As Grandpa Tyler would say....

HOWDY!!
 
It's June!  Are you all starting to think about packing your bags and loading up the car for TYLER REUNION at Duck Creek at the end of the month?  It'll be here before we know it! (and there are still rooms available)
**According to Wikipedia:  Duck Creek Village is an unincorporated community in Kane County, Utah, United States. It is located on the edge of Cedar Mountain, with an elevation of 8,507 feet.

 Here's a few ideas for a packing list for the reunion:

__your happy faces
__sunscreen & hats (temps are 70-80's during the day)
__a big appetite
__jackets (it gets cold at night- sometimes into the 40's)
__bug repellant
__more happy faces
__towels and hygiene items
__umbrellas and/or ponchos (it's been known to shower up there)
 
__fishing poles & bait
__geocache equipment?
__camp chairs or recliner
__your sense of humor
__$$ for the auction
__family first aid kit & meds
__have I mentioned your happy faces?
__games or sports equipment
__hiking shoes 
__sleeping bag or extra blankets/quilts
__camera and/or binoculars
__any photos or family history you'd like to share
__HAPPY FACES!!


As you can tell, I am planning on having a great time!  Due to the wedding that I am also planning in July, and on the brain overload I'm experiencing, I plan on taking this easy.  We won't really have much structure during the day; just hikes, fishing, exploring, games and visiting.  I hope that's okay with y'all!

SEE YOU SOON!  (I'll send out a map soon)
 

What do we do?

 Besides the beautiful outdoors, we are also planning a few activities as a group.  Because, well, you know, we kinda are going so we can be together and get to know each other better, right?  Right! 
So, here we go:

Daytime activities:
Corn Hole
Volley Ball
Croquet
Treasure Hunt
Hikes - Uncle Dan will organize one group hike each day
Water balloon toss
Marshmallow blow guns
Talking and visiting
sightseeing
Fishing
Other....
**I am happy to take on volunteers to help my girls with 1-2 organized daytime activities each day for those wanting to participate.  I'll even take on volunteers for the evening activities, which brings us to:

Evening Activities:
Thursday night:  Family Feud game and 'Name that Baby' game.
*Bring a baby picture of each person over age 21 that will be attending.
Dessert:  Watermelon

Friday night:  Campfire songs, skits and stories.
*sign up with Aunt Patty for your contribution. 
Dessert:  S'mores deluxe

Saturday night:  Family Jeopardy game and Auction.
*Please let Aunt Patty know of items you'd like to donate to the auction.
Dessert:  Brownies & Ice Cream

So, is anyone getting excited about coming yet??

WE ALL GOTTA EAT, RIGHT??

Meals for Tyler Reunion 2016

After giving mealtimes much thought, here is what I've come up with.
 
Please discuss with your attending family members what you would like to serve for your assigned meals and get back to me asap.  I will post what you have chosen so we don’t have too much duplication.   So, you see, first ones to decide get first choice!  ;) 
Those with lunch assignments, I strongly suggest you just do "make your own sandwiches" type of thing with some sides.  If you need special equipment, i.e. griddle, crockpot, blender - they have most of that stuff up there, plus I can bring mine.
Each family bring something to put in a trail mix.  We are going to make a bucket of it to set out for a snack - to keep the kids and grown-ups happy.  Nuts, dried fruit, cereal, m&m's, small crackers, etc.  We will also provide fresh fruit for snacks.

SINCE WE WILL BE IN UTAH,  WE WILL BE ON UTAH TIME!!

Assignments as follows:

Thursday afternoon will be check-in.

Thursday dinner - 6pm
Stone family:  barbecue hamburgers and sides

Friday breakfast - 8am
Steve & Joyce McCown family:  Pancakes & Eggs

Friday lunch:  
Stone family:  Pulled Pork Sandwiches & cole Slaw, chips

Friday dinner - 6pm
Steve Tyler family:  Carne Asada tacos

Saturday breakfast - 8am
Jerry & Karen Sanders family:  Breakfast burritos

Saturday lunch:  
Sanders family:  Taco Salad

Saturday dinner - 6pm
Steve & Joyce McCown family:  Chicken Pasta Salad

Sunday breakfast - 8am
Steve Tyler family:  Muffins? 

After breakfast on Sunday we will all clean up and head on home - till next Reunion!!

**Before I forget - we still have some rooms available if there is anyone who would like to come.

UP NEXT:  Activities and Evening programs

New Info!

Rooms are still Available!!     

Before I begin, I want to emphasize that this is not a scolding letter.  Consider it a letter of "what it's like to plan a family reunion" letter.  Many of you have never done this, but you probably will at some future date.  As Camille knows, it is not an easy task.  It's even kinda scary when you have put $$  on the line and hope that everyone will come AND have a good time.

I began to search for a reunion locale this past July 2015, as I had several requests for a firm date and place in order for everyone to make plans ahead of time so that you could prioritize the dates when other things came up.  I understand that we all have things come up.  But the purpose of giving everyone the dates that early was so that this reunion could be first priority.  Family first, right?  Well, I understand when that’s not possible.  I do….

