This year Memorial Day Weekend was quite the surprise of unexpected family time. About a week before Memorial Day weekend my extended family (my parents and little sister and her family) asked if they could come for a visit. Of course we were beyond thrilled at the idea of having them down and told them to come anytime. Considering we live several states away, it isn't often that we get to visit, any offer for a family gathering is well received on our end, that's for sure. We were doubly happy about the spontaneous visit since we were suppose to travel up to see them in early May, sadly the trip was cancelled on account of the 'shutdown'.
My mom and sister as well as her children came down on Thursday, while my dad and sister's husband drove down on Saturday on account of work obligations. My sister and her family along with my mom stayed in their camper that they had stored down here for the winter. Of course there were a couple children who slept over at our house and then a few of my children who took turns sleeping in the camper. Once my dad and brother-in-law arrived my parents stayed at a local hotel. But, for the most part it was 20+ folks coming in and out of our modest home for four days ~ which I absolutely LOVED!! The more the merrier is always my thoughts. I love the chaos and the noise, absolutely some of the best memories.
My sister has five children, all of which were born within a few months of five of my children which makes for some fun times. It's like a built-in best friend situation. Her two year old and my two year old as well as our eleven year olds were inseparable! The two year olds managed to get themselves into quite a bit of mischief ~ note to self: when two little toddlers go quiet, stop what you're doing and go find them immediately, lol! Just in case you were ever curious what happens when an entire bottle of glitter is dumped onto the floor, I can give you a firsthand experience explanation!!
With over 20 people eating at our home I knew I'd have to get creative with the meals. I wanted easy, quick meals that tasted good. Obviously, with so many people it was hard to please them all the entire time, but I think for the most part, the menu was well received.
Memorial Day Staycation Menu
Thursday dinner:
Taco crockpot casserole with garlic cheese drop biscuits
Friday Breakfast:
Homemade Pancakes
Friday Lunch:
Frozen Pizza
Friday Dinner:
Mexican Street Corn
Spanish Rice
Taco Pizza
Cinnamon Sugar Crisps
Saturday Breakfast:
Blueberry breakfast cake
Scrambled Eggs
Bacon
Saturday Lunch:
Grilled meat
Homemade potato salad
Watermelon
Baked beans
Mango salsa
Chips & dip
Punch
Strawberry syrup & homemade poundcake
ice cream pies
Saturday Dinner:
Leftovers
Sunday Breakfast:
Homemade doughnuts & yogurt
Sunday Lunch:
Leftovers
Ice cream/popsicles
Sunday Dinner:
Sub sandwiches
Chips
Fresh fruit
Brownies made by the two oldest girls and my husband
On Saturday we had a massive BBQ with so much food we could have all eaten off of it for days!! Nothing like summer and BBQ's. We don't typically grill often because it costs so much for meat these days. But, with the surprise blessing of all our family being down it was a special treat to be able to prepare a classic summer party meal which included grilled meat.
Since it isn't often we are all together we took tons of group family photos. It's hard to believe that our original family of four grew into this family of 21. Love just keeps growing I guess you could say.
On Saturday, after our food digested, we played a family game of kickball. Perks of having such a large family is we definitely have enough people to play fun team games such as kickball. Well some of us played while others, whom shall remain nameless, were just there as 'place markers', lol. ( I can't help it, I'm just not athletically inclined.) The competition was fierce, but the game ended in a tie.
On Sunday morning we had a huge family baking event where we made homemade doughnuts. This my friends is always a win. Who doesn't love doughnuts? And the experience of getting to make your very own doughnut is just the best. The kids had a blast, but so did the adults.
Grandma was super sweet to make all the littles matching patriotic shirts. The boys were looking sharp in their U.S.A. truck shirts.
While the little girlies were precious in their red, white, and blue unicorn shirts.
Sunday afternoon we had a massive family water ballon war. Y'all it was HILARIOUS! Everyone was soaked by the time the last balloon was thrown.
The only outings we went on was two visits to our local park which has an amazing walking trail and lake. Even though we didn't go anywhere fancy like the beach or the mountains we had an absolutely amazing time. Sometimes the best memories are made right at home with the ones you love. I've learned over the years it isn't how big your house is that makes your home welcoming; it's the people.
These days we are in deep discussions as we work to better align our lives as a family with what God has for us. Simplicity is often the author of true happiness. We don't need to go on elaborate costly excursions to make memories and have a good time. It truly is a blessing to find joy in exactly where God has you. Is it a bad thing to go on out-of-town adventures ~ not hardly. But, sometimes those types of events are simply not an option. Being at home doesn't have to be boring or miserable. With a little forethought and creativity staying at home can be one of the best memory making events you and your children ever experience.
With Love & hope,
Jennifer
