Family reunions might have a lot of mixed feelings for some people. Some people are nervous to see their relatives that they have not seen in years. Others may be dreading the impending socializing. However, I was so excited to see my crazy and fun family this weekend. No matter how you feel about an approaching family reunion, we all know exactly what to expect when gathering with the extended family. Here are just a few, common things to expect from your typical, American family reunion.

A Lot Of Food

No family reunion is complete without a smorgasbord of food. At my cousin’s house this weekend, dinner had two full plates: one from Chipotle Mexican Grill and one from California Pizza Kitchen. That was only dinner, not to mention a massive lunch, continual snacking and of course, dessert. I don’t know why my family thinks that it is acceptable to eat over 3,000 calories for just one meal, but hey, it’s better to send your family into a food coma than to hear them complain from hunger all day long.

All The Same Questions

When the whole family gets back together after a year or so apart, every family member asks you the same exact questions: How’s school? How’s your love life? How’d you hurt your leg? What are you going to do with your life? Etcetera etcetera. So be prepared to give the same answer over and over and over again.

Beer, Wine Or Some Kind Of Booze

Every adult can be found carrying some sort of alcoholic beverage. Not of age? Don’t worry! You’ll be given the job of getting the table another round of beers when the adults finish their beverages. After all, if you’re not old enough to drink, then you are most definitely young enough to run back and forth to the ice cooler.

That One Crazy Loud Relative

We all have that one super loud relative that everyone loves. When this relative first arrives, everyone is looking for them so they can say hello. However, after that relative has a few cold ones, you’ll be able to find them from a mile away. Not only are they practically yelling, but everyone around them is probably laughing. So, for a good time, just follow the noise. (Aunt Mury -- Mwa Mwa.)

Competitive Yard Games

Even though my family would be happy to sit around and chat and drink all day, nothing brings the party alive like a little competition. Whether your family’s go-to game is cornhole, spikeball, ladders or a very physical and contact-filled game of volleyball, nothing brings the family together like the fight for bragging rights.

Whether it’s a birthday, a graduation or even a randomly planned event, getting together with the whole family is always a great time. If you are hosting the party, then the evening may seem stressful, but at the end of the day, nothing is better than spending time with an absolutely crazy, loud and loving family.