But, let me explain my position:
I finally found a large enough facility for most of us with the option of nearby rooms if we filled up.  The snag was that there was a ZERO refund policy.  And so, before I booked it, I made double sure that these were the best dates for the majority of the family, and then I asked for commitments to the rooms.  When I had those assurances, I went ahead and paid the deposit which was over $800.  If I didn't move quickly on that, we would have lost the opportunity to stay here as it books up quickly.

Since then, I billed everyone for their room, asking for the $$ before November 30.  I have received a few of those room payments.  Some have not paid (yeah, I understand that it was Christmas) and now I have some cancellations, like flies falling off a dead horse.  Seriously, I understand when it’s absolutely not possible; we all have hard choices to make.  Right now, I cannot fill the lodge.  I still have a substantial amount to pay (just over $2000 if we go through with this).  And the room rates (plus tent rates) that everyone pays were to help make that payment, along with the auction at reunion.  (In fairness to the Graff's, they are not requesting a refund for the reservationt they made; I appreciate them taking that responsibility.  But if I can fill that room, I do want to reimburse them.)

After talking to Steve T., Joyce and Karen, we have decided to go ahead with the reunion.  Yes, we may come up short, but I am really hoping someone will want to fill some rooms still.  SO: Take a look below and let me know if:
*You'd like to come and want to reserve a room (see previous posts for pics and descriptions of room)
*You've already reserved a room but would like to move to a larger room
*You are camping but would like to move indoors to help us out. (It's pretty chilly at night up there.)
All these rates are for 3 nights total:
Room 1              Stone family               $175.00         
Room 2              Patty Stone                 $175.00       
Room 3              Steve Tyler                 $175.00         PAID
Room 4              Joyce McCown          $175.00          PAID
Room 5              Available                    $175.00
Room 6              Karen Sanders            $175.00         PAID
Room 7              Jim Sanders                $190.00         PAID
Room 8              Craig Tyler                 $190.00         PAID
Room 9              Kristina Pettyjohn      $210.00         PAID
Room 10            Julianne Sanders        $195.00                              
Camping -  Karen Young  - PAID

Also - if there are any crafty persons out there who'd like to volunteer to make stuff for / or help with the auction; please let me know!  I'd love some help.

Again, thanks to all of you!  

I love you - everyone - and hope that if you can't make it this year, we will still get to see you soon and reconnect!

November is upon us!!

Hello Family!

It's been a little while and it's time for a little reminder

that NOVEMBER 30 is the deadline for your room payment.  

If it's a hardship, please call me and we can see about

doing payments over a 3 month period.

If I don't hear from you by Nov. 30 - I will need to make your room available to others. 

The main thing is to just communicate with me.  :)  

And a big THANK YOU to those who have already sent payment!

Last month we made a visit to the lodge and I took more pictures.  For the most part, I was happy with what we found.  The downsides are the kitchen and dining areas are small, along with the main gathering room.  The yard is also rather small, but still big enough for our purposes.   

I still think it will work.

Here's a list of rooms and amounts owed (this is amt for all 3 nights):

                      Room 1              Craig Tyler               $175.00            PAID
Room 2               Jim Sanders               $175.00

Room 3              Steve Tyler                 $175.00

Room 4              Joyce McCown          $175.00

Room 5              AVAILABLE             $175.00

Room 6              Karen Sanders            $175.00

Room 7               Emily Wentz              $190.00

                     Room 8              Camille Graff             $190.00            PAID

                     Room 9              Stone Family              $210.00            PAID

   Room 10            Kristina Pettyjohn      $195.00            PAID                       

Camping -  tents or RV    $25 per night
(There is only room for 2-3 RV's no hook-ups - please call me first)

THANKS!

 We will be sending out invoices in the next 24 hours which will 

give you the option of paying with credit card, bank transfer or check.    

You All are DA BOMB DIGGETY!!

WOW!  What a response you all have given me on the reunion!  

THANK YOU!

All the rooms have been reserved at this point. 

I will hold them for 2 months (Nov. 30) without payment.  

If you want to secure your room, make out a check to PATRICIA STONE

 for the entire amount and mail it to:

Patricia Stone

2289 Coletero Drive

Washington, UT  84780

If for some reason you need to cancel, let me know ASAP!

There are still some families I have not heard from and I hope we will soon.

Please don't let a lack of rooms stop you from attending.

 There are other cabins/rooms/hotels nearby.  Here is their info: 

Aspen View Cottages (next door to us)

3 Bedroom + Loft / 2 Bath Cottages Full Kitchen/Washer & Dryers/Wood Burning Fireplace
Rates Start from $200/night

Come and enjoy beautiful Duck Creek Village, Utah! In the heart of Southern Utahs’ Dixie National Forest.
Beautiful outside decks, private courtyards and gas barbeques. Close to dining and shopping.  Can accommodate more than one family

For Reservations Please Call:  435-682-3330 

Falcon's Nest Cabins (just down the street from us)

60 Movie Ranch Road
Duck Creek Village, Utah 84762
Falcons Nest Cabins are nestled in the heart of Duck Creek Village.  We offer accommodations to groups of all sizes.  Equipped for extended stays with full kitchens, wireless internet and satellite television, our cabins are perfect for adventure anytime of the week.  Cabins begin at $85.00 plus tax per night.  Discounts available for large groups needing multiple cabins.

