Family FUN Nights!!!

Living the crazy, hectic life we live (like all of you as well), it is sometimes difficult to make the time to truly connect with our children. We do work hard to eat most dinner meals together, but even that doesn't always happen it seems (this week I think we made it 4 nights out of the week). During the week it is also hard to spend much time together. James doesn't get home until after 6:15, so by the time dinner is done, bed time soon approaches.

So Friday night is our Family FUN Night! Our children truly look forward to it as it is their time to have us all together as our family unit engaging in activities together. Sometimes it is simply eating out and watching a DVD at home. Other times it is planned activities like bowling, miniature golf, going to the movies, etc. But we also try to do things that don't cost a lot of extra money, but are still fun.

Last night we decided we were going to roast hotdogs and marshmallows and have a "campfire cookout". The best laid plans...... No gas in the grill. NO PROBLEM! James started the charcoal in the smoker and we figured we would go that route. No good fire, just lots of good smoke. Smoked marshmallows...not a good or tasty thing.

Finally, I ended up bringing everything inside to cook. Tasted good. We did eat outside so that was fun.

What is a family fun night without jumping on Daddy and riding him like a horse!

After the kids got their romping out, we played a round of Sorry! This is a great game for all of our family's ages. Jack can play with little help so he is not left out, and Caroline isn't bored playing Candyland or the like. Jack actually ended up winning last night.

Finally we settled in to watch a movie. (no set bedtimes on Friday nights - the kids favorite part, I am sure!) Unfortunately, I think Jack and I fell out about 25 minutes into the movie. James and Caroline said they made it about half way through. Around midnight I woke up and we were all in various places in the living room, sacked out. James carried the kids to bed and we all fell back asleep for the rest of the night. A FUN night and I loved that we just continued to make those memories with our kids!

What are some of your favorite ways to spend time as a family! I'm always looking for new ideas!