It is hard to describe Alpine to people who haven't been there. It is so much more than a family reunion. The following agenda might give some idea of the scale of this event:
Each of the original siblings had to submit a TV related pun team name. We were pretty proud of the Glendalorians (My dad Glen + the Mandalorian) but must confess that Aaron got it from ChatGPT.
I also appreciate that there was scheduled time for romping through the meadow and delighting in togetherness. I come from a family of very funny people.
We had a pretty good turnout! The reunion is for descendants of Kurt and Lucille Johnson, my grandparents who have both passed away. Many of my aunts and uncles are now great-grandparents, so we have an impressive generational spread. There are lots of people who don't show up, but we still get 100+ relatives every year.
It is so meaningful to me to share something that was such an important part of my childhood with my kids. Alpine is a beautiful place with so many memories.
The Kimberlys! These two ladies have so much in common and love being together.
Walking the hallowed railing in front of the lodge as did his forebears
Each of the families got color coded bandanas. We appointed Isaac to be Glendalorian's enthusiastic flag bearer.
The bonfire! Notice the edited Survivor banner- "Outdance, outplay, outlaugh"
Also notice the live band of people who answered the "bring your instruments for the impromptu band" email request. We had an accordion, banjo, fiddle, and several guitars and ukuleles.
I love this video of Andy leading us in JJ Coolay, which he volunteered to do after going to scout camp at age 15 and has been roped into repeating for the following 15 years. Other traditional songs are "tut-ah-tah" lead by Joel Benson and "Rigabamboo" by Kristen Pearson.
Quite the sunset as we were roasting our smores
Andy and Savannah hosted a late night games for the young and young at heart. Aaron and I now only qualify for the latter.
Joel Benson always puts together a scavenger hunt with the clues mounted on the lodge door
Kids crafts
Toddlers intensely focused on crafts is one of my favorite things
The ladies had our own crafting assignment. We were told that we all needed to make a fascinator to wear to the "Downton Alpine" tea party.
I opted for feathers because I'm a bird lady this year.
This old crusty cabin was absolutely transformed. It looked like a wedding reception in there!
There was a 3 course meal, a program, goodie bags with "Downton Alpine" tissues, and hand sanitizer. It was quite a bit over the top, and I felt bad for those who spent the whole morning getting things set up, but it sure was great!
Next up- Relative Race! Annie and I ran a challenge station while Aaron and Elliot entered the competition. We had squirt gun and cups to catch the water in.
My helper was prone to dunking her head into the water bucket
The kid's favorite part- the Alpine Store! Kids can earn Alpine Bucks by doing chores, talking to relatives, or a number of other activities outlined in a document given to each kid with their money bag. Yes, our family reunion has it's own currency. People donate stuff to the store, and Kristen works her magic with clearance items to guarantee that there is plenty of goodies for the kids to purchase.
It wouldn't be Alpine without plenty of Volleyball
The Friday night program was "Alpine's got Talent." The twist was that no one got to prepare talents. They called people up for different acts. It turns out we have quite a few people who can juggle, and one that can juggle on a unicycle! They also had Dad and Uncle Randy do a ventriloquist act and my Mom and other people sing a song from Greatest Showman while stuffing marshmallows in their mouths and blindfolding them.
Little girls ballet number. Annie was so in her element.
After the program was the cousin dance, starting off with some Just Dance on the projector.
My cousin Amy Simpson has a photography business. She took pictures of the whole family and offered individual pictures for whoever wanted them. I love how they turned out!
'We had a wonderful adventure going through Canada, but there was something so cup filling about the weekend at Alpine. It is so wonderful to be a part of the Johnson family.
After Alpine, we got to spend a night at Aunt Audrey's house. Annie opted to ride in Mimi and Grumpa's car and was treated to an ice cream stop and a drive down the rocky road on Grumpa's lap. Apparently Annie and Mimi chatted the whole way. When they got there, Annie said, "Wow, time goes so fast when you are just talking!"
Strolls along the Snake River to the ol' log pile. I love that we can still visit the place where my dad grew up and I visited every summer- there are four generations of people connected to that place!
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