2024 :: week 38

September 15

Miles is finally feeling comfortable enough in Primary to "help" when Sister Benedict asks him to. She does a really great job of finding ways to include as many kids as possible. 

September 16

Elliott had a baseball game Monday night. He recently got a new bat and it made me smile seeing him stretch with it. His game started later, which was nice because it wasn't so hot. He played well.

September 17

Tuesday was picture day at OPC! Joi helped with the pictures and sent some me a few behind the scenes pictures of the boys class pictures. Not surprising, both John kids are sitting down in the front. Both boys are really enjoying their teachers and classes this year.

September 18

Lauren's YW group worked on making scripture journals to prepare for General Conference. 

September 19

I drove Will to mow at Sarah's on Thursday evening. The mowing season is starting to slow down, which will be nice. Will has worked really hard this summer and between mowing and the pool earned a few thousand dollars.

September 20

I made homemade pizza for dinner and it must be documented. It is one of Elliott's most requested meals. The rest of us like it, but not as much. Will had a busy afternoon--first mowing Kasey's lawn and then heading to the SMS football game. It is one of the few games he gets to attend this year not part of the marching band. Even though the game is at South, East shares our stadium, so South is considered the "away" team.

September 21

BroCo took the interested teachers to the Royals game Saturday night. Will had a fabulous time! The Royals got shut out by the Giants 0-9, but the boys waited after the game and got to meet closer Lucas Erceg. 

2014 :: week 37

September 8

Claire and Grammy look cute Sunday night. We were well fed. Pepaw made a turkey dinner, complete with stuffing, gravy and mashed potatoes. 

September 9

Miles still gets a little bit nervous at the start of the school day. Elliott is a sweet older brother and holds his hand as they walk in together. 

September 10

I ran  bunch of errands Tuesday, and then met Stephanie for lunch at Costco. I didn't take a picture of the two of us, but I did take a picture of the pants I bought for Anthony. You know you are getting old when the "luxury" brands of your youth are now being sold at your favorite "clubs." Costco has Banana Republic and Sams has Gap.

September 11

Chelsey took our pictures at the Grinter Farms sunflower fields on Wednesday evening. For years I have wanted to take "professional" pictures there and was finally able to make it work this year. The flowers bloom on their own schedule based on temperature and rainfall, so it is hard to schedule a photo shoot too far in advance. Our kids have so many activities these days it is hard to be flexible. For this shoot to work we took the kids a few minutes late to mutual. I can't believe I have such beautiful kids.

September 12

Thursday morning was the annual Donuts with Grown-Ups at OPC. When we first started at OPC they had two separate events--Dudes with Donuts (for students and a male in their life) and Dames and Donuts (for students and a female in their life). Combining it to one event has made things much easier! Elliott is in it more for the extra social time than for the donuts. Pictured with Elliott are Colby, Carter, Cole, Tristan, Eli and Townes.

September 13

We finally got Will's learner's permit Friday afternoon. Last week he took and passed the online test. After you complete the test you receive a certificate you take into the DMV to get your official card (along with the other necessary paperwork like birth certificate and proof of address). He walked out with a print out, but should get the actual card in the mail in a few weeks. Anthony has taken him driving up in the OPC parking lot a few times, and briefly through the neighborhood. Now that he has a permit he is street legal and will do more practice drives.

September 14

Saturday was the Dunn Deal day at the Cider Mill. We had a fun time, as per usual. We coordinated our entry with the Allreds so the kids could have fun with their cousins. The kids enjoyed the the various activities and yummy donuts and cider. I opted to pass on the corn maze this year. Lauren got separated from the group, so she walked out the side to the bench where Jill and I were sitting with Claire. 

2024 :: week 36

September 1

We had a great Sunday! After church our ward hosted a "Linger Longer." The ward provided sandwiches and everyone brought sides. We took mint oreos and caprese skewers--cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil with a pretzel. The Githins and missionaries shared a table with us and we visited with them a bit about life. We went to dinner at my parents and then to the Wolf's for dessert. It was a very social Sunday, which the extroverted Johns want more often. 

September 2

We had a low-key Labor Day. Will worked at the pool in the early afternoon. Mikey & Tyler came over to play with Elliott & Miles. We finished off the pool season with an evening swim at Tomahawk. We picked up some Papa Johns pizza and stayed until close. Another "summer" is officially in the books.

September 3

Miles is in his drawing era. He loves to draw. We keep a caddy of art supplies in the kitchen cupboard and his is frequently asking me to get it down for him. He drew this extremely flattering picture of me and was so proud when he gave it to me that I had to hold in my laughter.

