Weekend Rides

This weekend Isaac got to experience his first boat ride as well as his first train ride. Friday evening we joined some good friends at their lake home on beautiful Pike Lake, just north of Duluth. After several minutes on the (pontoon) boat, he got more comfortable - walking about the boat and even took a turn at the wheel (see for yourself). It was a lovely evening.

Then on Saturday, we took a turn on the North Shore Scenic Railroad (Lester River) 90-minute excursion. It was all very exciting, but a bit overwhelming for Isaac. We started out in the open-air car just behind the engine, and when the train whistle went off, it was very loud. When Isaac talks about the train ride now, after the fact, he says with a concerned look on his face, "too loud!" Nothing wrong with our boy's hearing! Hopefully there will be more of the same kind of rides in Isaac's future - just maybe next time in a train car that's not right next to the engine/whistle!

4th Weekend

This weekend we spent our first "4th of July" in Duluth. My sister, Jenny, her husband Craig, and their girls Maddy (8) and Olivia (3) came up for the weekend's festivities and stayed with us. Besides being a great time of catching up and spending time together, we enjoyed several activities throughout the weekend, including "the Great Thomas Carnival" on Saturday, the Duluth "Fourth Fest" on Sunday, followed by a picnic supper at Bayfront Festival Park, a stroll along the Baywalk/Boardwalk, and watching fireworks from our vehicle from an overlook along Skyline Parkway. The kids had a great time together (as usual), and we adults tagged along and managed to have some fun, too. Check out some fun photo action from the weekend:
http://picasaweb.google.com/joeltjohnson/July2010

Arizona Teas

On Saturday, I sent Joel and Isaac out on an errand. I think they were both glad to get out of the house while I was buzzing around doing some cleaning (not to mention an excuse for Joel to get his morning coffee at C-bou). Anyhow, I always chuckle when Joel comes home with items that "weren't on the list" and to see what he was interested in - most of the time, things I wouldn't probably have picked up. This time it was several large cans of flavored Arizona teas - he proudly exclaimed, "they were on sale!" We've been enjoying them since Saturday - Isaac even tasted his first "Arnold Palmer" yesterday. Judging from the reaction to follow, I'd say it was a hit. Thanks, Papa!

Grandma's Marathon Weekend

This past weekend we celebrated the 34th Annual Grandma's Marathon. To commemorate the experience, Joel ran the full marathon that he has been training for since last September. The weather was almost ideal - 60's, partly cloudy but windy. The head wind slowed many runners down during a certain stretch of the race. All things considered, Joel is very pleased with his performance and his final time: 4:13 (more than an hour less than his last marathon in 2006 at 5:22). Each time I saw Joel during the race (4 stops plus the finish line), he looked great and was feeling good throughout the race. Here are some photos and videos taken of Joel throughout the race:

http://picasaweb.google.com/pastortwj/GrandmasMarathonJoel

For now, we're all grateful for a few days "off" from running while Joel recovers, and as far as next year's race...well, it's too soon to tell whether or not I'll be back on the sidelines cheering Joel on.

Family Celebrations

Hi Everyone! It's been a busy few weeks up here for the Johnson's:

Weekend of May 31st/Memorial Day Weekend: Joel and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary by taking a 24-hour local getaway (without Isaac). It was a great time to get away, enjoy a pace other than that of a very busy 2-year old, and to reflect on our relationship. We stayed local and are still able to feel as if we're vacationing in the surrounding area of Duluth given all that it has to offer. Here is a photo taken on our anniversary.

Weekend of June 5th: Combined birthday party for Isaac and his 2 cousins (Olivia, 3 and Aspen, 5). Check out some picture highlights:

http://picasaweb.google.com/joeltjohnson/June2010

We've some fun times already this summer and are looking forward to many more!

On the Run

As most of you know, Joel has been training over the course of the last 9+ months for Grandma's Marathon on June 19, 2010. He ran his first marathon in 2006 and finished! Initially he said he had no interest in doing another marathon, but once we learned of our move to Duluth, he got the itch. We have learned that 'run' is a culture here in Duluth all on its own. He's been doing very well with his training schedule despite the huge time commitment (and investment in good running shoes). With 25 days left until marathon, we are getting excited to participate in this huge attraction weekend now that we're considered 'locals.' As an added excitement, Joel is "running for a cause" and donating all proceeds to Duluth MN Teen Challenge. For those of you who haven't yet seen, check out his explanation here:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dE9fZm9pUDMySHZ3Ukk4MDNWWGVsVWc6MQ

Thanks to all for your support and encouragement!

Other Updates

As many of you know, I have made a job change within the last couple of weeks. In order to be sensitive to social networking 'rules' and expectations around employment, I'll just say that for unforeseen reasons we decided that it was time for me to move on from my last employer, and the new opportunity that I've been given here in Duluth was too good to pass up. Two weeks into my new position, I am confident that it is a good fit for many reasons and am grateful for that. Once again, we have seen God open doors for us here in Duluth and that is so encouraging as we continue to establish ourselves here in this community and as a family.

...and in other news...

Isaac had his 2-year physical last Friday afternoon. As expected, he is a normal, healthy, happy boy (then again, we didn't need a doctor to tell us that). He is scoring well (and above average) and nearly all of his rating factors, and has improved on the 'social' skills since his last visit at 18-months. We know that his involvement in the daycare setting has helped with that. His stats were/are:

Weight: 3o pounds, 6 oz. (76th percentile)
Height: 34 inches (56th percentile)

Isaac's always been ahead of the curve for both height and weight, so the height was a bit surprising this time around. I, and several others that have commented, feel that he is tall for his age, and many people think he is older than he is for that reason. Oh, well, not to get too wrapped up in numbers. While we were there for the visit, Isaac received 1 shot (a Polio booster) at the end of the visit. I had talked with Isaac about what was going to happen so he was prepared. It went as well as could be expected, no tears, quick and easy. While the nurse was leaving the room, Isaac waved and said, 'bye-bye Nurse...thank you!' She turned around and looked at us in disbelief as to what she had just heard (keeping in mind I did NOT prep Isaac for that part). I asked the Nurse if she had ever been thanked for giving a shot before, and she assured me that in her 10+ years of Nursing this was a first for her. Ah, Isaac...you are such a hoot. We're glad we can share some joy with others through his wonderful-ness.

And finally (a busy weekend for us), we had Isaac's 2-year pictures taken and an updated family photo while we were at it. We didn't get quite as many good options as we had in the past, but there's still a couple of good ones. Some of you will be receiving your own personal copy in the near future. Keep an eye on your mailboxes :-) See for yourself:

http://www.smilesbywire.com
Enter "Heather Johnson" for Customer Name
Access Code: LTPP0321116405JCP

That's all folks!