Over the weekend my family and I traveled to Ohio for my late grandmother's family reunion. We live in southeastern Kentucky, while the rest of our family lives in southern Ohio, so it is a long distance family kind of thing. We do not see each other often but when we do it is like we did not spend any time apart, and we usually have a blast. Sometimes family reunions can be stressful and emotional times but when you have an insane family like mine, you should always expect the unexpected.

The typical questions.

1. "Are you going to school?"

2. "What is your major?"

3. "Do you have a boyfriend?"

4. "When are you getting married?"

5. "What are your plans after college?".

No matter how much it annoys you, answer these questions as many times as you are asked. Even if every single person you talk to wants to know. They are just curious about your life, especially if you live quite a distance away.

Food! Lots of Food!

Between the older people and their home cooking, and the younger generation that likes to experiment, you are bound to have some delicious food. Take a break from your diet, but down your calorie counter and get full. Do not forget to save room for dessert because I am sure there will be a ton! If you enjoying cooking at home, get recipes from your family members. Not only will you able to recreate the dishes, but it is a great way to connect with your family from home.

Some form of alcohol.

Maybe this is just my family, but we enjoy our wine. It is not an all day thing and not everyone drinks, but towards the end of the night, someone breaks out a couple bottles and sit around and have a few glasses while we chit chat. For the most part, no one gets drunk but we relax and enjoy ourselves and each other's company.

Strange conversations.

If you come from a long like of jokers and comedians like I do, there is no telling what you will hear at a family reunion. Someone is always telling jokes or stories from their younger days and we never know what is true and what is made up. We laugh from beginning to end and it is an overall enjoyable time.

Emotional goodbyes.

It is never easy to say goodbye to anyone that you are close to, but when it comes to family it is twice as hard. I cannot count how many times I have left Ohio in tears because I was not ready to leave my family but the time has to come and we must go our separate ways. My great aunts and uncles are getting older and slowly passing away, which makes leaving so much more difficult. You do not know if or when you will see them again.

Overall, family reunions are a mess. They have ups and downs but you should always cherish every single one. Make memories and do not complain when your family makes you go. People are taken way too quickly and you never know if you will see your loved ones again.