For more information contact us:
(435) 682-2556
or at our website
www.falconsnestcabins.com

Pinewoods Resort

Pinewoods Resort is open year round. We have the largest facility around. We have clean and comfortable motel rooms and 1, 2, & 3 bedroom suites. We also have two large mountain cabins and one large four bedroom family suite. All of our suites and cabins have kitchens, large living room with satellite tv. All of our units are equipped with linens, towels and all essential kitchen equipment. We have free high speed wi-fi and enhanced continental breakfast. Pinewoods Resort Restaurant is open 7 days a week.
www.pinewoodsresort.com
1460 Duck Creek Ridge Rd - PO Box 1148
Duck Creek Village UT 84762
(435) 682-2512
email:  info@pinewoodsresort.com 
 

We also have a large 6-7 man tent we'd be happy to loan.  We have air mattresses and sleeping pads.  We even have a very good possibility of a travel trailer on site for a family.   

In other words....

If you want to come, we will find a way to accommodate you!

Looking forward to seeing all of you!!

2016 Family Reunion Rates and Rooms

Hey!  Is everyone excited for this??  I sure am!

There's a ton of info in this post so read to the end!


Here is a list of the rooms and suites.  I have listed the $$ for a 3 night stay.  In order to cover the costs of the lodge, we need to have each room rented for all 3 nights.  If, between you, you’d like to split days on a room with someone else, you’ll have to work that out among yourselves.  If you want to speak for a room, I will hold that room for a few months.  (A CHECK MADE OUT AND SENT TO PATRICIA STONE FOR THE AMOUNT OF THE ROOM RESERVATION WILL SECURE THAT ROOM.) I can also create a waiting list.
I have not personally seen the rooms, but will be making a trip up there in October,  as soon as they have a break in guests.  I honestly don’t know how these rooms correspond to the pictures posted here.  I will take my own pics when I visit. Kids are welcome to sleep on the floor in their parents rooms if there is space.  There are a 4-5 twin fold-aways and a queen air mattress available.
SHEETS, BLANKETS, PILLOWS, AND TOWELS ARE PROVIDED.

 Bedrooms: 10 Bedrooms, Sleeps 45, Beds for 34-45

    Bedroom 1: 1 queen                    $175/3 nights  
                                                          (RESERVED)
    Bedroom 2: 1 queen                    $175/3 nights   
    French doors to front of lodge      (RESERVED)    

    Bedroom 3: 1 queen                    $175/3 nights   
                                                           (RESERVED)
    Bedroom 4: 1 king                        $175/3 nights   
    French doors to front of lodge       (RESERVED)

    Bedroom 5: 1 queen                    $175/3 nights   
    Door to the back of lodge            (RESERVED)

    Bedroom 6: 1 queen                    $175/3 nights   
    French doors to front of lodge     (RESERVED)

    Bedroom 7: 1 queen, 1 sleep sofa /futon            $190/3 nights   
    Upstairs suite Large room & large bath               (RESERVED)

    Bedroom 8: 1 king, 1 sleep sofa /futon            $190/3 nights   
    Master suite upstairs large bath                         (RESERVED)

    Bedroom 9: 1 king, 1 queen, 1 sleep sofa /futon        $210/3 nights   
    Grand suite                                                                (RESERVED)

    Bedroom 10: 1 queen, 1 sleep sofa /futon            $195/3 nights   
    Suite with dual vanity large bath Jac tub              (RESERVED)

**Each bedroom has its own bathroom (Rooms 1 - 6 have just a shower - no bathtub), plus there is a half bath off the gathering room.  There are 11 bathrooms total in the lodge for guest's convenience!

Dining room

Kitchen

Dining room

 

RV's and Tents
**There is room for 2-3 RV’s (no hookups) to park in parking area.  Please check with me before bringing your RV so that we don't get too many.
The grass area also has room for a few tents if someone wants that  “camping” experience!
Temperatures in June range around the low 50’s at night to the low 80’s in the day. 
There are campgrounds a few miles away, without showers and flush toilets.
**RV or tent camping will be $25 per RV or tent per night.

Staying elsewhere
**For those who will be staying elsewhere and just joining us for the daytime, there will be reunion cost of $5 per person per day up to $20/day per family.  Again, this just helps cover costs of the facilities that we will all be using.

Meals!! 
 This is 2nd most important thing most of us are looking forward to!!  LOL!   We will do family assignments similar to that done in the past.  Get out your recipes and plan something yummy!  We might just have a cook-off/contest one night!  I’ll post assignments after I get an idea of who is coming.

Auction!
  This is always so much fun and Yes!, we will be doing this again!  Get your stuff ready.  All proceeds to be donated to the Tyler Reunion Fund for our next reunion. 

Doesn't this look like a great place to gather??