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Day 6 (8/16/12) we started off by packing for a road trip to Idaho and Wyoming. Ben’s dad was one of eight siblings. Every summer all the siblings and their families gather for a Johnson Family Reunion at a 4H camp in Alpine, Wyoming. They started this tradition the year after Ben’s dad died and they’ve done it every year since. It’s something Ben always looks forward to. His aunts, uncles, and cousins are some of the greatest people to walk the earth.
We took the long route to Wyoming and hooked through Idaho Falls so we could see Ben’s grandma. Her health has been deteriorating and she wasn’t able to travel to Wyoming for the reunion. We were so happy we were able to spend some time with her. She was a little disoriented during our visit, but still her fun-loving self. Ben has always been her “Chocolate Buddy.” How appropriate that she has a stash of hidden sweets that she shared with our kids. She really won Jax’s heart with that move 🙂
Natalie reading to Jax in Grandma Johnson’s room.
Ben with his beloved Grandma Johnson. Just behind Ben is a picture of his dad. I didn’t plan it that way but I thought it was interesting they were all in the picture together.
Our attempt at a group shot.
After visiting with Grandma Johnson we went to dinner (paid for by generous Cliffie) and then on to Alpine. The boys cried the entire hour and a half drive from Idaho Falls to Alpine. They were pretty upset with Ben and me. Their anger was quickly forgotten when we arrived though. They loved the lodge, all the kids, the outdoors, the sports, the fresh air, Alpine store, and the adventure of living in a cabin.
This was our home for a few days
Aren’t they a happy lookin’ bunch?
Days 6, 7, and 8 looked something like this:
Highlights included riding the zipline, shooting off rockets, making crafts, and playing all day in the dirt.
On Day 8 (8/18/12) after lunch we packed and headed to Heise hot springs for a refreshing swim. The water was a little on the nippy side for me but I’m just weak. The kids enjoyed it and I was happy to see the inch of dirt washed off of them.
McKay was tired and less than cooperative during this pool excursion. He bit me 3 times on my arm (I think he wanted to nurse) and I still have the bruises to prove it. He’s cute though, isn’t he? Cute and mischievousness – that’s Moe 🙂
After Heise we went to Idaho Falls for the traditional post-Alpine fish fry on the farm. Ben’s dad grew up on this potato farm, and Ben’s uncle lives in the family home now. He’s not a farmer though. Actually, he’s a lawyer – kindof the opposite of a farmer if you think about it. Another Uncle has built a home on the property, too. It’s about the most beautiful, serene spot in all of Idaho. It was a beautiful evening for sitting on soft green grass along side the Snake river enjoying conversation with family in the cool dusk air.
View of the front of the house. This is the house Ben’s dad lived in growing up. Actually, I think he moved into it when he was eight? The other house they lived in didn’t have running water so Ben’s dad used an outhouse during his growing up years. Crazy, huh?
The box car that Ben always looked forward to playing on when he was a kid. I’m not sure why there is a box car on the property. I’ll have to research that one day.
I’m not sure what these are/were used for. All I know is that they are called silos.
The horse named Lightning.
Ben in the backyard sitting and watching the Snake River creep along.
Chatting with Grandma Johnson during the fish fry
This is the love swing that Uncle Dave built for Aunt Audrey with wood from a dock washed away from the Teton Dam break back in the 70s. Grandma Johnson is a hopeless romantic and says if a couple swings on it that they are bound to get married. It was true for Ben and me.
Jadyn and Jax styling Aunt Desiree’s hair. She is the greatest, most playful aunt!
Thanks to those still reading. One more post about Utah and then I’ll be moving on…..
Christy - That looks like a lot of fun. No wonder you guys love coming out for the Johnson family reunion every year!
alicia - Yup….good times 🙂
Desiree - wow I wish I had half your camera skills. You got some great shots except the one of me isn’t my favorite, but I sure was loving my new hair do
alicia - I love that one of you and the kids, Des. I can’t believe your hair air dried that perfectly! I think it also shows what a fun, involved aunt you are. Kimmy has competition 🙂