So many things to catch everyone up on, but first time to introduce the newest Reinsch-Johnson to join the family… Momo the Destroyer, informally known as Momo or simply Mo.

Born April 13, 2018, Momo was previously known as Lucy and one of 3 adorable surrendered kittens. She was rescued by the group Angel of Hope. We got her at 9 weeks old and she is a purring, snuggly ball of love.

We have wanted a new cat since we had to say good bye to my beloved kitty Griswald who could not handle the twins at the crawling stage in his senior years and had to be re-homed with an elderly couple. This is a kitten who can really keep up with the kids, though we are gradually introducing her to the house and the existence of our original fluffy addition – Neko-Chan, formally known now as Neko-Chan the Fluffy Overlord.

Gavin (Zander took a day or so to warm up to her)

On our way home to surprise the kids we also stopped by and surprised Chris and Renee, they got first snuggle and pet with our new family member and she got to meet their youngest cat – Mystro (who is one of my favorite cats to photograph). 

So watch the cascade of adorable kitten pictures as I gush and fall deeper in love with our new baby! No apologies here.

Yup, a quick overview of a month already well blogged… December…

Advent fun…

Chinchilla….

YMCA time…

R.I.P.P.E.D

Night out with Chris and Renee to see a play!!

Pre show Mystro time

A Christmas Carol

More Chinchilla…

So serious

Taught Gavin how to clean the cage.

Crafting with Gavin…

He made all of our cards!

Crafting period…

These are my final finish of the year and are an adorable set from the designer Knot Bad.

Neko-Chan is such a sweet model

Knot Bad rocks!

The arrival of a lovely fruit box from Grandma and Grandpa Reinsch…

Baking…

The twins made cookies as a present we mailed off!

Monster cookies

A somewhat surprise visit from Nana and Baba…

And just plain old fun!

Cousin Robbie visited and mentioned never having had a scarf… well that problem was quickly solved!

Opening presents with Aunty Holly and Cousin Jimmie

Don’t forget school time, we kept up a pretty good pace considering the amount of excitement. Lots of opportunity to learn as we researched some origins of our favorite carols.

We made crystals!

A handmade Christmas card

By Emanuel

Chinese for New Years…

If you want to see the already blogged activities.. here you are…

1. Anoka Lights
2. Santa Visits
3. Christmas Pageant

So now that I have posted this WAY out of order (what with the blog back log), here’s hoping I can catch myself up before mid 2018!!!! Wish me luck!!!

We braved the insanity of Mall of America right after Christmas… someone asked for a gift card from Santa this year.

She stood in line so long that some Christmas money made its way to the purchase.

Dungeon and Dragons with Dad!

Gavin asked for an item with sequins…

Doing Home Depot at home

April holds Trinity’s birthday. And spring. Both worth celebrating. Don’t forget Easter and sunshine and Grandma’s visit. Wow was April ever a fun one! AND a lot of it you already know… Click on the words above that will bring you to each event.

Easter display at church

Trinity had her first Communion class.

We had a super special opportunity to try out a local put put golf place that was closing down after decades of service. Renee and Christopher had gone there, and I think Ken as a child. So it was a fun way to get our kids in on something they remembered. Even though it was rather cold. 

Renee lining up her shot.

Jeffrey

We went from the golf course to a soda shop. Not just any soda shop: Blue Sun Soda & Sweets where Renee spoiled the kids with letting them chose one soda each!!

CLEARLY CANADIAN!!!

And then time to hang out at the Schwartz’s. With Mystro and all!

With their sodas!

We have been trying really hard to make Friday night a weekly date night for Ken and myself. Not only to get out for a nice and quiet meal, but to spend quality time on us. This is AFTER my Friday night workout class, so it has been fun to work really hard and then shower and come out pretty and ready for fun.

Ready for class

Noms!

We have taken full advantage of our time at the YMCA as usual.

And continued our trend of watching our godson kick butt in soccer on weekends.

Trinity has been playing with her camera, and other lovely gifts.

April has been a regular month of school, of course. With lots of completions to celebrate. 

By Echo

Aimee (fellow homeschool mom) and I made it out to a major textile garage sale and found some gems.

We rode bikes and visited the local park.


Found some early spring flowers.

Of course I snuck in some crafty time.

Crafting in the sunshine

A good and busy month.

Putting a state study together (Gavin)

A new tack board!

Grocery shopping!

Learning in the sunroom

Another view of the crew