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29 Again?!

Yes, another December 2nd has come (and gone!). I celebrated the day as I have done for the past 3 years, with my wonderful book club. This year, as we have come to expect, Camille kept us on task; Roxan kept us in stiches and Sherran kept us "in our own lanes"! Esther was the fabulous hostess with the mostest, feeding us a wonderful chili - just right for the cold/rainy evening. The Johnson men were in attendance, looking dapper in their winter suits. A good time was had by all! DJ and Sherran are practicing his signature..he looks like he has an adoring fan in this wonderful woman!

Here, the two share a laugh!
Camille and Roxan were quite the duo throughout the evening. Alternately keeping us on point and in stitches with their antics.
I caught this pic of young Master Johnson as he got a little "height help" with Esther's stepping stool...
Carrot cake for the locally famouos Heidleberg bakery - YUM!
The Johnson's share a hug and a smile.

DJ and I couldn't help giving Roxie a little tweak, trying (unsuccessfully) to keep her in line!

Our wonderful hostess - we all completely adore her. :)

Thanksgiving 2007 in Long Beach

After a week of mostly gray and cold days, the sun came out and we got a taste of California sunshie for Thanksgiving. Of to the local beach we went. Below I captured some shots of the Johnson men enjoying the sun and sand.

Donovan's 2007 Halloween

Across the miles but always in our hearts - my God-Nephew (that would be God-son and Nephew!) was clearly ready to leap tall buildings in a single bound.... This handsome lad can come to my rescue any time!

DJ's 2nd Hilloween

October 31st on Capitol Hill is quite the affair with a wonderful (but incredibly crowded) Halloween Festival complete with horse-drawn "hay" ride, moonbounce, face painting, balloons, blown up horse rides (?) food and frivolity - oh and candy too - all hosted at Historic Eastern Market. For the second year in a row, my friend and neighbor Stephanie and I took our boys to enjoy the festivities. Like last year, a good time was had by all!

Campbell AME Anti-Drug Day

Barry, DJ and I participated in our church's anti-drug/anti-drinking day last Saturday. Barry manned the cotton candy machine until he was called away to lead a soccer clinic. DJ found himself scooped up by his Granddad among others throughout the day. The big hit with DJ and all the children was the moon bounce.

Into the Light...

My cousin Ervin inspired me to try to upload some video. We're working on staying "in the light"

Maddie Gets a New Look

DJ and I went along as Aunt Ruth spent some time with the Little Massingas. Madeline enjoyed a little pampering compliments of Grandma Ruth - a deep conditioner followed by a blow out and finished with a flat iron. Within an hour her beautiful, naturally curly hair was bone straight...and she was lovely as ever. In the first photo you can see Big Brother Ben hamming it up in the mirror.

Time for our Own Jungle Gym

Our neighbor had some painters who left their ladders on the side of our house...our little climber couldn't resist them.

First Oreo

It was great to see DJ twist the two chocolate cookies and go for the vanilla inside on his first oreo...he thoroughly enjoyed himself!

Summer Fun in the Pool

Well, as with most things, DJ comes by his love for water honestly: his father was a lifeguard for years in Jamaica before moving to the States and I can would be happiest with a pool right in my backyard! We never have a problem getting him in the water, now getting him OUT is another story! Luckily our fantastic friend Jessica allows us to invite ourselves over to her pool.

Father's Day 2007

The Johnson men wore their beautiful blue and white Greek shirts to church on Father's Day. The looked handsome and very stylish indeed! After church, we went enjoyed a great barbeque dinner with the Reed family as we celebrated our love for Granddad.

Memorial Week at the BnB

At the end of May, I made my annual trek to Long Beach to get a little RnR with family. Unfortunately, Barry had to work so it was just DJ and me this year. DJ enjoyed quality time with his Auntie Courtney, Cousin Donovan, and Uncles Tracey and Rodger. We timed our visit to coincide with mom and Aunt Ruth's return from Greece and we were able to enjoy extra time with Aunt Ruth (as she waited for her luggage to catch up with her in Long Beach!). Below you see the obligatory "hold us both!" photos as well as one of the young cousins sharing some love...

Mother's Day 2007

This year, I really wanted the opportunity to get out and get some exercise with DJ...and that is exactly what I got! My wonderful "Sister in Christ" Carley loaned me her bicycle (so that I wouldn't have to make a serious investment in case I really didn't love riding all that much) and off we went to get it fully outfitted to carry a toddler. DJ took to riding like he takes to everything - with a wonderful, "let's do it!" attitude. It is so much fun pedalling through Capitol Hill with him singing and providing commentary on the people and things we see from his "passenger seat".

SRA Spring Gala 2007

Once again it was "Esther to the Rescue!" when Barry and I decided to not only attend the SRA Spring Gala but to (gasp!) spend our first night away from DJ. We had a wonderful time getting all gussied up at the Black Tie event. We even did the "after party" thing by spending a couple of hours in the hotel bar with some friends after the main event ended. We are still officially honeymooners you know... :)