Johnson Family Reunion 2011..."Pioneer Camp"

(Again, I didn't do to well getting pictures.  So if anyone has some they want to share, I would love it.)

Tony's cousin Leah was in charge of the reunion this year.  She decided to work around a pioneer theme.  This family is rich with stories from the pioneers.  During some of the stories I got thinking how far back those times were, in generations.  I was surprised to think that it really isn't so long ago.  It's amazing how much our Nation has changed in those generations.  The reunion started the Friday that Tony and I got back from our Harley ride.  We were exhausted and I have "raccoon" eyes, but we were happy to see all the family.  Friday evening we had Navajo taco's with homemade scones.  I LOVE homemade scones.  Alas, cooking is not one of my talents.  So I have not mastered scones yet.  And the homemade honey butter.  Oh my mouth waters as I remember it.

Justin and Sherie brought up and inflatable water slide.  It was a hit, as you can imagine.  TJ was very upset, thinking he would not get to join in the fun with his cast.  But I came to the rescue with our bathing ritual of Glad Cling Wrap and a bread sack and waterproof gauze tape.  Of course it was a big hit.  Water + Kids = FUN!!!

Rock Star Gracie

TJ's big splash

Tracer

Montana, Gracie & TJ

We did a little square dancing and line dancing that night.  The kids had some fun.  Sadly, I have no pictures, as I was dancing.  The next day we played games.  The boys built wooden walking stilts.  The girls made rag dolls.  We had a quilting bee and tied 2 quilts.  And the kids played and played.

My handsome little TJ

My Beautiful little Gracie

That evening we went shooting clay pigeons.  Lots of kids wanted to come.  So we all loaded up.  The big boys shot shotguns.  My kids shot their .22's and TJ brought his pellet gun.  And the Schmitt boys brought their BB gun.  I even taught my nieces how to shoot a .22.  I had an awesome teacher...so I gotta pass on the knowledge.  (Thanks George!)  This was TJ's first time shooting a shotgun too. 

When Violet put those ear muffs on to protect her ears, she wondered if she would be able to hear.  Then Keaton put some on too and this followed:

Keaton isn't quite sure how to answer "why?"  LOL  He was saved by the shooting though.  TJ is sitting here giggling now as we watch the video.  lol  Here are some videos of the boys shooting too.

Eric brought a 410 shotgun.  TJ got to shoot it a couple times.  He shot the last 2 bullets that Eric had for it...and here's what happened.

Yep, he shot the clay pigeon!  WOO HOO!  Way to go TJ!  That's my boy!  Even with a cast on.  That cast didn't seem to slow him down at all.

When we got back to the "camp", everyone was making ice cream!  YUM! 

Grandpa Glen

Glenna and Jennifer

David

Keaton Churning While David holds on tight

TJ Churning while Dave holds on tighter lol

Tyson

TJ on the tire swing

Kasi snuggling Zoe

Violet and Tony playing

caught Tony mid sentence...oopsie

Pretty soon, we have Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry and Cake Batter ice cream.  There is nothing quite like good homemade ice cream.  I need to learn how to make it.  The kids love it, and it's fun.

We had a couple "visitors" during the reunion.  The Pony Express rode in with letters for everyone.  The rider told us all about the Pony Express and the live the riders lived. Justin was our rider for the day.  He was dressed for the part and rode in from the end of the field.  The kids thought it was so cool!  Our other visitor was an ancestor, who came over to America long ago.  He told of the journey and the sacrifice.  Love found and lost.  Bill was the actor for this one.  Both Justin and Bill did great jobs.