Grandad's 96th Birthday

I'm a little late in getting this out. Grandad's birthday was May 2nd and 

we got to surprise him with a little get together the following Saturday.

We went to a local favorite place called The Banana Peel to celebrate

this special occasion. 

Here the great Grandboys sit and chat with Grandad. 

Looks like he's giving some great advise.

Grandad's cake was made by a local bakery. I'll have to

find out again the name of it but it was yummy. We all loved

how they decorated the cake keeping in mind that Grandad was a

 farmer of corn and a hunter most of his life. 

All the Johnson men/boys with Grandad. 

Jake and Ryan goof off in the parking lot while we continue to visit.

The guys and the gals with G'dad.

Trent and Renee say their goodbyes as we all have 

a few hours drive to get back home. G'dad is always so 

sweet.

G'dad and the boys with Tip. Tip was G'dad's hunting companion

but now Tip is enjoying retirement with the PA Johnsons.

Pops and G'dad looking and pointing at something but

I have no idea what it was about. Probably reminiscing about something

that used to be "over there". That's just my guess.

I Love this one of the great Grandboys with G'dad. One last hug. 

For this visit.

Christopher {Grad 2012}

For many of us high school brings fond memories. These are some of the best years of our lives even if they are mixed with a few unpleasant highlights. We start off as the newbie freshman, a little apprehensive of what lies ahead but we're comforted by the familiar faces of our middle school buddies, realizing were not COMPLETELY alone. Throughout the years of our up and downs we've made some strong connections with friends and have even favorited a few teachers. Seems like forever before we can escape this "prison" as we sometimes refer to it. But before we know it, it's here. The end of all our childhood schooling K~12. Graduation has finally arrived and we celebrate once again with mixed emotions. Sad to be seperated from our school family and a little nervous and excited for a new chapter. The world is now our playground.

 I like how Dr. Seuss sums it up, "Oh, the Places You'll Go!"

Chris in his own words "Graduation is a bittersweet thing. Although the
best I'd say is the promise of the future. A new horizon that only
I can explore. True independence to find out who I'm supposed to become.
That's truly exciting!" 

"I'm most looking forward to the complete independence

that college offers. This is the true push out of the safety

nest I've been in the past 18 years. I really want to be

on my own so that I can truly be myself and hopefully add to who I am."

"Of course I could speak about the financial aspects and how

I've always been way too spoiled. But above money, my parents 

actually physically have been there for me. Pushing me

when I loathed it the most but needed it or just checking

in on me everyday and everything in between. When I think

ahead to college I realize I won't have that comfort or reassurance

of their presence and care, something I've had daily for the last

18 years of my life. It's love and dedication that goes unsaid, 

but which internally I've cherished. So I guess, just a 

thank you isn't enough, but THANK YOUFOR BEING IN MY LIFE!"