Reunions

There are some days when I find a crowd oppressive. Being surrounded on all sides by people all demanding you behave a certain way or say just the right thing can be exhausting and on these days all I want to do is curl up on the couch with a book in one hand and some hot chocolate in the other.

But there are other days when watching a bunch of people interact with each other fills me with love and there is no better place for this than a bunch of families brought together under one roof for a party. I realized this particular detail during my last weekend of the year. My family and I went to a close family friend's house for her housewarming party. Just walking into the house after our two hour journey gave a glimpse of what the net 24 hours would feel like. There were five people standing around the generously sized island in the kitchen. They were in various stages of dress, with our hostess still in her night gown, hair flying all over, while her sister looked stylish in skinny jeans and a sweater. Some were sitting, some were standing, but all looked relaxed and content. Apparently a portion of the group wasn't there since they had all gone to the temple.

Getting ready for the party was an event of its own. Sadly I missed most of it due to a last minute shopping trip but as I rushed in, calling out to ask where my clothes were, I ran into people putting on the final touches to their outfits. And of course, once the guests started coming the whole house was soon full of people mingling together and little bodies weaving their way through the crowd.

The party was fun but even more so was the happy chaos of bringing so many people together. Everyone from the youngest child to the oldest adult was floating through, blending their own voice and movements with the song and dance of the rest of the party. Family reunions may have their own stresses but with the right attitude and a whole lot of love they're my favorite kind of party to have.