“The family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another’s desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together.” ~ Erma Bombeck
It’s been a whirlwind weekend, filled with many family activities. The highlight of it, though, was playing kickball in a family kickball tournament. Together with a couple of other families we know, we formed a team and competed in a fun kickball tournament that was going on at a summer festival in our village. And we came out as champions! But, that was secondary to all the fun that everyone had.
So, how do you make lasting family memories? I think a big part of it centers around having fun. And laughing. And being goofy. And in general just having a really good time.
Sometimes it something that you don’t always do. We occassionally will play kickball in the backyard, but it’s much more fun with a bigger group of people. So, this was more of a one-time thing, and one that we’ll remember for the fun and laughing that went on. We won’t remember all the outs, or kicks. What we’ll remember is the fun things (like our team name), or a comedy of errors going on in the field, or hanging out with friends.
Other times, it’s something you do more often. We have a game I play with the kids at home that we call “garbage”. I’m the garbage man, and they are the trash. I chase them around and get them onto the sofa (our makeshift garbage can). They try to sneak out of the garbage as I’m off chasing someone else, trying to get the into the garbage. They all love this game (although it’s getting harder to catch them as they get older). And I get a good workout out of the deal too! There’s always a lot of laughing, and running wild, and just acting silly. I always think that one of these days they’ll outgrow this goofiness. But then, one of them will ask to play it again, and everyone joins in. And it’s fun (well, and exhausting)! And it’s something I think they’ll remember for a long time.
So, family time can really be fun time. And memorable time. And a time to get to know each other better. Sometimes it’s things you might do regularly, and sometimes it things that are more of a one-time thing. And that’s what it’s all about!
I agree! The family is what it is all about! Nice post!
@Mark — Yes, family and summer — they are great things together!
Hi, found your site thru Rachel, Fitness for Mommies. You have a lot of great things to say. I agree, families & friends need to laugh more together, not take ourselves so seriously. How ironic, my last post was about laughter!
My kids (now all young adults) and I had a rough 16 years with the partner I was with at that time. I asked the kids how they came out of it not resentful of me. All three of them said “Friday horror movie night. Just the 4 of us lined up on the couch, a massive plate of nachos in front of us, a big blanet to cover our eyes with, and a totally cheesy horror movie. That’s how we came out not resenting you, Mom. We knew that’s who our mother really was through it all.” Family time is fun time. Family time is IMPORTANT.
“Garbage” reminds me of a similar game my sister and I used to play with our Dad when we were kids. I think the made-up games are the most fun
That garbage game sounds like a lot of fun! I guess you’ll just have to come up with a different game for when they get older. Maybe they can catch and carry you
Amen! Fun and laughter are definitely pre-requisites of family activities…
@Mama C — Thanks, and we are too serious sometimes, aren’t we?
@Urban Panther — Scary movies — now that sounds fun!! Nightmares???
@Amanda — Made up games are fun! I really have fun at these too — does that just make be a big kid??
@Marelisa — I like that, it sounds sooooo much easier for me!
@Chris — Fun and laughter, that’s where it’s at isn’t it!
Hi Lance — great to hear how your family are enjoying themselves! Maybe when they are older you can play ‘recycling’ instead (just kidding).
Hi Lance,
Kickball. I haven’t heard that word for years. Here, soccer is a big sport.
Creating family memories is SO important. Your children will forever remember those fun times, and more importantly, will create many of the same traditions for their own kids.
You sound like a great dad, Lance. Your children are very blessed to have a dad that is so involved in their lives.
you nailed it.
for us right now it is all about getting on the FLOOR or ground with our daughter.
going into her world as 90% of the time just given LIFE she’s dragged into ours.
Some of the best memories I have are fun summer days with my family. I can’t wait to create those memories with my children.
And I might have to steal your trash game. It sounds like lots of fun!
@Robin — Recycling, that sounds like the “in” game to play these days! Maybe they can recycle me…
@Barbara — Thanks much! Soccer is big here too (we played that as well this weekend). Kickball was for fun, and fun it was. And…it’s easier to play than soccer!!
@MizFit — That’s right, we need to get into their worlds, whether they are 2 or 15. It’s a great way to build up connections with them. And, shoot, we get to have some fun and act goofy too (and get away with it).
@Rachel — It does make great memories doesn’t it? Steal away, it is a lot of fun. But be prepared to get hot and tired!
Hi Lance.
I have to wonder how your sofa is holding up from all those “Garbage” games
Congrats on winning the kickbox tournament!
Davina — They always pick the old sofa we have when we play. Maybe they’re smarter than me (save the good sofa)! Kickball was a blast, and winning was just icing on the cake!