41st Annual Johanson Memorial Day Reunion

Here we all are in the sunshine for our annual reunion. Pat delivers the photos quickly. And this picture doesn't contain all of us either with the coming and going of the group daily. It was a perfectly wonderful weekend. The children had a good time playing and getting to know one another and the adults were able to catch up to the yearly changes in every member's life. Lucas liked roasting marshmallows, seeing Mt. Saint Helen's, throwing water balloons, and playing in the tent. It was a long ride to and from but we stopped to buy a new video at the Packwood flea market so we were fine.

I do have a better comprehension about why some family members resist the camping aspect of the reunion. It took going the three days without a shower before it finally sunk in. The image of you coming out of an ice cold shower was not pretty so I didn't have the will to finagle with the hot water. Besides it seems like the time went so quickly. We were so lucky to have sunshine. So on to Reunion 42!

Johanson Family 41st Reunion

It is so exciting preparing for this holiday weekend just like all the previous reunion weekends. It is fun planning, preparing, comparing, arranging and discussing. If I for a moment consider staying away it is a real downer. I love Friday night waiting for the arrival of each family. I like sitting in a circle in lawn chairs just visiting and watching children. I like the silly activities that some family members come up with like riding garbage can dollies down a steep hill, or using a huge piece of plastic as a slide down a hill, tug-a-wars, talent night, and home movies. Mostly I like just hanging out with Johansons and reminiscing about all the past family reunions and family history.

Bill always liked to mention that each year would be the end of the reunions as people just don’t care that much anymore. He may have scheduled his fatal heart attack the night before a reunion just to make his point. Anyway there are plenty of dissidents in the family today but really only among the fringes. This week I’ve listened to a few mention that they do not know all the family members and have nothing in common with them. Others say it is too far to drive, there is nothing to do there, it costs too much (this year it is too cheap if that can be a complaint), and there are too many complainers there.

Anyway it is exciting to be preparing for a drive to Lewis and Clark Environmental Learning Center. There are hiking trails, bathrooms, a kitchen, and a huge amount of food, and many cases of wine thanks to your contribution. In spite of all the negative conversation I expect there will be close to 50 of us anyway and we will have a sunny, fun weekend. You might be the first one there. I will be bringing Lucas after his Kindergarten class is dismissed at 3. I want to bring Miles too but I may not receive permission from his parents. We had a loud discussion about who was going when I momentarily lost my good sense and volunteered to stay home. Lucas piped up loudly and said, “Take me, Grandma!” and that helped straighten out my priorities. I hope he always likes to attend Johanson Reunions.

The Bounce Castle is now a problem as I’m not sure I can get it in my car. There might be 11 children there and it would keep them busy. Maybe you can keep the kids in line with your whistle. I hear you had a change of heart and are providing Dolmas for appetizers. You will be grocery shopping on your way out of SeaTac. Bring your hiking shoes, earplugs, and map.

Mother's Day

Alberta had a nice day I’d say because we visited with her two friends and talked about their mothers. Everyone could say, “My mother was so nice.” Not give their mom’s names or any remembrances but still the fact that mom is a recognizably positive term was enough.

I am getting very concerned about Memorial Day. It is less that two weeks away now and we have had very little planning and no hot email exchanges about the upcoming 41st. A little complaining about things might be helpful to get everyone communicating. We don’t even have any word about those arriving late and leaving early however I have heard mention of several planning to attend for one day only. Diana just assured me that planning is going well. Thanks, Diana.

Today I am a new person. No longer grandma the sitter but just grandma enjoying her own company. Anna Marie’s academic year is over so she is now the chief child caretaker. I am loafing around watching Regis and cleaning my silverware. I can’t decide what to do first but maybe I’ll try an exercise class for slow seniors. Tomorrow I will return to Lind Ladies’ cookie baking at the Ronald McDonald House. I hope I can still measure dry ingredients and wash dishes. I’m aspiring to one day run a mixer but that is far into the future. I really just go to visit with Barb and Phyllis.

Yesterday Brett and his sons came over for a few hours and we played with homemade slime and mud. Those items helped keep everyone entertained with the boys stripped to only their shorts. They attempted the use of a hose and nozzle but we stopped that action quickly. They are definitely ready for Memorial Day and sleeping in a tent. We always spell t-e-n-t as they start begging to sleep outside. I wonder how long that will last.
Here are photos of the boys with slime and their breakfast of Globstopper covered frozen waffles.

Saturday Morning

It is more difficult to think of things to write to you when it is all on Facebook. You don't know about Colton's surgery, the Mercer Estate functions, Becca's visit to Chiwawa and Seattle, Dollie Jeske's visit to Kansas and Jane's latest charitable donation. Sandy entertained a horse rider who was riding through Warden the other day and that was newsworthy. Also the Moses Lake paper featured Roy and Elsa Rauter on his 100th birthday. Just don't say you can't remember these names. I try to get my mom interested in these items but she gets cross when I read them to her. Newspapers used to be one of her favorite things.

Lucas and I are still hanging out each morning but finals week is approaching so I think I will be getting a few days off each week though Lucas is easy to have around as long as the television works, the iphone has new games, and the computer keeps new online video coming.

Last week was busy with the twins here but the visit went well and they were so good. They both love to ride their bikes so that kept them busy. Cydney had four of her high school friends over one evening and that was fun. Here Peyton and Walker are walking to school with Lucas.

Leslie and I had a brief ichat conference concerning the menu. I think you are in charge of cinnamon rolls and wine? And you could be in charge of some entertainment like a dancing demonstration. Your website has been receiving all kinds of donations! It is wonderful.