Kayce's Family Reunion

"Ponderosa On The Beach"

June 2008

Every 3 years Kayce's family has a reunion and this year it happened to be in Orange Beach, AL. The theme came from Kayce's Grandpa Cochran. Right around when the show Bonanza first came out, he started referring to the farm as his ponderosa. Just a tidbit of info for those of you that didn't know. Anyway, our reunions are usually a 3-4 day event full of activities, eating, relays, golfing, eating, dancing, eating, and a talent show. Yep, I did say dancing. Since they're all from the south (not St George south, Mississippi south) it's acceptable to dance with your kin-folk. Even though it sounds weird it is weird, once you get over the fact that you're all related and the music starts it's pretty fun. This year we were fewer in numbers than we've had in the past. Only around 100 of the Arvil and Gertrude Cochran clan were able to attend this year. Thanks to all of those who participated and made it a wonderful and memorable good 'ol southern time for my family.

Now I'll get on with the fun pictures and such. I hope ya'll can just capture an inkling of the great time that we had through these pictures. We're ecstatic to share this part of our lives with each of you.

Here's how the trip starts.........

On our way to the airport @ 5:30 a.m. to drop off Kayce and Abby for a standby flight.

They made their flight and just trying to past the time until they get to New Orleans, LA

Davis, Preston, and Gamma arrive in N.O. and now a 2 hr. car ride to Aunt Keli's in Alabama @ 10:30 p.m.

The Ponderosa Dinner Theater

This year the Mitzi Davis family was in charge of the talent show. We decided to do something a bit different and try a dinner theater. We had sloppy Roast Beef Po-Boys with all the trimmings. What a fun sloppy southern way to start the evening. After dessert, Kyle (kayce's oldest brother) and Kayce MC'd the rest of the Program. It was full of comedy, cheering, singing, Hee-Haw, and lot of laughing. Here are some snap shots to enjoy.

Abby and cousins, Cassidy and Megan, doing the Razzle Dazzle Cheer. It goes like this "Razzle Dazzle--Razzle Dazzle-- My name is Abby-I'm number 1--My reputation has just begun--So if you see me, step aside--cuz this little chic don't take no jive!!"

Cousin Ricky doing the pig in "Old McDonld Had a Farm" skit, who, by the way, didn't sound much like a pig!!!

Cousins Sandy Holbrook and Jillyn Epperson in a Hee-Haw skit

Kayce and Kyle singing "The Fish Duet"

Aunt Ozzie and Uncle Arvil singing "Little Purple Pansies"

Years ago an old man who had a vineyard, and little Ozzie and Arvil asked for some grapes to eat. The old man replied, "If you sing me a song." So, as one of the MCs, Kayce, of course, had some grapes on hand to bribe these two for their rendition of "Little Purple Pansies".

Remember, I said that there was dancing......This is a traditional southern Grand March, which officially opens the dance and breaks the ice for everyone (all ages) to get on the floor. This was Grandma Cochran's  favorite dance because  everyone could participate.  She would stand at the front of the hall and direct the march. What a great tribute to her for the Grand March to still be enjoyed by four generations down. 

Not too bad, right? It actually looks pretty fun, HUH!!!

PEANUT BUTTER ANYONE????????

The kids had a great time on the beach and pretty much just that....the beach. The water was infested with hundreds of jelly fish.  They were the worst in over 10 years for the Alabama beaches. Everyone was stung but Abby-even little Davis. The trick was to spray vinegar on the area immediately and it takes away the sting.  According to Preston, there may be some areas that are more tender than others, and the vinegar trick doesn't work as well.

Bless little cousin Cassidy's heart.  She turned 8 in April and decided to wait 2 months to be able to be baptized so her grandma and cousins could attend.  Then Aunt K-K had a great idea (at the time) for her to do it in the ocean.  YEAAAAAA!!  Sounds pretty special, HUH?

Here's Cassidy and her dad, Chris, after having major dress malfunction in the room.  Quick thinking, Chris! He put one of Keli's white shirts underneath her dress.

Here's the large crowd waiting on the 8 yr old of honor.

The 2nd counselor of the Semmes, AL ward conducting, with Chris, Keli (Kayce's sister), and Cassidy.

No turning back now, Cassidy - jellyfish or not!!!!

Yep, once again, everyone got stung!! Those dang jellies!!!

After the the 3rd day of jelly fish, we decided to play around the pool on our last day.

Lambert's 

Home of the throwed rolls

This is one of our favorite places to eat while visiting the south.  A place where the rolls are HOT and throwed!! 

This fella in the center of the pic here is a future pro roll thrower!!  He comes around to the tables, and if you're ready for another roll, you hold up your hands and hope you catch it!! But, if by chance you don't, he'll just keep throwing until you do.

We love it here!!!

Salad anyone?

After the beach, the fun continues...............                                                . 

On our way back to Aunt Keli's we decided to take the ferry.  The kids loved being able to drive the cars on to the boat and watching the sea life and birds during the ride. Preston was able to capture some awesome shots.....

Aren't these great? He's just amazing!!!!

Cousin Karson and Davis helped Uncle Chris mow the yard. Davis only thought it was gonna be fun.  Karson was just grateful he didn't need a license.

(Abby with cousins Christyn and Cassidy)

Here's a few pics at a place called Blue Rabbit in AL. It's a great place for the kids to just run around, and the parents can watch; and best of all, it's inside with air conditioning.  There is a working train that Davis couldn't stay off of, lots of climbing ropes, tunnels, arcades, etc.

 

The kids with Gamma

Dad and Davis on the train.

Davis with cousin Karson

Just Davis