Tape your daughter's solo in the school musical or record your son playing with your adorable new puppy. Faraway family will appreciate actually seeing -- and not just hearing about -- what's going on.

Connect via the Internet. Start a Listserv for your family. Gather everyone's e-mail addresses and set up a free group at www.groups.google.com or www.groups.yahoo.com. When your relatives send a message to the Google or Yahoo Groups e-mail address, they'll reach all the group members at once. This way, your extended family can easily post announcements, send out birthday and anniversary reminders and plan holiday get-togethers.

Organize a family reunion. Plan games that encourage people to interact and get to know each other better. Get activity ideas, find family-friendly hotels and design invitations at www.family-reunion.com.