Yes, it's already been a bit over a year since our Grand Canyon Gathering! The choice of Tucson for this year's Gathering was dictated by work and vacation schedules. Mike and Mark live in Tucson. Scott and I are able to travel. It worked out just right.
The Tucson setting had the added benefit of being convenient for family living in both Tucson and the Phoenix area to attend. Children and grandchildren were invited, as well as Dad's youngest brother Chuck and his wife Lou Ann, who recently moved to Tempe.
Here are this year's attendees:
"Gathering Central" was at Mark and Cindy's home. I'm not sure if I asked directly, or assumed and they stepped up. I think it was the latter! Normally there's enough getting ready to do for any large family event, but they were additionally challenged by a long-scheduled vacation to visit their daughter Melissa in Houston the week before, arriving home the day the Gathering started. They had offered to let Ron and I stay in an extra room, so we came down a day early and got last minute preparations taken care of.
Scott planned to pull his 5th wheel (aka the Taj Majal) to Tucson, where we were to meet him. Ever the King of
WILLY-NILLY, he showed up in Flagstaff instead for a couple of days beforehand. We enjoyed his visit. He was forced to Tucson a day early by the combination of lack of heat in the Taj Majal and some 22 degree nights.
Wednesday, October 16, was travel day for Ron and I. We did our going-away preparations in the house, including instructions for the pet sitter taking care of the cat, birds and fish. Time to go!
With the attendance of numerous dogs predicted at the Gathering, we chose to leave Maggie and Gypsy at their favorite Resort. Accommodations included two days of Day Camp, which allows them a larger space and plenty of playmates.
This day was also Ron's birthday, so after scouting the Internet for "Best Mexican Restaurants in Tucson", he chose:
with this interesting night-time entrance:
Scott joined us for dinner, and the food was in fact delicious. It's based on central/southern style Mexican cuisine rather than the more familiar Sonoran style. Here's Birthday Ron enjoying his chicken enchiladas in tomatillo sauce.
We scheduled this Gathering from Thursday morning until Sunday noon so we could maximize the opportunity for family members to join in. Many of the adults work and the kids are in school, so we knew that each day's attendance would fluctuate with availability. As it turned out, this ebb and flow was something I found enjoyable and fascinating.
Thursday, Day 1
In order of appearance throughout the day: Ron + Alice; Scott; Chuck + Lou Ann; Mark + Cindy; Mike.
The weather was gorgeous, so we enjoyed lunch and chatting in the back yard at the picnic table, for which Mark coincidentally and very conveniently built a ramada last winter.
Friday, Day 2
In order of appearance: Mark + Cindy, Ron + Alice; Scott; Mike; Karen + Karlie; Kaylan + Nicholas + Jonathan + Angel + Sammy; John + Monica + John-Michael + Carter
No activity was pre-planned for this day, so Thursday evening we decided to start the day with a hike at nearby and beautiful Sweetwater Preserve. We're a dog-loving family, and four were included for the hike.
This was family-style desert hiking at it's best: well marked trails, lots of blue sky and cactus.
Originally planned for an hour or so, this trail led to that one...
and two hours, 16 sore dog-feet and some sore human- hips later, we were back at the trailhead. We barely had time to get home, have a quick lunch and make it to our afternoon activity. Joined by Karen and Karlie, we headed off to the theater for a 3D/Imax viewing of the newly released and much talked about GRAVITY. We all felt the cold fear, held our collective breath, ducked to avoid flying debris, and thoroughly enjoyed this movie. 3D is a must; Imax is amazing!
Kaylan and her four boys arrived in the later afternoon. The boys were staying with Grandpa Mike for the weekend, and joined in all activities. John, Monica, their two boys and two dogs also arrived. The evening entertainment included lots more visiting, dinner, and a couple hours of intense back yard chaos involving 6 boys, 7 dogs, numerous balls and a cloud of dust.
Saturday, Day 3
In order of appearance: Mark + Cindy; Ron + Alice; Mike + Karen + Nicholas + Jonathan + Angel + Sammy; John + Monica + John-Michael + Carter; Bobbie + Carly; Lorraine
We piled into two vehicles and left at 8:00 for Apple Annie's Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard, near Willcox. John, Monica, Bobbie and Carly met us there.
We visited the Pumpkin Patch first via a haywagon ride.
We were pleased with the choices of pumpkins and squash. Kids and grownups alike had fun choosing their favorites.
Mike and some of the boys went through the Corn Maze.
On to the apple orchard:
Pumpkins and apples on board, we drove back to Tucson. The car I was in, all adults, was quiet and nappish. The van, full of boys, was more on the noisy and chaotic side.
Mark grilled hamburgers and hotdogs for the evening meal.
Eating was accompanied by more visiting by adults and playing by boys and dogs. John's Mom, Lorraine, joined us for a few hours.
Sunday, Day 4
A delicious Sunday breakfast of sausage & egg burritos gave us a good start to the day.
As this was our last day together, we talked about what we might like to do next year. The possibility of visiting another National Park met with approval, and when Scott suggested Yellowstone, we all agreed. Sure, we know a lot can happen in a year; all great experiences start with a great idea.
THANK YOU ONE AND ALL FOR
ANOTHER WONDERFUL GATHERING!!!
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