I am the youngest in my family, and life wasn't always the easiest growing up as the baby, but it sure was enjoyable. Coming from a large family is what I am most grateful for in life. I would not be who I am today without them, and here's a list of my most fond memories from growing up with large litters of siblings.
1. Family Vacations
There was no option to fly because it was so much cheaper to drive. Which meant a long, enjoyable, yet not-so-enjoyable car ride to Florida. The trip was full of sleeping, eating, watching movies, reading, playing cards, the license plate game, and many more time passing activities. Sometimes the car ride down was the most enjoyable part of the trip, but the car ride home was always the worst. Family vacations were great, your siblings were always there to play with you,
and your parents always reminded you to put on your sunscreen.
2. Food
You always wanted to go to the grocery store with your mom because that meant you got to pick out your favorite food -- well, only if it was on sale. The best food was always gone in the blink of an eye. Sometimes you would even hide food because you knew it was going to be snatched up. Your parents are empty-nesters now, and most of the food is either stale or expired because they're used to food being eaten quickly.
3. Holidays
Holidays are the best times of the year. When Christmas comes around, you don't buy gifts for everyone, you simply draw someone's name and that's who you're buying gifts for, with a money limit of course. Everyone will make it to the holidays because as everyone gets older, it's one of the few times a year you get to be with each other.
4. Allowance
Allowance? You never had an allowance, but you had chores. Unloading the dishwasher, doing the dishes, drying the pots and pans, taking the trash out, vacuuming, setting the table, etc.
5. Wardrobes
Laundry was done every day. Most of your wardrobe consisted of hand-me-downs. To this day, your siblings still give you clothes, you take them, and now they're just sitting in your closet, unworn, because over the years you've acquired your own sense of style.
6. Game Night
Family game night was actually enjoyable. I take that back. It was only enjoyable if you were winning because your family is super competitive. Game rules have a twist to them, too. "This is how we play at our house."
7. Family Meals
Family meals were important. They usually consisted of spaghetti and rolls for dinner, but hey, everyone was full by the end. Family dinner went from every night of the week to Sunday night, because as your siblings started to get older they got more involved with sports, schools, etc.
8. Holiday Meals
A completely different animal than regular family meals. Everyone has to bring their own dish and everyone always brings the same dish, too.
9. Stories
Memories are shared at every family get-together and they never get old. You've probably heard the same story more than 10 times, but you don't care. Memories are still being made and will continue to because family is forever.
10. Advice
Your family is always giving you advice when you need it. They'll tell you the truth even if they know you might get hurt. They know what's best for you. If your outfit looks bad, your family will be the first to tell you to change, no worries.
11. Friends Forever
Your family will always have your back. They're your best friends for life. You can count on your family for anything.
