This summer for the first time in 12 years I saw most of my dad's side of the family. We went to Colorado to spend time with the family that most of us have not seen in so long. Some of the family I have only seen a handful of times. Some I haven't seen in forever. It is the first time almost all of us have been together since 2004.

It's crazy how much has changed since we were all together last. Now all of the cousins are now old enough to drink, and all the cousins are out of high school. I am the only girl cousin in my dads side so it was a little hard trying to relate to the guys, but it got easier once we had something to talk about.

You see while some people may dread family reunions, to me they are important to me. Because you never know when you are going to see them again. I think that you should cherish every moment with your family while they are still around.

Usually at family reunions the usual questions are asked. "How's school?" "Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?" "When's the wedding?" "How's work going?" "What classes are you taking?" You know, the typical questions. I'll admit sometimes I want to dodge those questions because I get nervous sometimes and don't know what to say, sometimes I want to change the subject so I don't have to answer the question. If you are asked a question and you don't know what to say, just answer the best you can, be yourself, don't worry about what your parents will think, because YOU are the one telling them about your life, no one else.

While we were together most of the time during the reunion, there were times when people separated and decided to do their own thing. Me and my mom ended up on the ski lift with my Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Jon and my cousin Matt we ended up having a really good time, then later we took them out to lunch. The lesson here is that while family is important, sometimes people want to do different things and we have to respect that. Plus not everyone needs to be together 24/7.

The only person that couldn't make it was my cousin Danny who is currently in the Navy and was unable to get leave. It was sad because I hadn't seem him in so long. However, everyone got to talk on the phone with him and see how he was doing so it was nice catching up with him.

The highlight of the trip was the last night where almost everyone was playing Cards Against Humanity. It was a fun way to bond with the family, and find out how messed up we really are! Just kidding! But it was fun seeing everyone laugh, come up with clever answers, not care about anything else in the world except just spending time with one another.

My advice for anyone who is going to a family reunion anytime in the near future, just be yourself; you have family that will love you no matter what. Don't be afraid to say what you are really feeling, also don't be afraid to tell them what is going on in your life, they will be proud of you regardless of the choices you make in your life. In the end family is always there for you, even when you don't feel that way sometimes, at the end of the day they love you and will always be there for you no matter what.

Also take lots of pictures when you haven't seen your family in so long you are going to want to record these moments!