boating

Our good neighbors invited us to join them on their boat.

We didn't have to think about our answer very long.

Another friend that came, Jon, got up on water skis for the first time ever and did great.

It was too loud for Avery.

Shad went water skiing too.

Then they pulled out the big tube. Graham braved it with Shad and Jackson.

Once Graham was off, the driver kicked it up a notch.

These two jumped at least six feet in the air off a wave and landed perfectly.

It was fun to be out on the water, and a great night for it too.

Many thanks to our friends.

reunion weekend

We headed North this weekend to be a part of two different Johnson reunions.

This was a crop duster that flew directly over us right after I took this picture.

The first reunion was Friday night at the old farm house.

It was the annual Gerald O. Johnson reunion.

This is the lawn that would soon be flooded.

These are the people that would have to move their chairs several times to avoid the flooding.

Once the lawn started flooding it was all water fights and fun.

After playing for a while in the flooded lawn, people eventually gathered out back for dinner.

After dinner, there was a little marshmallow shooting going on.

And yes, Drake got him where it looks like he got him.

After the food, everyone went for a walk (or drive) out away from the farm house and around the pond.

This snake grass (or whatever you may know it as) was a big, loud hit for a while.

Just hangin' out.

Aunt Reva helped the kids pick their fill of almost-ripe gooseberries.

This picture doesn't do it justice, but the moon was very big and beautiful as the night and its festivities ended.

The next day was the Carl J. Johnson reunion. This portrait of him was painted by Del Parson.

The kids got to do bubbles.

Avery blew bubbles into his hands, and followed him around after that.

She didn't want to stop.

Lasso golf.

There was plenty of food for everyone.

Then it was picture time with different groups and families.

Avery didn't last.

I moved her out of the sun and into shade, while she slept, at least four times.

I finally found a spot that stayed in the shade.

At one point, family members starting sharing their memories and stories about Carl and Geraldine. It was made clear that they could get up and move around and/or leave if they needed, but nobody did. Everyone seemed to enjoy just sitting and sharing in the memories.

The kids entertained themselves pretty good almost the entire time.

It was fun to learn more about some ancestors.

It was a fun weekend, and I'm glad we got to spend a few days with Shad's family.

I like knowing that our kids know who their relatives are, and we always enjoy being with family. Thanks to everyone for making both reunions go so well.