George and Ina Wimsatt Family Reunion. . . .July 2012

Our family chose the weekend of July 19 - 21, 2012,
for our Family Reunion.  It was going to be held at
the Buttes Marriott Resort in Tempe.

Paul, Joanne, Chris, Jeni, Ethan and Ryann, came
from California, Justin from Utah.  Craig, Tracy,
Joshua, Cameron and Chasity, came from Arkansas. 
George and I, Miranda, Steve, Rhonda, Brinton,
Cote, Brexton and Nixin, Trey, Jenna and Montana,
didn't have to travel as we all live here in the valley.
The only one who wasn't here was Hannah.  She
was working in Alaska for the summer.  We missed her.

The Buttes is a beautiful resort.  It is constructed
around a small mountain that overlooks the valley
and offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
It offers many amenities; exercise rooms, hiking trails,
a four star restaurant, a huge waterfall that falls into a
Koi pool, spas, and many more.  One of the reasons we
chose it was for the water amenities.  It has a 56 foot
water slide that careens into a huge pool.  We thought
both the kids and adults would enjoy it.  There were
lots of lounge chairs with umbrellas and tables poolside.
On weekends there is live music playing in the pool
 area and you can have food delivered to your lounge
chair or one of the other tables available.

Paul and Craig's families were staying there for the
weekend and had multiple rooms allowing us to come
and go as needed.  The pool is not open to the public
 and so there was ample parking.

George and I did not go swimming but they made sure
we were sitting up close poolside where we could easily
watch all of the fun.  Everyone had a blast.  It was so
much fun watching the little kids zoom down the slide,
no fear, just excited yells and theatrics.  They put on
quite a show and were loving it.  The bigger kids,
including some of the adults, also did the kamacazee
thing.  Behind where George and I were sitting, there
was a covered courtyard, patio area with benches and
tables and chairs.  We claimed an area where we could
 all congregate for a late lunch, early dinner.  We had
sub sandwiches, salads, chips, and all of the condiments
brought in from Jimmie Johns, which began a fun
tradition for our reunions.  We enjoyed a leisurely
meal with lots of talking and laughter.  A few good
stories were spun for every one's entertainment.
It was fun.

With the Snow Day at the Zoo early in the morning and
a full day of fun in, and around, the pool, it was a fantastic
day of family fun..

That day, Saturday, was the focal point of our reunion.
Family members did other things, not necessarily all
together.  George and I didn't join in but were at home
to any of them who dropped by our home.  Rhonda and
Steve were getting ready to leave for their Alaskan Cruise
with all of Steve's siblings and their spouses.  Craig, Tracy,
Joshua, Cameron, and Chasity were going to be staying
at their home while they were gone and for the rest of
their vacation, when they got back.  Paul's family were
leaving on Sunday.  Sunday morning, Justin and Trey
came by to visit until time for Trey to take him to the
airport to catch his plane. Paul, Joanne, Chris, Jeni,
Ethan and Ryann came by, also.  They ate lunch, food
they brought in and sandwiches George made, before
they headed for the river, the first leg of their trip home.

It was a very successful reunion.  They are all talking
about the George and Ina Family Reunion to be an
annual July event here in The Valley Of The Sun.
We are blessed with a wonderful family.
Thank you to each of you for making this time so special.

Pictures of Snow Day at the Zoo and Fun at the Buttes,
follow in the next two posts.  Thank you Rhonda for
sharing some of your pictures.