Annual Johnson Family Campout

Once again the time had arrived for our Johnson Family Campout. We changed things up a little this year and moved to a new campsite (although still at Tanner’s Flat up Little Cottonwood Canyon) and invited along the Rowberrys and Bryan Cryer family to join us.

Jake, Josh and Greg trying to start the fire with flint and steel.

The kids absolutely love camping. I love it too because there are no electronics to vie for their attention. Instead we have loads of good old-fashioned fun. The kids ran around camp getting all kinds of dirty. We had activities galore. We played game after game of four-square. Emily set up a station where the kids could make paint lady bugs and make porcupines. I brought stuff for bubbles and after a little while the kids (and adults as well) got really good and making HUGE bubbles. Plus, grandma had her traditional treasure hunt for the kids.

Craft Station

Four Square

Isaac and the bubbles.

On Saturday we went up to Snow Basin to see the wild flowers. The terrain proved to be difficult for the kids so instead we took a short little hike with a guide who told us all about the flowers and animals in the area. The kids were thrilled when she let them help participate and dress-up like flowers, dirt, butterflies and the sun.

Nature show

Drew, Eli and Wyatt on the nature walk.

Later in the evening we each prepared a dish in our dutch ovens. The food was amazing! Everything tasted so good. G’ma Jan made a pot roast. The Rowberrys made sweet and sour chicken. We made cheesy potatoes. Abby and Matt made cornbread. Joe and his wife and the Cryers both made really yummy desserts. Everything turned out great. After dinner we had a little talent show where every family shared a story, song, riddle, etc. Lucy and Drew really enjoyed being up in front of people and kept going up there and just smiling. It was cute.

Dutch Oven Cooking

We finished off the night with s’mores. We got up fairly early the next morning, packed and headed home. Other than some minor issues with the campground host and hostess we had a fantastic time. Thanks to everyone for coming and helping make this such a fun event. We can’t wait until next year!

The girls slept in a pop-up trailer that my neighbors let us borrow. Thanks Francis’!