September 4

Wednesday evening was busy. The Lauren had mutual and Elliott had Activity Days at Shawnee Mission Park. Miles and I hung out at SMP during Elliott's activity rather than go home for 15 minutes, then turn around and drive back to pick him up. We had fun at the inclusive park. We found this orange structure and Miles had to climb it because it was "orange day" in kindergarten. Oh, and because he is Miles and even though he is only a few weeks removed from wearing a cast he likes to live on the edge and climb everything.

September 5

The YM gathered at BroCo's house Thursday evening to watch the Chiefs take on the Ravens. 

September 6

Lauren had her first game with the Storm on Friday evening. This new team has been a bit of a struggle. The Pink Thunder team leaves very big soccer shoes to fill, and this team doesn't come close to filling those shoes. But--they have taken her in, don't get mad when she doesn't play on Sunday, and allow Lauren to scratch her soccer itch this fall. Lauren played well, even though the team lost by a fair amount.

September 7

Elliott had a baseball game Saturday afternoon. He played well. Tony is helping as much as he can with the team this year and now wears a "coach' jersey. 

2024 :: week 35

August 25

Miles was excited to show me the John Family minifigs he built. He has spent the better part of the past two weeks on an elaborate build of our house. He wasn't very good about keeping the mess contained and so I told him it was time tear it down. The way our kids perceive our hair color will never not surprise me.

August 26

I made this kids take this family picture in honor of our 18th anniversary. I never could have imagined what life would be like or how happy I would be when we got married on the extremely hot August day. Anthony and I celebrated by going to brunch at First Watch because that night was back to school night at SMS. I got to walk Will's schedule and it was a little trippy because they are the same halls I walked as a high schooler myself. He has classes in some of the same rooms I had classes in.

August 27

Miles is always jonesing for a playdate. It is hard to fit them in after school when multiple kids have practices in different directions, but we were able to make it work. It is his frustration in life that Elliott gets to have a playdate with Nicholas too when he get together with Gabriel.

August 28

Wednesday the Toms arrived in KC! Laura came to town to attend her childhood BFF Whitney's wedding. While Dad, Will and Lauren were are mutual, Miles, Elliott and I stopped by my parents' to say hello. Hannah loves to dress-up, so they packed a few of her favorite costumes to share. 

August 29

I captured the look on Elliott's face when he realized that the Tom Riddle Harry had been conversing with was Lord Voldemort while Tony read the final chapters of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. It has been fun reading the Harry Potter series with Elliott this summer.

August 30

Anthony's co-worker Neil shared some chocolate cake with us on Friday. The boys were excited to see it on the counter when we got home from the park after school. Friday evening Lauren and I went thrifting to Savers, then I spent a few hours at my parents house visiting with them and Jill, Emily and Laura.

August 31

Saturday was a busy day. In the middle of the day Will and Lauren watched Hannah and Riley while Laura and Trevor went to Whitney D's wedding. Madeline was here too, but she slept most of the time. Will followed Riley around, showing him our various fans, as well as helping him play basketball in our front room. Lauren hung out with Hannah in her room, first playing with her LOL dolls and then dressing up with Hannah. Hannah was Peter Parker, Elliott was Miles Morales and Lauren was Sandman. The kids had a lot of fun together. In the evening I went out with my friends to celebrate Joi's birthday. We've gotten to be better friends over the past year, visiting at the park while our kids play after school, cheering on the sideline while our kids play sports together, and working on various committees for the PTA.

2024 :: week 34

August 18

Lauren's lot in life is that almost no matter what group she is in, she is usually outnumbered by boys. This photo of her Sunday School class was posted on the ward Facebook page. Our ward has so many more boys than girls. Like 40 YM verses 16 YW on the official ward roster.

August 19

Monday Elliott cashed in his birthday present-Royals ticket from Will, and Tony took both him and Will to the Royals game. The Royals were playing the Angels and they won 5-3. The boys had a fun night--they went early to watch batting practice, got free t-shirts and a random person sitting near them offered them an extra "taste of Kansas City" box that included a baseball taco--made with birria meat and peanuts and cracker jack, and fries. They also ran into a few friends--the Derus from church and the Datus from the neighborhood. Meanwhile Miles and I went to Matt Ross to swim in the indoor pool for a bit. Lauren went to volleyball tryouts and declined the pool trip, but did join Miles and I for dinner at the Costco food court. Her and Miles both love the chicken bakes. 

