The Beach

Who doesn't love the beach!?

When you are in California hanging with your cousins -- nothing could be better!

Will & Chase were born on the same day and have a great time when ever they get to see each other.

We went to Santa Cruz a favorite family spot.  My grandparents went there and took my dad and his sisters as kids.  So naturally my parents took me there too.  I spent many Saturdays there with my grandparents and cousins.  In fact my mom & my Aunt Irene even took us camping here once upon a time.

My grandparents always had a giant beach umbrella that was yellow with black polka dots.  The umbrella is gone but the good times aren't - now how is that for cheesy?

My cousin Brent and his daughter.

Cole & Dylan ready to brave the cold Pacific.

Dan & Dad

Rachey Baby!!!!

Cord even went swimming -- I however was a bit of a wimp 

I love this one of my cousin Kevin and his daughter! What could be better than a nap on the beach and check out the cotton candy in the background -- good times!

There was a lot of burying in the sand

The Canning rugrats

After a day at the beach we hung out on the boardwalk

Well you made through all those pictures!

We had a great day!

Canning Family Reunion!

Last week we made our way to California to attend another great family reunion.  The kids were so great    on the trip!  It's nice to have them all old enough to entertain themselves and get along pretty well.

The day we arrived we stopped first at grandma & grandpa's for a shower and a little down time then we headed over to my brother Chris's house for dinner with everyone.  It was so great to see my aunts uncles and cousins!  Growing up I saw my Nelson cousins once a month or so but now that we are all grown up and live so far away it is only about ever 3 years we get together.

Here are some pictures from our night...

My sister-in-law Kim -- the hostess with the mostest!

This is our families favorite salsa.  I ate more than my share! I can't believe I didn't get more pictures of the good food.  Chris grilled the best carne asada, we had super good rice and beans and salsa from Blanca and tons of fresh fruit.

Trevor (if he doesn't watch it that cup is going to overflow!)

Aunt Irene, Aunt Helen & Mom discussing genealogy.

My mom put pictures of our ancestors on this poster and we had to match who went with who.

The men took a pass on the genealogy.

My dad & his sister Helen

Blanca & Joe

Aunt Irene & mom and their cute short haircuts -- maybe I should cut mine?

Sarah & Denise -- 2 of my cousins wives

Uncle Kevin with Kabe & Kevin (apparently only men with whose names start with "k" could be in this shot)

Heather & Amy more great wives of my cousins.  Growing up I was the only girl.  Really!  I had four brothers and as is happened only boy cousins too.  So now that we are all grown I get to hang out with all their wives at get togethers  and I'm not forced to play kick ball or be the nurse in an army game.

My kids had a great time making new friends

The Nelson

The Cannings

For some reason I didn't get a picture of the Elmers of a photo of my dad with his two sisters!  Fail! 

And on a final note I have to ask if any of you have ever heard of this...

Rumor has it that if you put a baggie filled with water by your door those pesky flies will not come in your house.  We put a few pennies in there too because the refection is (I guess) what scares them away.  Our test was inconclusive because there were already several flies in the house.  So I'm just checking to see if any of you have tried it.  Plus I like to have something to mock Kim about every now & then!