Burke-Gallon
12th Family Reunion
Austin, Texas
June 15-18, 2017

When reflecting on our past reunions, we can truly say that through humble beginnings, the Lord has blessed us in our efforts to take our family reunion to higher levels.  Our first reunion was held on a weekend and consisted of a Picnic and an Inspirational Service. 

Our reunions are now a four-day event consisting of a variety of activities.

The Burke-Gallon 12th Family Reunion, held in Austin, Texas was filled with great fun, laughter, fellowship, and worship.  Registration went well. 

Attendance at the reunion was good!  We had approximately 40 family members participating.   Activities were provided for all age groups.  
 
We kicked off the reunion  on Thursday, June 15th with a "Meet, Greet, Chat, and Chew" Hospitality Reception.  During this special time, we met family members we had never seen before, greeted familiar faces, talked about old and new happenings in our lives, and dined on delicious delicacies prepared by the host caterers. 

On Friday morning, we had our friendly competition at the Escape Room.  For this activity, each lineage of the Burke-Gallon Children that are present can compete.  This time, the Honey's Bees had the opportunity to challenge the defending champions, Selena's Lions.  The Honey's Bees dethroned them effortlessly.  As a display of the fortitude of families, the Honey's Bees entered into the room and helped the Selena's Lions escape as well. 
                                   
On Friday evening, we spent time on our own at the Domain, one of Austin's mega shopping areas.  Good thing there was shopping.  That provided at least one thing that Selena's Lyons were good at.  (lol)  Some of us chilled at the all inclusive iPic Movie Theatre; others rested up from their journey. 

On Saturday morning, we scheduled a trip to Six Flags Fiesta Park for the adventurous, while others took in an amazing live Off Broadway showing of "In The Heights" featuring our own baby cousin, Vincent Hooper.  (He's a really big deal!) 

On Saturday evening, the entire family was treated to dinner at the world famous Pappadeaux's for our Denim and Diamonds Soiree.  We laughed and enjoyed the scrumptuous foods almost as much as we loved spending time with our most precious family members.  A wonderful time was had by all.

On Sunday morning as we prepared for our last activity, our Inspirational Service, we honored our loved ones who have gone on to their eternal reward in a memorial service.  We participated in a Memorial Tribute to honor each of them and the keepsake memorial sand display was given to our out-going Executive Director, Mr. Irvin "Sonny" Lyons, Jr.   

During the service, which was also Father's Day, all Burke-Gallon fathers were honored with a small token of love from the generations they have fathered.  After the ceremony, we said our good-byes to those who had early morning flights to return home while those who remained attended our worship service at The Household of Faith Christian Fellowship Center, pastored by our very own cousins, Bishop Calvin and Lady Valerie Hooper.  There is nothing like worshiping with your loved ones.

​After the service, the Hoopers graciously hosted a farewell meal at their lovely home. 

As the day came to a close, we reluctantly said our good-byes and began to look forward to our next reunion in 2019 which will be hosted by Cassandra Brooks-Morris  and Angela Ransom-Wallace.  You do not want to miss this reunion which will be held on the "World's Most Famous Beach" in Daytona Beach, Florida.   See you all there!
 

Think About This . . .

Not enough hours in the day, we often say;
We watch as the business of life allows time to slip away.
Soon days turn to months and months into years;
Time is mapped with laughter and cheers.

Elders pass and children grow,
Has it been that long we ask, where does the time go?
Not every chance to gather is taken.
"We'll see them next time" hoping we're not mistaken.

A chance like now comes once in a lifetime it seems;
When the bright light of family is nurtured and beams.
There will be laughter and time to reminisce;
We will all be proud this is a chance we did not miss.