Family Togetherness

When the kids were younger,

it was easy to find an activity the whole family enjoyed.

 Hours were spent playing board games,

building forts, playing restaurant, raft,

legos, duplos......

We played family games of kickball,

a game that requires more enthusiasm than skill.

We would inline skate,

the kids following Scott and I like ducklings on wheels.

As they aged,

and a few ventured into their teens,

it was more challenging to choose group activities

that would nuture

Family Togetherness.

Suddenly, instead of a bunch of "little kids"

we had a group that included

teens,

pre-teens,

elementary kids,

and one toddler.

During these years we started camping and enjoying water activities.

Educational activities and museums become part of the routine.

We started soliciting opinions

and allowing the older kids to help plan the family outings.

Through the years,

we've discovered there's one thing we all love.

A good fire and good conversation.

I guess that's two things.

We enjoy those quiet moments of sitting together around fire,

warmed not just by the fire,

but by the loving relationships.

OK, the kids probably don't think that,

but I do.

When the family trampoline was bounced into the trash pile,

we knew exactly what we wanted to fill in the spot~

a place to gather,

a place to visit,

a place to just be together.

OK, the kids may be there just for the S'Mores,

but I know someday,

they won't be thinking about the sugary treat,

they'll be thinking about the sweetness

of growing up in a loving family that greatly enjoyed

 Family Togetherness.