Tucson Trek

I would wish for all who attend family reunions the joy that we receive when our family(s) get together. Every Fall we migrate to Tucson from Nevada, Illinois, Wyoming, Texas and sometimes Colorado. The magnet is our family treasure, Dorothy, her husband J and their daughter and her family.

Our personal trip was broken into two easy sections as we stayed with our friends in Las Vegas. We had to hurry on to Tucson the next morning as son Jeff’s plane landed there about 1 PM and we would do well to get there by 2 PM.

Jeff picked up, we ate lunch, got a room at Motel 6 (since Linus was with us) and then put in a surprise call to Aunt Dorothy. We were soon on their doorstep and had great fun visiting with them as well as eating pizza. 

Sunday morning we ate at the Waffle House and got ready to go to cousin Brenda and Rick’s church so I could get my annual pipe organ and handbell “fix”. (I know that I will always enjoy glorious music at their church.) We ate together at Beyond Bread for lunch and soon it was time to go to our rental vacation house which would be our home for almost a week.

This is the 3^rd year we have stayed at this house and after trying various houses in previous years (some of which are former blog posts), this house fits our “family” best. In fact, at Dean’s request last year, the manager installed a pool table in the living room (which didn’t crowd it a bit). The house is close to Dorothy and J’s and even closer to an Albertson’s grocery store, so we feel we’ve found the best place for us.

Sunday was a hot day for Elkoans so Brian was first in the pool and I was close behind. Jeff’s allergies were bothersome so he just “basked” in the shade. 

Cousin Brenda brought a delicious meal as we had all arrived by dinner time except for the Chicago crew. By bedtime everyone had arrived and were situated, ready for Monday which was a trolley ride and shopping downtime. Cousin Brenda fed us sumptuously once again that evening as Jeff had to leave Tudesday afternoon.

Wednesday was shopping in Oro Valley for most of the ladies and lunch at a Greek restaurant. Brian played golf and Todd did his best to bike up a mountain. He discovered that running the Chicago Marathon just doesn’t prepare your lungs for mountain biking at a higher altitude with greatly diminished oxygen level.

Ryder, who was our center of attraction, and definitely the smartest, cutest 2 year old in history went to the Pumpkin Patch with assorted relatives and then went trick or treating in his fox costume on Friday night.  

Besides great meals, part of the time was spent making candy/cookie witches hats and turkeys. Needless to say, we all returned home heavier than when we arrived.

 All too soon it was time to leave, the TX contingent having already left on Tuesday, followed by the Chicago Crew early Saturday morning, with WY, MT and NV straightening up the house  for a final walk through by the manager.

What a blessing to have family and friends with whom to share stories and food. Our Tucson Trek was actually an early Thanksgiving celebration. And for that we are all grateful.