A Mini Johnson Family Reunion

Last weekend we were lucky enough to have our very own mini Johnson family reunion at my parents house. Those of you who aren't a member of the Johnson clan don't know just how special this group of people really is. I have talked repeatedly before of my other family the Earnhardt's. You see I was blessed on both sides. The Earnhardt family is the best and I am blessed to call myself one. I get to see them several times a year and for that I am eternally grateful. Without the Earnhardt's I wouldn't be who I am today. The Johnson family is well... the best. This is my chance to talk a little about them. My grandmother on my mother's side was a Johnson. She was born into a wonderful family of two girls and four boys. Sadly there are only two surviving brothers still with us today. But the other siblings legacies live on through their children and grandchildren. These different branches of the family are not only brought together by blood, but the memories of their loved ones, their mothers and fathers, their grandparents, aunts and uncles, all those who instilled in us, the younger generations, just how blessed we are to have been a part of this family. You see the Johnson's are a close knit family. No matter how many miles separate us, when we get together it is as if the distance is nonexistent. We have our big reunion every few years or so and it is really a celebration of life. Those still with us and those who we have lost. I am so grateful for the times that we have been able to spend together at the beautiful lake house in the mountains. Although I didn't get to see this family as much growing up, I always felt as though I belonged, as if I had been at every little gathering along the way. That is what being a Johnson is all about. Being a family no matter how long it has been in between visits or phone calls, no matter how many miles away you live. We were lucky and were able to see not only one but two branches of the Johnson family in one weekend. My Aunt Kathy and Bob came to visit for the weekend. I can not imagine how hard it must be for my mother and her sister to live so far apart. I talk to my sister several times a day and she only lives an hour away. I know my mom misses her and it is so wonderful when they can see each other. Unfortunately it only happens once a year or so. The sad thing..... I didn't get a single picture of them the whole weekend. Hopefully we will not have to wait an entire year to fix that mistake! We also got to see Fred, Susan, and their beautiful new daughter Jodi. We were lucky to have met Jodi one other time. We are so happy for Fred and Susan and are grateful that they have brought this little angel into the Johnson family. One day when they are older Jodi and my children will realize what a great family they are part of. They always say that you can pick many things in your lifetime but the one thing that you can not pick is your family. All I have to say is I wouldn't change a thing even if I could, I am a member of two wonderful families. I think Jodi was nervous and little scared the last time we saw her . I am sure my crazy son running around didn't help. She may not have understood what he was yelling and screaming, but surely saw a crazed maniac. Maybe he was trying to say "Welcome to the family Jodi Lang!!" He was just so excited to meet his new cousin. I was so happy to see that Jodi was more comfortable around us this time. We had so much fun swimming and can't wait to be able to do it again. Jodi is such a beautiful and sweet child and I hope that we will be able to spend more time with her soon. I guess all that is left to say is it was such a treat to spend time with those you love.This is a picture that Jodi took of her Baba and my dad. I think she already has quite an eye... maybe a career in photography is in her future.

Jodi and Fred clowning around in the pool. The kids thought that this was a great trick!! Andrew thought he would get a front row seat and view it from under water.



Andrew, Emily and Jodi riding the rapids in their new boat. I think that daddy was trying to score brownie points with the kids on this one. They were definitely impressed and now have a new favorite for the pool.

The two cousins smile pretty for the camera. Look here girls there will be many more years of me taking your picture so get used to it!

Emily just hanging out

Jodi and her new sleeping bag. I think she liked and I hope that she enjoys it. I feel I must issue an apology to Susan and Fred for all the nights that they will now spend "camping" out on the floor. I hope that your back handles those nights better than mine. When you wake up on the floor you may not be able to stand up or to walk, but the smile on that little ones face will make the back pain fade in mere seconds!! It could come in handy that there is a therapist in the family. I hope you all enjoy. See you soon!