2008 Year in Review

2008 was yet another banner year for the Johansons of Idaho Falls. We began the year amidst one of the longest and worst winters in recent past. We had record snowfall through January… February… March… April…. There may have been a slight reprieve in May, followed by a significant snow accumulation in June (yes, June…). It made us grateful for a warm, comfortable house, and provided opportunities to spend more time inside together as a family.

Whitney finished out her inaugural school year as a superstar kindergartner. She reads, she writes, she does tricks – if we could only get her to stop talking every now and again, we’d have it made! She’s a gifted communicator, and finds great joy in serving others. We’re amazed at her natural sense of charity toward others.

As Whitney started first grade, Makenna followed on her sister’s heels into Mrs. Merkley’s kindergarten. Katrina was a bit hesitant to let her ‘baby’ start school, but after many tears (not Kenna’s) and a little prying, Makenna boarded the bus and was off to fight the dragons of the public school system. It has been so gratifying to watch her develop her individual talents and abilities.

Since Katrina didn’t have anyone to play with (Makenna in school and all), we figured it wasn’t good for her to be alone, so Brynlee Lorene came home to keep her company. And…well, if she thought she was bored before, that sure fixed that. Our little Bryn was born October 3 (via natural, un-medicated childbirth – you rock, Katrina!) and has transformed our lives in a wonderful and exquisitely fulfilling way. She looks just like the other two, so we’ve got high hopes for how she’ll turn out. Her middle name, Lorene, comes from her Grandma Jones and Grandma Bowman’s middle names, and we hope she’ll be blessed with their amazing drive to learn, to laugh, and to love!

We, Katrina and Mike, are the parents, caregivers, breadwinners, and all the other joyous things that come with life with young children. We grew closer than ever before during this year, not just through the welcoming of Brynlee into our family, but also through working together on solutions to the everyday trials that present themselves. We find joy in being together.

Late in the year, we went to Hawaii for a few days (Mom, Dad, Bryn – the other two girls stayed home to milk the cows). We enjoyed our time there. We stayed at Turtle Bay on the North Shore of Oahu and saw some beautiful sights. The funny thing about it being an island is that there are beaches EVERYWHERE! We got there the day after a big international surf competition, which was rather unfortunate. Mike was all ready to rip the waves and show off his masterful precision on the board, but it turns out that a redneck mainlander from Idaho doesn’t quite match up with the chiseled coastal dwellers from around the world. Maybe next year….

While we were there, Bryn found this handsome fella (see below) and was kind of fond of him. After she begged and begged us to stay, we decided that was good enough of an idea and started plans to move there. Ok, ok. The real story is that Mike was offered a job at Brigham Young University Hawaii as the Director of Communications and Marketing. And after much deliberation (and a little bickering and singing of “Love At Home” on the couch), we took the opportunity and are now heading to a warmer clime and $5/gallon milk.

As the year ended, we were in the midst of selling most of our household possessions in preparation to move to a home that’s less than half the size of our Idaho home. We’re excited for the challenges, the opportunities, and the experiences that will definitely be a part of the story of 2009.

We are grateful for the many memories we created in 2008. From losing teeth to traveling to Kansas and Colorado, and from BBQs with Desmonds to bike rides around town, it has been a year to remember. We have been so richly blessed. To those with whom we’ve shared and built memories, to our families and loved ones near and far, we love you and thank you for your kindness and reciprocal devotion to us and the things that are most important.

Aloha 2009!

Johanson Ohana (MKWMB)