Cain Family Reunion

This summer was the year for the Cain Family Reunion. It happens every four years and is an Olympic event in its own right. It is a massive group! We had between 95-100 family members that were able to make it to New Smyrna Beach, Florida (yes, the shark capital of the United States) this past July. We were sad that a number of families were missing, but we are hoping to have a mini-reunion weekend in Madison, Indiana soon...so maybe we can see them there!

There were many festivities during the week. There were cocktail parties, a "cousins" dinner, a "siblings" luncheon, a family breakfast, movie nights for the youngsters, sleep-overs and many other events and activities.

My sister, Christina, and her husband, Bobby, at the
"cousins" dinner.

My cousin, Cindy, at the "cousins" dinner with
her hubby, Mike, beside her.

My cousin, Connie, with her husband, Craig, at
the "cousins" dinner.

My brother, Stephen, at Connie's cocktail party.

My cousins, Brenda and Richard. Brenda is Uncle Charlie's daughter.
Richard is Uncle Tom's son.

My cousin, Theresa, and her husband, Joe, traveled from
France for the reunion.

My dad, David, with Bill, Tiffany and me at the family breakfast.

It was great to see some of my uncles that I hadn't visited with in a while--Uncle Bernard and Uncle Joe. I was also lucky to visit with my Aunt Agnes from Kansas. I don't get to see these three very often as they live pretty far away. I swear that I learn something new and interesting about them (or my dad's family) every time I sit down and talk with them.

My Uncle Bernard

My Uncle Joe

I must admit that there was a big hole in my heart for my dad's siblings who have already passed: Uncle Charlie, Aunt Barbara and Uncle Tom. As well as, my Uncle Norman (Aunt Lucy's husband) and Uncle Chuck (Aunt Agnes' husband). It was a little lonely knowing they weren't with us. I always felt so safe, loved and lucky walking around with everyone happy and healthy at these reunions while I was growing up. To see the group changing a bit definitely brings on the growing pains. But, on the positive side of things, we also get to see new members added to our clan either through marriage or birth--and I LOVE that part!

The younger generation of cousins: MaryScott, Hope,
Cathy and Cindy.

Anna and William definitely enjoyed forming relationships with their relatives--young and old. I think that they were in awe over the amount of people they were related to. Every time we got into an elevator, we'd be riding it with either an aunt or uncle, a cousin, a child of a cousin or some relation. It was great to be able to introduce them and let them put a face with a name.

I am very grateful to my dad who made all the arrangements for the 2010 Cain Reunion. I have to say that it was a huge success. We all got to catch up, hug on each other and create many more memories that will last a lifetime! I couldn't have asked for more!! Thanks Daddy Cain and the whole Cain Clan!!

Lummus Family Vacation: Plan B

We go to Gulf Shores every year with Bill's parents and his sister's (Lesley) family. This year, due to the oil spill, we had to make alternate plans. Our "Plan B" was to head to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

It was a wonderful trip! Although we missed many things about our regular vacation spot, we all found things we really liked about Hilton Head. One of my favorite things was riding bikes! The bike paths that they have there are awesome. If I lived there on a permanent basis, I would bike everywhere. The week that we were there I couldn't get enough biking in. I was so sad the day we had to return our tandem bike to the rental store.

William on the tandem bike in front of our french bakery.

Another favorite was the french bakery down by the boardwalk. Every morning, very early, William and I would hop on the tandem bike and head for our morning pastry. I cherished this one-on-one time with my little man. And...the pastries did not disappoint! Afterwards, we would either head to Starbucks or just ride down the beach or through the beautiful neighborhoods. It was so much fun!

Another positive were the many fantastic restaurants. Marley's was one of my personal favorites. Bill and I had blackened cobia one night that had to be one of the best seafood dishes I have ever had in my life! There also happens to be an ice cream shoppe attached to the restaurant that is extremely popular. Bill and I were too full to partake after our dinner, but I did go back with Anna and Haley to sample some of their unique flavors one afternoon.

I think the men (including William) enjoyed the golf courses. I know they enjoyed the short commute as they sometimes have to travel forty-five minutes to an hour each way to reach some of the golf courses in Gulf Shores. Haley and I took advantage of one of the many spas on the island. And, all the women at some point visited the outlet mall to find some good bargains. Bill and I were even able to catch a movie at a nearby theater--something we hadn't been able to do in ages.

Below are some pictures from one of the restaurants we visited while in Hilton Head. I can't remember the name of it, but it had delicious food as well. William couldn't get enough of the shrimp!!

Lesley and John

Pat and Bill

All of us Lummus' hope the Gulf is restored to good health soon, but if it's not, we know we have a "Plan B" that we all love.

We Share the Joys, We Share the Sorrows

Sad news came in June with the unexpected death of my sweet, funny and loving Uncle Tom. He was the second oldest sibling in my dad's family. There's a funny story about when my dad was born. Uncle Tom was in the army and over in Europe during WWII. When he came back from his post, his commanding officer said, "Congratulations, Tom! You're wife had a baby boy!" My Uncle Tom looked at him and said, "My wife isn't pregnant!" The telegram simply stated that Mrs. Arthur T. Cain had delivered a healthy baby boy. What the commanding officer didn't realize was that Uncle Tom was a "junior" and that my grandmother was on her 11th child!!

I could always count on Uncle Tom to share the family history with me--and boy, did he have good stories! He was never too busy to sit down with one of his nieces or nephews to just talk. In fact, he welcomed it. No questions were off-limits and he always wanted to make you laugh. He was constantly giving you compliments and tried to explain what gifts we were to him, our parents and the Cain Family at-large. His six children and his beautiful wife of many, many years are feeling his great loss, as are we. I am so thankful that I have my many memories of him.

Uncle Tom lived in Zionsville, Indiana--right outside of Indianapolis--where my dad spent a large portion of his childhood. While we were there, my dad and Aunt Mary (dad's sister) took us around and showed us the Catholic school they attended, the church where my dad was an alter boy, the library where their Aunt May worked, the town square, the Colt's stadium, the graveyard where my grandfather and his brothers and sister are buried, and all the places that my dad got into mischief--and there were many!

We want to take another trip up there to spend more time. I can't wait!!

Future Babysitters of America

As one of my last activities as the Girl Scout Leader, I organized a Red Cross Babysitting Course at a local school. Although it was summer & many of the girls were on vacations with their families, we still had a good turn out.

I was impressed by how serious the girls were about learning this skill. They listened intently, took notes, and asked extremely pertinent questions. The course lasted all day, but by the conclusion they had all earned their Red Cross Babysitting Certificate.

It's been amazing to watch these girls transition from pre-schoolers to middle schoolers. I'm proud of all of them! Congratulations Anna!

Afterwards, several of the girls headed over to Starbucks for a cool treat! Of course, I had to join them!!

If It's Summer, We're Playing Golf!

One of our favorite things to do during the summer is golfing as a family. Our favorite time is in the evening--the sun is setting and a light breeze helps to keep us cool. At this particular golf course, the animals like to come out at this time to forage for their dinner. As usual, we saw deer and wild turkeys. It's nine holes/two hours of fun for all!