“The only rock I know that stays steady, the only institution I know that works is the family”
LEE IACOCCA
“Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.”
MICHAEL J FOX
Through thick and thin, good times and bad, my “BIG fat Italian family” has been there for me. I am one of eight kids, fourth down fifth up is my birth order. My parents and grandparents have passed away now, however, after living away for the past 42 years, the most enjoyable moments moving back to Portland has been spending time with family and friends and keeping family traditions alive.
My Mom making the family sauce 
Me making the family sauce
Any resemblance?
THANKSGIVING Traditions live on at the family beach house since 1967 when my grandpa purchased it as a place for the family to gather. Many Thanksgiving, Easter and 4th of July holiday memories have been made at the beach house for four generations. Below, (right side) my sister Margaret & her husband Keith re-create Grandma & Grandpa carving the bird.
“Thankful Tea Lights” in front of the beach house with my two siblings 
The “teenager” table 
The “adult” table 
Murphy makes sure the turkey is done! 
A herd of 30 + elk roam around Gearhart beach 
Always lots of family fun around the card table 
Tony posing with the elk herd in front of the beach house
FAMILY RECIPES:
Cuccidate 
Don’s Spanish Coffee 
Tanya making “gnocchi” 
Kolachki 
Easter 
Ravioli’s
FAMILY GET-TOGETHER S
Cousins 
The four middle siblings 
Celebrating Auntie Joanne’s 90th 
“Por q no” with my boys
FAMILY GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
Gregory Kern, my brother who passed away at 11 months old 
Embracing Gray 