Paul's Birthday

The kids and I had a great time getting ready for Paul's birthday. Paul had a softball game the night before his birthday...so Braden & Natalie baked him a surprise chocolate cake while he was gone. They also put secret notes all over the house for him to find the next morning. Luke baked him chocolate chip cookies while he was at his mom's house. When Paul got home from his game he was greeted with lots of love and attention (like he is every night...). Natalie gave him a "spa pedicure" and painted his toe nails while Braden and him relaxed together watching sports highlights. On his actual birthday Braden, Luke, and Natalie worked diligently to get the cake/cookies/presents and balloons set up before Paul got home from work. When they were finished they all watched out the window, waiting patiently for him to pull into the driveway. The code word for his arrival was "nerd alert". When he pulled in all the kids were yelling "nerd alert" and went to hide. When Paul walked in the house all the kids jumped up from their hiding places and yelled "Happy Birthday" and threw balloons at him. Then we all went out to eat at NATALITAS...all the local Johnson's, all the kiddos, and Grandma joined us! After dinner we went home, opened presents, and had cake.

South Padre Island Weekend Getaway Trip

Our family road trip to South Padre Island was a blast! We got on the road Thursday morning with our first stop being McDonald's for breakfast. Shortly after that we stopped at Buc-ee’s where seeing is believing. This place is unbelievable. You really do have to stop in one if you get a chance. This is not your ordinary convenience store. After a few more stops we finally arrived in Los Fresnos. Paul moved to Los Fresnos when he was 11. He showed us the house he grew up in and where he went to school. It was really neat to see. Finally we arrived at our hotel and the kids were changed in their swim suits ready for the beach before Paul and I could finish unloading the car…I mean Paul could finish unloading the car. They were really excited.

Friday we went to Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark; “the tropical destination for family fun”. It was so awesome because it had interconnecting water rides and slides, a huge 5-story tall Sandcastle, and thrilling uphill water coasters. “Schlitterbahn Beach has all the ingredients for a great summer getaway”!



After dinner Friday night we passed a small amusement park heading back to our hotel. The kids begged us to stop…and being the awesome parents that we are we gave in to all their little desires…even a quick jump on what was called “The Trampoline Thing”. I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

Saturday morning we went to a turtle rescue center then the rest of the day was spent at the beach. We made sand castles and buried the kids in the sand. Paul had the great idea of surrounding the child that was buried with food so that the seagulls could fly around and peck at the immobile child. I must admit it was hilarious! The surrounding families thought so also. The kids also played on their boogie boards and tossed the football around. Paul would try to throw the football to Braden or Luke right when a wave was coming and they would have to dive into the wave to be able to catch it. A lot of salt water was consumed to say the least.

All in all it was a great trip with memories that will last a lifetime!

Dinner at Diana's House