My daughter just left for a girls night out with her grandmother and her cousins! I can only imagine the fun they're going to have: shopping; dining out and taking in a musical production. Not to mention - the sleepover at Grandma's house.

The girls are now all teenagers and have been getting together for these special occasions since they were small children. It's just one of the ways of staying in touch with extended family.

They probably don't realize it but they've sort of created a support network for each other that will hopefully last a lifetime! How great is that!

Later this week, my niece and nephew will arrive at our home for a week of what I call cousin camp. They've been getting together for this special week for about seven years now. The memories they've created and the bond with each other is something that can't be replaced. Again, it's a relationship I hope will last a lifetime.

Summer is a great time to get together. Not just with friends but extended families.

Our families live miles apart these days and seeing each other face-to-face helps us realize our connections.

It's just fun to know that someone other than your own siblings may have the same shape hands or same crazy hair that you do!

Oh yes, we can also stay connected through web cams, Skype, blogs, instant chatting, e-mail and many other techy ways. But can they really take the place of roasting marshmallows together; pillow fights; running around outside in your PJs when you're supposed to be asleep; laughing at Grandpa's snoring or Grandma's misprounciation of the latest, hottest boy band?

Here's hoping you and your extended family gather together for some summertime family fun!