August 20

After weeks of hot weather it is finally pleasant. Tony left in the morning for a conference in Nashville. In the evening I went to the relief society pool party. It was too cool to comfortably swim, but I did have good conversations with ladies from the ward. My dad gave Lauren a ride to soccer practice and then I went to pick her up. Her team is currently practicing twice a week.

August 21

We got the proofs for Will & Lauren's yearbook photos back this week. They both look so grown up to me. 

August 22

Joi texted this picture of the "carpool crew." Every morning Joi picks up Isaac, then Lauren, and then Liam as they head to Indian Woods. The boys are nice and crowd in the back, allowing Lauren to be the "passenger princess." This situation is much preferable to riding the bus to school every day. 

August 23

Mrs. Phipps sent this picture of Miles and his classmates in their pajamas. Miles LOVES school. He liked preschool, but he LOVES kindergarten. 

August 24

TJ took Lauren to see West Side Story at Starlight Saturday evening. It was very nostalgic for TJ, as he was cast as "Action," in the 1997 Belmont High School Spring Musical. For days after both of them could be caught singing various songs from the play.

2024 :: week 33

August 11

Sunday we celebrated Elliott's birthday. Sunday birthdays have never been my favorite, but he took it in stride. We had Stake Conference and the primary sang "I Will Walk with Jesus," which is increasingly becoming one of my favorites. That evening we had delicious rib dinner with the Crane family (including the visiting Staritas). Elliott's main birthday presents were a big box of baseball cards, a Bobby Witt Jr. shirt and a ticket to a future Royals game from Will. On instagram I wrote: Happy 9th birthday to Elliott! Elliott is sunshine personified. Not only does he wake up with the sun every morning, he also has boundless amounts of energy and brightens every room he’s in. He is the ultimate hype-man, competitor, snuggler and friend. We are so glad he’s belongs to our family. 

August 12

Monday we found out which teachers the boys we will have for the upcoming school year, and that night we got to drop off school supplies and meet the teachers in person. I was pleasantly surprised that both boys were placed with teachers already familiar with our family--Miles will be in Mrs. Phipps' kindergarten class (she also taught Elliott), and Elliott will be in Mrs. Dearing's 3rd grade class (she also taught Lauren). During the day we spent time with the Staritas, went to Matt Ross with the Hagmans and Will hung out with the Bensons.

August 13

Tuesday was the first day of school for the three oldest kids. Elliott had a half day, but Lauren (7th) and Will (9th) had full days. The 7th and 9th graders were the only kids in their respective schools for a day to help them get familiar with the school before the older students return and potentially overwhelm them. We jumped right back into our regular activities with both baseball (E) and soccer (L) practice in the evening. 

August 14

My parents and the Startias came to Elliott's baseball game Wednesday evening. It was so hot, so we especially appreciated them making the effort to come. 

August 15

Thursday was Miles' first day of kindergarten. His tablemates are Miles G, Mateo and Frankie. I had mixed feelings. Mostly excited and happy for him, but a little sad for me that era of fifteen years as a full-time stay-at-home-mom has come to an end. Don't get me wrong, I am also excited for this next chapter of our lives. I met up with friends for yummy brunch at Urban Egg, then met Stephanie to train for the part-time job I am starting this month. I will be doing invoicing with her for the fracking company where her brother is the CEO. Meanwhile, Miles had a fun first day and looked so grown up as he walked down the hill with Elliott wearing a "first day of kindergarten" crown. That night Tony made smashburgers at my parents on the Startias last night in town.

August 16

Friday was Will's first day of seminary. TJ and I have bemoaned that it is the first day of the next 13 years of our lives. If my math is correct, Miles graduates in 2037. Friday night Lauren and I went shopping to look for something she could wear for school pictures Monday. I thought the sky looked like the cover the Taylor Swift's Lover album, and tried to take a pictures, but she wasn't in the mood.

August 17

Saturday I took Will to get measured for his marching band uniform. I hope he has a fun year!

2024 :: week 32

August 4

Will & Lauren played their pieces for the MAMA Festival. Will and Lauren played a duet together, and Lauren also played two solo pieces. We had hoped for Will to do solo pieces as well, but he ended up being busier this summer than ever before and did not have enough time to perfect his songs. Both their duet and Lauren's earned superior ratings--good work! That afternoon we drove back to OP.

August 5

Monday was the last time our entire family was at Bluejacket pool together and I made the kids take a pic. I am feeling very sentimental about it. The proximity to the pool was a big selling point for me when we bought our house. My kids and I have spent many summer days at this pool. I used to joke that my parenting style in the summer could be summed up in one work--pool. I've gotten to know many people in the neighborhood sitting on the side of this pool. It has served me well and I hope the city will rebuild. It will be at least a year before the city decides what to do with this site, so I will do my best to advocate.

