What does it look like when we all get together?
Wall to wall people of all ages. Laughing, teasing, talking, playing, tickling, crying, and non-stop noise.
The wonderful noise of family.
Of course, there is eating!
Oodles of yummy, delicious, savory, traditional and new dishes. Something for everyone and plenty of it!
Once their bellies are happy, the kids usually take off for toys and movies.
This year we were able to surprise Grandpa Fullmer with a retirement gift. Starting as a little boy running the tractor, he continued to work long hard hours his whole life. He has given his all to provide for eleven children and taught all of us how to work hard. I know few men who could match my dad in commitment and work. We all pitched in to get him an iPad. Something he can take on his upcoming mission with Grandma Fullmer and something that Grandma Fullmer can play all her brainy games on since she is a big part of that lifetime of work and the resulting retirement.
With a little training (thank you, Mike) he was iPad savvy in no time! I couldn't help taking a picture when I looked over the balcony and saw the men gathered around the table sharing their manly tech skills.
And the women? It's game time!
It doesn't get much better than the Tootsie Roll Game. Well, at least it doesn't at our house because we actually eat all the Tootsie Rolls at the end of the game. When I found out we only got to eat a few Tootsie Rolls instead of the entire stash we managed to acquire throughout the game my mind started wondering how I could sneak a couple under the table. Really though, game time with my sisters is a blast. We aren't necessarily competitive, just silly. I love laughing and being with these girls!
When the kids were all snuggled in bed I headed that way myself. The morning had started quite early in Rexburg with a long drive to Utah and the nonstop excitement of the day left me exhausted. However, even as tired as I was I couldn't help but get up to take a picture of the craziness taking place downstairs. Grandma & Grandpa and many of the adults were playing Catch Phrase. (Are we really adults? When we get together it just feels like we are kids again!)
I could not refuse a look at the belly laughter that was taking place and when I peeked over the balcony I saw them wiping laughter tears from their faces and some were holding their bellies from laughing so hard. I could not believe (well, if I think about it I can believe) some of the clues that were given and some of the answers they responded with. My family is the best!
Next year will be very different since Shawn and Kellie will be in Africa and Grandpa and Grandma will be on their mission in Kentucky. I'm so glad we were all able to be together this year and grateful for my sisters who open their homes to so many guests and such fun chaos. Thank you, Boyd Family!
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