Thanksgiving 2008

It was perfect weather this year for the Johnson family get together at the farm house. It rained the rest of the weekend, but for that one day it was beautiful. The Don Leonards were in Atlanta this year, but everyone else from our side of the family was there. There were no new babies for Ted and Donie. The newest addition to the family came from Jennifer Selfe, who got married in October to Brandon Tedder.

Clockwise from bottom: Leslie, Dad, Jill, Richard, Dan, David, Diane, Mom, Melissa, Jaiden

Farmhouse Gathering It's picture taking time on the front steps of the farmhouse. The old structure is starting to show its age again, as evidenced by the ladder that is in use for roof repairs. According to Uncle Don, the house dates back to around 1840. It was dismantled board by board by Don and his family back around 1976, and carefully reconstructed on its current site.	Julie, our Hostess This was Julie's year to be the "hostess" of the event. She was everywhere, videotaping and talking with everyone. Here she gets an interview with Jaiden and Melissa.
Brenda Cousin Brenda was there for dinner and a little socializing before getting back to Thanksgiving at her home. Behind her is newlywed daughter Jennifer.	The Youngest Nichols Aunt June gives Renae, Donie's youngest, a lift around the yard.
Tim and Beverly We were so happy to see cousin Tim and wife Beverly there this year. We got together with them at their motel later on that night for some serious catching up. Didn't know that the La Quinta lets you bring all of your pets, no questions asked. In the room were the four of us, plus their little doggie and two cats.	Looky Looky Jaiden holds up a deceased bird, who fell from a tree near the farmhouse. Woodpeckers have done major damage to the insulation under the eaves, so we weren't too sad to see this one go.
Pickin' On The Porch I got out my guitar and played songs from the Johnson hymnbook along with everyone on the front porch. Tammy & Jim's son Daniel brought out his guitar, too, and strummed along.	Golden Tones Uncle Don got his trumpet and we played a few together. Here, Aunt June looks on as Don takes a solo.
Chew The Fat Club What would this day be without the circle of friends and relatives who meet on the front lawn after Thanksgiving dinner to just sit and talk until the sun goes down? This year, we all got to share our favorite Johnson childhood memories with each other.	...and now for the talent portion of the evening. Laura shows off her moves on the front porch. Not bad for a big girl. The outfit actually belongs to sister Patty, who walked right down the main street of Appalachicola in it on Halloween.