August 6

 A piece of my heart really did break Tuesday night. About two weeks ago the city announced that at the end of the pool season Bluejacket Pool would be permanently decommissioned. Apparently because it needs too many expensive repairs and the city is moving away from the neighborhood pool model, the city has decided it is time to close. Will worked earlier in the day, but was off before close, and he went with TJ to the Royals game that night (it was the LDS night at the Royals, and they were playing the Red Sox). The city held a "celebration of life" for the pool, by allowing everyone in the community to come to the pool for free after 5pm. Over a thousand people came to the pool that night! The "regulars" agreed that the pool is more fun when it isn't quite so crowded. We stayed in the pool until the very last second, visiting with friends and reminiscing about how much the pool means to our community. Elliott "saved" some water in a reusable water balloon. 

August 7

Miles got his cast off Wednesday! He was very happy about it. All he has to do is wear this brace while he is awake for the next three weeks, but his arm should be good to go. Kids heal so quickly!

August 8

We celebrated Arthur's 6th birthday Thursday and the Staritas are in town! It is especially fun to celebrate a birthdays with extra cousins in town. Will went the the Raider Rally that night. It is very trippy having a child old enough to go to the same high school I did.

August 9

We spent Friday afternoon at Clinton Lake with the cousins. It was chilly, but the only day that worked for everyone, so we made do. We had the beach almost completely to ourselves, which made it pretty easy to keep an eye on the kids. Jake & Jill brought their paddleboards. We brought a bunch of snacks--TJ especially enjoyed the cinnamon & sugar Dot's pretzels--and  tried to fit in some visiting too. 

August 10

Even though we had a busy church-adjacent day, we made time midday to go to Tomahawk while the Staritas are in town. In the morning we went to Ethan Manning's baptism. In the early afternoon we took the kids swimming. After swimming the cousins hung out at my parents' house and ate pizza and watched a movie. TJ and I were busy with the leadership meeting and adult session of Stake Conference. My sisters and parents were gracious to help out so our kids could have fun with the cousins too.

2024 :: week 31

July 28

Post church snuggles. That evening we went to dessert at the Prices, so I baked a blueberry pie in the afternoon. 

July 29

Will finally got to work with Knox again. They haven't gotten to work together as much as they had hoped, so it is always fun when they get to. Monday afternoon I took Lauren thrifting and then Cat & Sally spent the night.

July 30

The Ule boys came over for a few hours Tuesday morning. They left for a few weeks right as we got home from being out of town so it had been awhile since the boys could all play together. Miles and Gabriel had a great time time collecting cicada carcasses around our yard. They found a shocking number! That afternoon I took Will to SMS for the "Raider Roll-Out," where he picked up his laptop and got his school picture taken. Later I went to a parent meeting for marching band. Will should have a fun year!

July 31

Wednesday evening Tony and I went with Stephanie & Spencer to the Jewel/Melissa Ethridge concert at Starlight. We carpooled and listened to Jewel music on the way to prepare. Her set was really good! Joi & Dave were there too, and we stopped and said hello between performers. It was quite hot, but not miserable like I feared. We went for Jewel, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked Melissa Ethridge. I forgot she was from Leavenworth and is a big Chiefs fan. She was really engaging interacting with the crowd. I was disappointed when her set got cut a little short because a storm was rolling in. We ended up making it home right around the time it started to absolutely pour rain. 

August 1

Cat & Sally came over, then the girls walked up to the pool. It has been so wonderful having the pool close enough that the kids can walk over and meet up with friends so easily.

August 2

Dinner in the summertime is hard for me. Especially when we have been spending so much time with friends at the pool. I never want to leave to cook!

August 3

We left Saturday morning to head to St. Louis for the MAMA Festival. Because Will had band camp Thursday and Friday so we weren't able to leave as early as we would have liked. We only had a few hours to do something "fun" in St. Louis, so we decided to go to Grant's Farm. We've never been there before and it was quite the experience. Grant's Farm was originally owned by Ulysses S. Grant, but is now owned and operated by the Busch family (Anheuser-Busch family). It is now home to the Budweiser Clydesdales--they're huge!--and hundreds of animals from all over the world. We rode a tram through deer park and saw lots of cool animals. Then we went to an animal show. Each of the kids got to go on a camel ride, which they said was fun. When we were done at the Farm we met up with the Datus at Imo's Pizza. There wasn't a lot of room to sit down so we went and hung out in the Hagsplund's backyard (where we were stayed for the night). We had fun laughing and talking with the Datus for hours.