Martinez Branch

"This shirt was made for our annual family reunion. Being that is was the 25th year Anniversary since we began having the reunion we decided it was time for a new special shirt. We've only made two others over all the years. This was by the far the nicest of all. We decided to include everyone's name. The first name is the that of the Matriarch of the family, Frances Caperon Rodriguez or as we lovingly knew her Abuela Panchita. Then the first generation, her children (including inlaws), which was 16. Next is the second generation, all her grandchildren to date 58, followed bythe third generation, the great-grandchildren 118. Then come the fourth generation, the great-great- grandchildren 45 with the final 2 being the fifth generation, the great-great-great grandchildren, for a total of 240 names! This picture is just one branch of the family tree. Usually when the matriarch or patriarch of a family passes each branch of the family goes their own way and the family does not stay in touch. We all have our own lives and many children and activities that keep us all busy throughout the year, but we all know come the Saturday before Mother's Day (which is the date closest to Abuela Panchita's birthdate) most of us will have the day to spend together. We begin with a sunrise greeting at the cemetery to pray a rosary for Abuela, as she devoutly prayed it everyday. We follow that with breakfast at a local restaurant. Then we all rush off to pack up for the picnic. The day is full of activities such as swimming, horse shoes, water balloon and egg toss, simon says, volleyball, horse shoes, jumping castles, cotton candy, shaved ice, a pinata for the kids, music, singing and dancing. We get to touch base, get updated on the new additions and just have a fun filled day! Those of us with the energy then head home after the sun has set and the picnic has wound down, to shower and meet up at a local casino for music and dancing. All in all it is a grand weekend for all!" - 25th Annual Abuela Panchita's Family Reunion (May 20, 2014)