Family Times in 2008

Unlike 2007 when we didn't travel at all, 2008 gave us several opportunities for travel and various family time experiences.

In February, Pete & Julie spent a week enjoying the sunshine in Cancun, Mexico.

In March, Julie & Pete drove to Sioux Falls, SD to participate on a parent panel for a hospice and end of life workshop at the hospital there.

In June, we pulled a U-haul trailer with our van to help Jacob & Beth move to Boston. Along the way, we were able to visit Julie's high school friends, Tami Ring and Katrina Ulrich.

In July, Pete & Julie flew to Mt. Shasta, CA to spend a week with Julie's sister, Vangie & husband Denis. We enjoyed the adventures of hiking on Mt. Shasta and kayaking in a mountain lake as well as sitting by the creek in Vangie's yard and musing about life.

And in August, we gathered for our 15th annual Bonde Camping trip in Nerstrand Big Woods state park, only a mile from the Bonde homestead farm.

Later, in October, Julie returned to Mt. Shasta for a rare Johnson sibling reunion. A visit from Julie's brother, Michael, who currently lives in Madagascar, was the catalyst for gathering us all for four days at Vangie's house in the shadow of Mt. Shasta. We had a good time and even videotaped the six of us singing the Malagasy national anthem to send to Michael's wife, Saina. No news yet on what her reaction was to our silliness.