Sunday, August 24, 2008

Richman Family Sleepover '08

Every summer, just before the grand kids go back to school, my mom hosts a family sleepover in her backyard. The kids look forward to it all summer and it's fast becoming a favorite family tradition. Of course, it wouldn't be a proper Richman gathering without good food, enough to feed the small militia we call family. And it certainly wouldn't be a Richman family gathering without chocolate cake and my mom's fresh strawberry-rhubarb pie with homemade ice cream. It tastes as good as it looks. Trust me. Around midnight we throw down a huge tarp and let everyone squabble over where is the best place to lay down their sleeping bag. Some of the weaker ones choose to sleep indoors. Only the strong can survive all night outside, braving the elements and the possibility of werewolf attacks under a full August moon. Meet KJ and Matt, best buds. We found them moments before they were about to embark on a great adventure donning dark hooded sweatshirts, head lamps, and wielding flashlights. At about 1:00 am.

Hey guys, where you goin'?
KJ: We're going out DISCOVERING.
Discovering, so we were told, is most successful in the wee early morning hours. So, like any responsible authority figure we sent them merrily on their way. Report from the field: among other very important findings from the remote wilderness of my mom's suburban neighborhood, they brought back...bones (human or animal, the boys could not determine) unearthed from a suspicious vacant lot.
In the morning the kids love to pile all the blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, and mats under the swing...and jump off! It's a simple pleasure; we are but simple people. This is a favorite past-time of mine and I love seeing my nieces and nephews enjoying the same backyard games I did as a youngster.
Introducing...the 2012 U.S. Olympic Swing-Jumping TeamThanks Richman's for yet another great family sleepover!

16 comments:

Mindi said...

looks like WAY too much fun for a group of cute kids--i love the photo of the green lettering in the air.

Emily said...

What a fun grandma! I love doing stuff like that when everyone looks forward to it!!!!

tjneumann said...

Holy Cow! Looks like a blast! I love traditions, what an awesome one you have made. I'm so jealous of that swing... that looks way too fun.

cathy said...

What a great tradition! How many G.K. in the militia now?

C*K*J said...

Oh what a fantastic family tradition! I love it! Looks like some amazing memories!

gina bina said...

Cathy, my mom has 13 grandchildren, +2 bonus, +2 great grandchildren, +2 on the way!
BD and I are holding up the family line and are being passed by nieces and nephews in number of children!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for blogging our fun night and for your flare with words that brings it all back to me like it was happening as we speak! My kids are going to be so excited to have made the blog!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for capturing our fun and adding your flare for words to bring it all back to memory as if I were still there. My kids are going to love seeing themselves on your blog!

Tuttles said...

That looks like so much fun! What a fun family!

Lacy said...

Can I come over and do the swing?!!!

Shauna said...

What a fun tradition, I had no idea you guys had so much fun! ha ha. The swing jump looks like a lot of fun. I haven't seen your nieces and nephews in forever--they sure are growing up.

Allison said...

Great pics! Let's get some kind of swing jumpin' activity going at the next Duncan get together!!! That should go over well....:)

Wildings said...

How fun is that tradition! We have one similar, and I JUST LOVE IT!

Persnickety Prints said...

Oh my GOSH, I LOVE you!! First of all, you are so dang creative! Aren't you so happy you made that trek to Orem for the annual slumber party!? What would they have done without you? Forget street biking Brad!
You remind me so much of why I LOVE Brook, you are just YOU! I hate petty girls. Thanks for being REAL, oh, and rebuking the incompetent people on my blog! Loves!

Persnickety Prints said...

wooooo, I just saw that you told someone that your Mom has 2 more grandkids on the way???? what the..... Tom?

gina bina said...

I should clarify...2 great grand kids. Cassie and Kallie are both expecting!!