The Joys of Family Life

I was at home visiting the family last weekend. My brother and sister-in-law and their five kids are temporarily residing with my parents, so with me that makes 10! Sunday was a beautiful snowy day and the desire to go sledding was irresistible for brother and munchkins. At about 4 o’clock in the afternoon, I was lounging on the couch discussing a rather long, boring, technical book with my father. “Alright kids,” says my brother, “let’s go sledding.” “Ooooh, ooooh, yeah,” replies the chorus, “let’s go!” “Everyone get snowpants, coats, boots, hats, gloves. . . .” At that point, I had dozed off. I woke up at 4:30 o’clock to find the whole family still mulling around. A half-hour later, the commotion began. Hats, gloves, etc., started flying out of the closet -- a pair for this kid, a pair for that; boots for him; coat for her. All the while bro and sis-in-law get each item on one kid or another. Oh the patience it takes to get five children and two adults ready for sledding. I admire anyone who can do it. An hour later they waved farewell and were off to the great slopes.