4th of July - 2006

Another terrific family get-together!

I was actually missing my cousins; thinking back to how there seemed to always be so many. Bobby was going to come, but then his kids wanted to have their own party, so he needed to chaperone. Becky was at an event. The Medinas were all busy with their own families and so I sat back in a camp chair in the shade to watch the volleyball tournament.

Jeannette and I tried our best to make the teams as even as possible - with both athleticism and temperament. We started by separating the most athletic - Jeff, Vincent and Jennifer - and then placed the remaining crew with each. Who knew that Jeff's new wife was going to turn out to be a ringer. Regardless, the games were competitive. Even Emma toddled on to the court when she could.The Blue Hairs (Jennifer, Dave, Cole and Alex) had the youngsters, so they weren't able to pull out a win. But they gave it their all and gave their opponents some great games.

The Beatles (Jeff, Matt, and Rob) had some stellar plays. They beat the Blue Hairs to get to the finals with Andrea, Vincent and Ryan (what was your team name?). In the end, Andrea set her place in the family tree by settling down the teenage angst and leading her team to a place in family history as the ultimate victors. I think we'll all remember this one for a long time.

Andrea, congratulations on your victory and marriage. I think Dad would've been really proud that Jeff married a woman that can hold her own on the family court. You both showed that you have the teamwork skills for a successful marriage. Way to go Andrea and welcome to the family!

And... as it turns out: Jeff, Jennifer, Alex, Vincent, Ryan, Matt, Cole, Emma (and Natie the day before)...I guess there were lots of cousins there after all!

Thanks again Mom and Dad!