NATCHEZ &045; Those who say extended families never get together in the modern age don’t know the Allens.

Johnny and Kristie Allen &045; who live on Melrose-Montebello Parkway, where The Dart landed Sunday &045; were visited that day by some cousins and other relatives from Baton Rouge, as well as friends of the family.

At the Allens’ house, they barbecued chicken and other treats on the grill.

Earlier, adults and children alike sat inside and visited, catching up on each other’s lives.

&uot;Under the air conditioning,&uot; Johnny Allen said, wiping his brow in the summer heat.

The children ventured out late in the afternoon to ride their bicycles down the hill behind the Allens’ house.

Not only that, but the couple said their extended family gets together every fifth Sunday.

&uot;We’ve been doing that, oh Š I don’t know Š for a long time now,&uot; Kristie Allen said.

Johnny Allen said he knows such get-togethers are becoming less common in a day when families’ activities pull them in different directions.

But according to Kristie Allen, that hasn’t happened to their family so far. Fifth Sundays, especially, &uot;are a family tradition,&uot; she said.