Channeling My Inner Monica. (Gellar, duh.)

Token Ashley-with-a-baby photo.

I know I've mentioned it before - but I have a big, happy family that enjoys some sickeningly sweet relationships and lots of get-togethers. Nearly every weekend - it's someone's birthday, graduation, baptism, first communion, or just a Sunday lunch together.

And? I love it. I love being around those who are a part of the fabric of my life - those who formed me and helped raise me. I love being around the little ones running around, seeing glimpses of my future and my past all at once. I could go on and on about how much my family means to me - and wax poetic of the magic I feel when my friends meet my family (it's like a melding! of so many things I love! Little Sibs weekend in college? I lived for that, man.)

And this weekend, we had our very first family gathering at our OWN place.

This, my friends, is a big deal.

Sure, we've had friends over to dinner before - but to have 12 people come to our house?!

I wanted to share with you a few things I learned from "hosting" my first grown up family gathering (Which: ohmygoshIamtotallynotagrownupahhh!):

. 4 sets of dishes, silverware, and glasses might be okay for just my husband and me - but it's time to lug out the box labeled "Extra dishes!" when the family comes over.

. Procrastination is inevitable and my sister and I are capable of amazing things:


. Little boys want to run around. And that's all the need to make them happy.

. If you put up a blockade to keep little boys out, they'll be more inclined to knock it down.

. My grandma is the sweetest, kindest, most selfless woman ever.

She came early and helped us get ready. Then she cleaned ALL THE DISHES. She's a saint.

. Making roasted potatoes, apple dumplings, green bean casserole and tiramisu for 12 people seriously depletes the pantry. It would have taken us months to finish off the sugar, flour, green beans, and apples.

. Taking pictures of four little boys under the age of 3? Insanely difficult.

. I need more seats. And more tables. Maybe folding chairs? A folding table? Some kid plates and utensils? Whatever, the coffee table made a fine seating place.

. My little brother - the one known for hating children and babies - is starting to treat his cousins like a...dare I say...big brother...

. Our next door neighbor isn't as cruel as he seems - he invited the little boys over to play football (which the almost 3-year-old tried to toss in the basketball hoop. What a cutie.)

. I'm so glad we live near these people again...

. Because at the risk of sounding totally cheesy - family is amazing and wonderful.Okay, okay. Enough with the pictures already, lady!