Sawyer's Clinic Visit -- August. 26, 2009

Sawyer's cough is back. He was not excited about having to wear this mask.

Super Batman/Sawyer showing where he was poked.

Making some Batman moves.

Being examined by Dr. Lawlor.

First Day of School-- August 24, 2009

The Johnston 4 right before heading to school.

Bridger showing Hunter the playground.

Of course, Sawyer had his backpack packed as well and thought he was staying for the day.

Waiting to head into the school--the doors don't open till 8:30 a.m.

We were a couple of minutes early.

Happy 8th Birthday, Bridger!

Hard to believe our Bridger Michael is 8 years old. His birthday celebration

lasted almost a week. Makenna and Terry were out of town on Bridger's birthday so

Bridger decided to have his cake and open presents when they arrived home.

Bridger's 8th birthday bear picture.

Our Handsome Sawyer -- July 24, 2009

These first three pictures were taken 2 years ago -almost to the day -August 10, 2007.

We had them taken right after we learned that Sawyer had cancer or a rare disease. If you look closely, you can see his ear (left one) sticking out-the tumor was behind this one and caused his ear to stick out. When these pictures were taken, we had no idea the rough 2 years we had ahead of us.

Now look at Sawyer today!

What a cutie and he's getting so big!

Looking at him now you'd never guess what he's

been through.

August 2009

My handsome boys ready for church.

Hunter was so excited to be giving a talk at church (children's meeting.)

He practiced all week long and did a great

job of reading his talk all by himself.

Sawyer's potty-trained! He celebrated

by wearing a new swimming suit (without

a swim diaper) to his swimming lesson. If you look closely, you

can see his two port scars.

Beach Fun -- July 2009

Virginia Beach - 2009

Where's Sawyer?

Hunter's turn

Sawyer loved building sandcastles.

Some Highlights from our 3-week trip to NM/CO--June/July 2009

The start of our journey--the kids sure look wide awake even after

our 3:30 a.m. departure to the airport.

Before everyone else started arriving, the kids were

able to put in some hours working for my dad

at his moving company's warehouse. They had a great time.

We were thrilled to be able to spend some time in the mountains.

That's one thing we really miss!

Hunter and Bridger had their go at an
ice cream eating contest during the
4th of July festivities.



Bridger ended up winning the contest.

NM/CO Continued -- June/July 2009

Having fun at Mesa Verde

The Johnston 4 with my mom just

before we headed to church--Makenna sang a solo in church this

particular Sunday. Bridger sang a solo (his first) two

weeks later.

My mom and sister arranged a special little celebration "ceremony" for

Sawyer. It was 2 years ago at this same reunion that

we realized something was wrong with Sawyer. We had no

idea at that time if he would make it or not. Well, he is still here so

that was cause to celebrate. Each family member had a mini cupcake and candle.

The candles were lit and then Sawyer walked around the circle blowing

out each candle--of course, he loved this!

Here's most of the gang with our Sawyer.

NM/CO Continued -- June/July 2009

Hiking to Aztec Arch

Sawyer was able to take his first swimming lessons while

we were in NM--something he's been waiting to do for a long time.

Makenna had a personal pie crust making class

from Grandma.

Bridger loved playing in the sprinklers.

Hunter had his go at the high dive for his first time. That kid

has no fear.

NM/CO Continued -- June/July 2009

Bridger, Makenna and their cousin Sadie were able to take a rock climbing class while we

were in NM. Bridger's in the red.

Makenna and Sadie even tried out a fencing class. Here's Makenna.

While the older kids were enjoying their classes, Sawyer and Hunter
spent a few hours one day going to a dog party--they
were the dogs.



We made a visit up to Durango, CO to see my Uncle Val. He took
Sawyer to visit a friend who is battling leukemia.



As you can tell from Sawyer's face, he was SO excited to see his dad
when we landed! Sawyer kept saying, "This is my dad. This is
my dad."