Family Nights

Family nights are very special in our house.  

We are big fans of having FUN.  

Board games are especially great. 

I have to admit it's not as easy as popping in a movie.  Sometimes we have to deal with our own impatience when for the 20th time we're having to tell the next person it's their turn, or if my head is hurting I'd rather not deal with the noise and mental focus of encouraging or instructing.   

But the interaction is awesome and worth the effort. 

It's an opportunity beyond just playing a game. 

It's time to listen to each other and for each person to express themselves in a safe environment.   

We've found that when the kids feel welcomed and loved at home they are much more confident when they go out and deal with the difficulties of life.

The unity that grows when we spend time together is priceless.  

Enjoying each other.  

Especially now that the kids are in public school these times together are much more rare and sought after.  

Sometimes we break out and do something crazy...

Like setting up an obstacle course outside that we're all timed separately to complete.

Or we do an impromptu pile into the car for ice cream cones.

A couple times we've put on crazy music and let the kids dance...okay, I confess, we dance too!

One month Andrew read a chapter from an exciting book (Hardy Boys) every couple of nights.

What do you do when your family gets a night to spend together?