Sea World

Sea World was a blast and we had a really good time! It was nice seeing all the animals of the sea. It was also really cool for Sadie because she didn't know very much about any of these animals. I would probably say that the dolphins were her favorite. She just couldn't get close enough to them, so of course papa bought her some fish so that she could feed them. It was truly an experience to remember for a lifetime! The Shamu show was also a lot of fun. JJ and Daddy also loved riding their new ride......THE MANTA!

Magic Kingdom

Well you hear all the stories about a dream coming true when you are is Disney World! It's was absolutely AWESOME seeing Sadie in this magical world. She loved meeting all the characters and riding all the rides. The highlight of the day was definitely meeting Minnie Mouse and Tinkerbell (who we didn't find until later that night). I am so thankful that she was able to experience this all!

We went back to the resort and took a 3 hour break and then we were back to Magic Kingdom for a Christmas Spectacular show! I would have to say that this was truly amazing and we all enjoyed it so very much!

Park #1----Animal Kingdom!!!!

We went to Animal Kingdom first and it was better than I thought. There were lot's of fun animals and Sadie did wonderful. She loved the Nemo Show and the Parade with all the Disney characters. She also learned a lot about different animals as she saw so many. We didn't get to go on the safari because the wait was just too long!

Florida Bound!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday morning we left for our Christmas trip to Orlando, FL. It was a very long day with a layover in Baltimore (who knows why you have to go north to go south). We finally got settled in around 5:00. So now I will be updating you as we visit these wonderful parks. We are looking forward to experiencing this trip with our family and especially seeing Sadie meet all her Disney friends!

Christmas

This is just a super cute picture of Sadie before we went to church last week. She is really excited about our trip to Disney and spending time with family during Christmas!

Baby Shower

A few weeks ago some friends from church gave me and three other girls a baby shower. We had a wonderful time and loved spending time with family and friends. It was very encouraging and we got some really cute stuff. It's hard to believe that Dakota will be here in hopefully 8 weeks.

Papa v/s Sadie

Well there is no doubt who won this battle!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sadie and Papa were playing together and Sadie poked him (looks like he hit him) in the face. It's finally starting to get better. It was pretty funny to me because I have only seen my dad with black eyes twice.
1. When I was younger and my best friend Joy through a quarter at him and hit him in the eye.
2. My daughter playing with Papa!
It's a fun memory. After showing it to Sadie on the computer, she said, "I got to put a band aid on papa's eye so it will get better before we get on the airplane"!

A performer!

Sadie's new favorite thing to do is sing her favorite songs! She loves the songs, "Jesus loves the little children" and "Five little monkey's jumping on the bed". Here are a couple of videos of her famous performances! "Jesus Loves the Little Children" was performed at Nana and Gran-grans and the other song was of course performed at home (and no we don't usually let our child jump on the couch:)!)

"Taste of Farmville"

Tonight we took Sadie to this event in Farmville called "Taste of Farmville". It's where they light the tree for the city and all the small shops open up for goodies and sales. They also had carriage rides for anyone who wanted to wait in the long line. Lastly, there was this old theater and Santa had a workshop built in there and all the kids got to come and meet him. Of course there was line, but it was worth the wait. Sadie wasn't afraid of him at all. She jumped on his lap and said, I want a baseball goal (well, mom and dad know she means a basketball goal). She rubbed him and gave him a great big hug. Santa's elves then gave her a sticker book and some crayons. It was a fun night and best of all, it was all FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanksgiving

We are thankful for so many things as we are reminded of how much Christ did for us during this season of life! Thanksgiving was filled with a lot more joy and happiness this year than last. It marked one year since my Granny passed away. It's really cool to be reminded that she is rejoicing in heaven. It was also nice seeing my mom and aunt back to their normal selves. I loved seeing them excited for the holidays, decorating, and of course shopping. I know that Granny would be so very proud as she looks down from above! Through all the happiness, I did a terrible job taking pictures. I actually only have a few. JJ and I went and visited some of his family and we had a very enjoyable time. We don't get to see his grandparents very often and Sadie did wonderful around them. I did capture one really good picture of them before we left. We look forward to hopefully seeing them again at Christmas as well as his mom, dad, sister, and Jacob!

Pumpkin Time!

So, JJ and I finally get to come home in the afternoon right after school! Wow, what a change. Friday we decided to carve our own pumpkin. We ran out of time because the neighbors came over and talked, but it still looks pretty good (just didn't have time for the nose). Sadie really enjoyed it and we got some cute pictures out of it!

Minnie Mouse Halloween!

It's so exciting to have a little girl to dress up for Halloween! Sadie was Minnie Mouse, and I must say she was probably the cutest Minnie Mouse EVER!!!!!! Check her out!

NC State Fair

The North Carolina State Fair is always an exciting time for the Johnston household. My family runs a booth selling the most famous french fries ever (Al's French Fries). It had its bitter/sweet moments. For some reason I just can't help but remember Uncle Cecil during this time. This is the second year that he has not been there, and boy did he loved those 10 days of work. I'm sure he was giving us his two cents from up above! Everything went well this year, just not quite as much profit as the years past. The economy is truly effecting everyone, but we are so thankful for the extra money that we were able to make. Every little bit helps with those neverending bills. Sadie also had a really good time. JJ and I didn't actually get to take her for fun because she got sick, but Nana and Papa did. She loved riding the rides and the ponies. I have a few pictures to show that. She also got to spend lots of time with Nana and Papa while mommy and daddy were working! We look forward to a better 2010 NC State Fair filled even more memories!

Football Friday!

The past few Friday's have been nothing but football. We have had so many home games in a row. Last night was homecoming, so we were off to school for another football game. Sadie loves going to the games. When we pick her up on Friday's she always asks "we going to the football game". She even cried one Friday night when we didn't have a game. She loves to play with her friend Trey. Here are a few updated pictures of the two (and us too)!

Travis and Carol

Our friends Travis and Carol got married a couple of weeks ago. The wedding was beautiful and it was nice seeing old friends. Sadie had a blast dancing the night away with Olivia and some random girl!

What is Mule Days?

So, you know how every city has some little festival in their town? It could be the Peanut Festival, Watermelon Festival, Acorn Festival, even the Collard Festival. Well, when I was growing up Benson hosted "Mule Days". It was a huge event with rides, parade, and lot's of horses. Yeah, it's pretty red neck, but everyone always looked forward to the 3 weekend in September. This year, Sadie went with Papa and Nana. She loved it. She watched the hour long parade, ate a ton of french fries, and even got on a horse.

It's a..............................

The verdict is in and it is a BOY! Yes, you heard me correctly, a very healthy baby boy. The ultrasound went great this morning and there is no question about this baby being a little boy. Everything is developing appropriately and we were very encouraged. We are still working on the name. We're thinking Dakota ___________ Johnston. We're not completely sold on it yet though. We'll keep you posted!

Last chance guess!

Okay guys, this is your last chance to guess the sex of the baby. I will be going to the doctor next Monday to find out the sex of the baby. I must say the trend it boys....I have 3 friends pregnant and all three are having boys! So, what's your call?

ECU Game

We took Sadie to the ECU game yesterday. We were so excited to get the football season finally started. We played APP. STATE and we won. We thought it was going to be a blowout, but ECU slacked up in the second half, making ASU come back and make it a game. All in all we are still 1-0!

Volleyball

Volleyball season is off to a great start this year. I am working with a wonderful group of girls and it is such a blessing to have good ones to work with. We are looking forward to a successful season and hopefully be competing for first place in our conference. Here are a couple of pictures when I took them out to eat for defeating North Lenoir in three games and then we went to the football game!