Then we went back to our rooms and had a big pillow fight. Our nephews, Phil (10 yrs.) and Sam (7 yrs.) were no match to their older brother so I thought I would jump in. Max (15 yrs.) was impressed with some of his Aunt Angie's moves. Our pillow fight seemed to last for quite awhile. It was so much fun! Even Cassidy tried to help her mommy with trying to take her cousins down with a pillow the same size as her. It was funny. (breakfast picture)

Lina was able to be discharged from the hospital around noon and she felt much better. She was definitely a trooper! We packed the cars and were on our way to Grandpa and Grandma's house (6 more hours to go). It was nice to caravan together. Here's a picture of my brother Derek, and Lina making Moose antlers.

We got to my parents house that evening, Christmas Eve. It was a BIG HUG welcoming!

The next morning it seemed like everyone was waiting on our family to open presents. We didn't get out of bed until 8am and everyone was so nice to let us sleep in even though they were up since 6am. We all gathered around the Christmas tree. My sister Jess and her family, and brother Dave and Brianna were able to join us on Christmas Day too.

We started our Christmas morning with a Christmas message given by Grandpa (my dad) and then each took a turn to share what we're grateful for. Let's just say we were passing around the tissue box. Then it was time to each take a turn opening gifts. Sam was our Santa helper this year and would make sure everyone had a gift to open. We take our time in opening gifts and enjoy watching one person at a time. So we can all share the excitement. Cassidy's cousins unanimously agreed Cassidy went first since she was a girl, and the only girl cousin. It was cute.

 

The 1st gift Cassidy opened was the book Derek and I had collected pictures for of all of our family members and designed them in a book for Cassidy. She loves to look at pictures of all of her cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. She enjoys learning all of their names and remembers them well. It was wonderful to sit back and soak in the "giving" of gifts. We were blessed with other wonderful gifts. Thanks family!

After the sharing of gifts we had a delicious hot breakfast. And just spent the rest of the day playing and talking.

Day after Christmas...

The Strong Bunch
(missing brother Dave who's taking the picture, and my sister Maria and her family of 8 who couldn't make it to Arizona. We missed you!)

Look at all those handsome boys...and the sweet little girl

Cuddle Time with Aunt Jill and Cousin Carter

Sweet Kisses for Cousin Trenton

Silly Uncle Dave & Uncle Derek

Playing "Mommy" to Cousin Adon

Guitar Hero- Max & Daddy Rock & Roll'n

Playing Matching Game with brothers (No Cheaters Allowed!)

Girly time with Aunt Lina

Making Sugar Cookies with Grandma & Abuelita

Cassidy loved extra attention from Cousin Max

My brother Doug made these Marshmallow guns for everyone! It was one of the highlights of our Christmas in Sierra Vista. We played on teams and played games of capture the flag. It was so much fun!

Play time with Strong Cousins

Cassidy LOVED playing with all of her cousins...she definitely proved herself with keeping up with the BOYS!

Sam & Phil drew a farewell picture for Cassidy, Derek and I

Christmas Continues in Phoenix...

Even though this year was the year for a Strong Christmas it was nice that we were able to spend some time with Derek's mom AKA Grammy and Derek's brother Scott, sister-in-law Sara and cousins Michael, Matthew, & Macey. It was wonderful for Cassidy to have MORE FUN with MORE COUSINS! We enjoyed sharing gifts, shopping, playing the Wii, getting caught up looking at Grammy's scrapbooks. She does an amazing job! And just spending some good time visiting. Thank you Grammy for spoiling us like always and to Scott and Sara for extending your stay so we can be together. We love you! We look forward to having a Johnson Reunion soon!

Michael using Incredible Hulk strength on Uncle Derek

The kids LOVED playing Hungry Hippo

Cassidy enjoyed playing in Grammy's Shower

Momma's Boys

Macey Claire such a cutie pie!

Lov'n from Aunt Angie

Michael carries on the tradition of reading to Cassidy

Playing with cousin Matthew (they're only 3 weeks apart)

Cassidy & Macey wearing the same cute PJ's

The Christmas Season started with a "Brave Man" who put up our Christmas Lights. (Thanks Honey!)



Decorating the Christmas Tree and inside our home for Christmas



A daughter sharing what Christmas is all about... Jesus Birthday!



Making a Home-made ornament for an ornament exchange party



Attending Ava's Preschool Christmas Concert. Big Hugs for a job well done!



Hosting a Christmas party. We had fun decorating gingerbread houses, laughing at each other during our white elephant gift exchange, and pigging out on yummy goodies.



A fun photo shoot of Cassidy dressed up and playing in the snow. I know I'm not a professional. :) (More pictures to come!)



Then of course between other Christmas parties, last minute Dentist appointments, flu shots, final gift shopping, and volunteering at a Woman's Shelter and being able to have the opportunity to serve the families during their Santa Shop Event, it was time to start packing for our trip for Christmas...

ARIZONA Here We Come