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.