I’ve been so blessed to grow up in a big family. My mom is one of nine kids, which makes for a huge extended family. When I was younger, I took it for granted. I didn’t realize that not everyone has the big, loving, family that I have. In the past few years, I’ve realized all of the blessings that are tagged along with a well-populated extended family

1. Holidays are never boring. It’s so nice to see everyone and to catch up on everything you’ve missed. You can only hope there’s enough time to chat with everyone.
2. There are always enough people to play games at family gatherings. You might not be playing Monopoly or Clue, but Catch Phrase and Charades are always good choices for big groups.
3. Someone always has a good story to tell. Whether it’s a story about something they’ve seen or done, or a story about the family, you’ll always leave with a new story.
4. There’s always an abundance of weddings. Weddings, babies, parties. More people = more celebrations.
5. No matter what it is, there’s always someone to help you. Your aunt who’s a nurse will always be there for you if you have a question and want to avoid the doctor. Your cousin who’s an engineer will help you with math so you don’t fail your final. Your uncle who works in construction will help your family add onto the house so you don’t have to hire someone else. Everyone will use their expertise to help you as much as they can.
6. There’s bound to be someone who goes/went to your school. I’ve noticed that schools run in families. In my family, there’s a long history of Dayton Flyers and students from the University of Akron. There’s definitely no shortage of Flyer or Zips pride in this family.
7. You will always have someone to hang out with. They are only a phone call away and there’s so many of them that one of them has to be free enough to hang out with you.
8. You will always have connections. Your family knows people who know people. They’ll be able to get a good word in for you at your job, school, sorority, etc.
9. Big groups create big opinions. With as many people as there is in your family, there are just as many opinions. You’ll learn a lot from talking to them.
10. They are always there to celebrate with you. From your first birthday to your graduation, they want to celebrate with you!
11. You have a different kind of bond with every person.
12. So many pictures. With so many people taking pictures at every family event, there’s never a shortage of beautiful portraits or funny candids.
13. There is always something happening. Whether your cousin is buying a new house, or your grandparents are selling their car, there is never a dull moment.
14. Your family tree is the size of a California Redwood. Sometimes it seems like there will never be enough branches to represent the numerous family members, but somehow, you make it work.
15. Learning about your family is like a history lesson. Every person has their own perspective on past events that they lived through. Hearing their perspectives is like being in history class, but with several different points of view.
16. You have your own fan club. Your family will always be there to support you. Whether they are supporting you in your endeavors, or they are helping you through a rough time, you have an amazing support system. Your family makes it hard for you to imagine anyone getting by without the support you receive from them.