Fry Family Reunion Part III

 Sandra, Dave, Carolyn, Arlene, Tom, Buddy were the first cousins who attended this reunion which began in 1951.  They were later joined by their families in the lobby of Phoenix X.  We had intended to have our pot luck and photo outside, but it was too windy.  The management graciously let us set up in the lobby and even brought out extra tables and chairs.

This was followed by watching the memorial for cousin Marilyn and the meeting---with reports on the trust and discussions about where to meet in 2015. The next evening some of us went to LuLu's for dinner.  Now, this is a place that knows what to do when there is a 1-2 hour wait to get in.

Once inside, the food was delicious and the entertainment was very good (although we were a little too close)

Family Reunion Part II

 So many fun activities near Phoenix X!  Across the street was jet-skiing, a dolphin cruise, and a restaurant and hermit crabs.  Roman brought home what he thought was a shell from this area, but when it crawled away, we discovered it had a crab inside.

 Game night found cousins of several generations playing Mad Gab one night.

 Our team of just 5 of us (versus 8 on the other time) was victorious.  A sample card is below---the team needed to read it and figure out what it really said.

 With so many teachers on our team, this one was a piece of cake (attention deficit disorder)

On one of our early morning walks, we met Austin a fisherman.  He had already caught one flounder and whiting.  He was so sweet and let Roman help him reel fish in.

 Then, on our way back, we saw another hermit crab crawling across the dunes with a rhinestone glued to his shell---Bling became his name.  Other items found on that morning walk were a quarter with all of the silver buffed off and a can opener with the point up! (Yes, we found shells, too, but. . . )

The next day, we went across the street again and found even more hermit crabs.  All but one were returned to the canal before leaving.  Although all were offered to cousins, only one was taken home.

Fry Family Reunion Part I

We love going to Phoenix X where we have stayed about 6 times over the past 8-10 years.  We have never stayed in the same unit twice which makes life interesting.  While this condo had an abundance of sharp knives (at least 20) and remotes that we had no ideas what they went to all lined up in the master bed room, it was lacking containers for left-overs.

I could use each of the compartments of the Snowman Servette or store food in bags. . . .We were solo in the 3-bedroom condo until the Lewis' family came around midnight.  The next morning Roman, Rebecca and I went walking on the beach and around the condo---Tom and Donna came that afternoon.

Galveston Embarkation

After we left Tremont House, we drove around the Seawall section of Galveston.  I loved its mix of old and new.   When I mentioned to my daughter how much I loved Galveston, she was surprised because she didn't like it when she visited several years ago.  We finally figured out the difference.  I see it as a typical English Beach Town with old buildings, wide promenades and unobstructed views of the ocean.  She was expecting more American beach town:  high condos on beachfront property and restaurants on the water.  With an amusement park on a pier, it was just like Brighton in England (and many of our east coast beach towns)

But, the Grand Dame of Galveston was where we were headed---Hotel Galvez.  Our Tremont House Hotel (across the island from Seawall) had a package that with valet parking, we could drive to Hotel Galvez to park our car on the cruise and take a shuttle to the ship.  I don't think I have ever waited for a shuttle in a more beautiful setting. (and I have added a hotel to my bucket list)

Tremont House

This being our 4th trip to Galveston, we decided to stay in one of the historic hotels---Tremont House.

This reminds me of several historic European hotels we have stayed in.  High ceiling, decorated with antiques, but with a beautiful modern bathroom

 The inside is rich with architectural details not found in most new hotels like an atrium lobby and a bar on loan from the historical society (rosewood)

Family Reunion Meeting

 After the Cook Out and before the meeting, we had the Family Photo.  Between Roman and his parents is a bare-chested little boy.  His dad took the pictures so he thought he'd slip in one.  We probably should try to take photos earlier in the evening since my flash didn't quite reach the edges well.

Other photos followed of family groups and then cousins.  Buddy had already left to get ready for the meeting, so he missed the First Cousins Photo.  Dave, Tom, Carolyn, Marilyn and Arleen have been attending the reunions for 60 years or all of their lives if younger than 60.  With Buddy, they represent 5 of the Fry siblings:  Eloise, Hale, George (Buddy), Cecil, Phil.  Alfreda and Irene had no children.  Alderson and Donald had not descendants at the reunion this year.
Second cousins:  Rachel, Christa, Donald, Michelle, David, Leilia and Rebecca.
Third cousins:  Brett, Davis, Roman, Jensen, Libby, Bryce, Aiden, Cameron, Mackenzie, Savannah, Ryan and Kristin. (Family correct me if I spelled the names wrong)
While the third cousins went crab hunting, the rest of us had a meeting primarily to discuss the reunion of 2013.
We agreed to have it at Phoenix X again because the condos are great value in a good location with plenty of activities and amenities close by.
Suzy also showed us albums with family photos.  This one is of Great-grandfather George Henry Clay Alderson (1844-1936).

I liked this photo of  Aunt Alfreda (1906-1996).  For other Fry Reunions, click here for 2009,  click here for 1950's, click here for 1961, Islamorada, Florida.  Click here for Montague Ranch in Texas in 1967.  And, here for an account of the 1969 cruise reunion.