You've begun delving into your family history. You've already filled in all the names of your great-grandparents on your family tree. But before you push further back, why not stop and really get to know these people? After all, that's the purpose of tracing your family roots: knowing more about your ancestors.

The first censuses listed each head of household by name and gave the number of free white persons and slaves in the household. Beginning in 1810, these counts were divided by age group and gender.

Recently, the Latter-day Saint church provided Larry King with a copy of his family history during his evening TV show. King commented that although he had received many gifts during his life, he would cherish the gift of his family lineage above all the rest.

Now that the summer is almost over, how do we preserve our summer memories? Take a few minutes before the busy routine of school begins to put together a family album of summer keepsakes.

Someone was once quoted as saying "It's OK that you can't choose your relatives, because they probably wouldn't have chosen you either."

Sure, every family reunion has its share of spats now and then, but think of how well you can smooth things over by showing everyone the progress you're making on the family tree.