Top Ten Tuesday: Family Time

Let's face it! We live in a hectic world, barely making time for ourselves, let alone anyone else. However, it is so important that we make time for our loved ones, our family. I have three little ones, ages nine and under that need mommy and daddy time. They are just as busy as we are and need time to unwind. We live in an electronic-driven society and don't get me wrong, I LOVE technology...a lot! However, nothing can replace human contact and love. I am not perfect at this, but I am trying to do better. I am trying to put my phone down and make eye contact when my children tell me a story. I want to remember the facial expressions and mannerisms now! I don't want to miss out on the gleam in their eye when they are sharing their passions with me. Like I said, I probably fail more than I get stuff right, but my desire is to continue striving.

Today's top ten list is my family's favorite activities to do together that cost little to nothing!

Top Ten Family Activities

10. Museums/Exhibits. We don't frequent them often, but we do love going to them. If we go on road trips, we will try to stop at random, off-the-highway museums just to break up the monotony.

9. Clean. Believe it or not it is something we can do together. They don't alway enjoy or want to be involved, but I try and get them involved. I give them a damp washcloth and tell them to wipe baseboards, doors, whatever they want. They may not be doing it thorough, but they are involved and they enjoy that. I could say it builds a sense of camaraderie, teaches responsibility, gives them pride in a job well done, blah, blah, but we all know we just want to get our house clean. Include them in it, because all that other stuff is true, too.

8. Play Sports Outside. They love it when we join them outside for football, basketball, soccer, or just a game of chase. Get moving!

7. Orange Leaf. What can I say? It's good.

6. Read/Story Time. We read the Bible everyday together, but also enjoy reading all kinds of stories together. We even like to make up stories on the spot and tell them to each other. This one can get pretty silly.

5. Movie Theater. This is a big one for us. It is cheap and fun!

4. Dinner Time. I love siting around the table after a long day and just hearing them all talk. It is the BEST when we are all together for dinner.

3. Popcorn and Movie Night at Home. We often do this, usually Friday nights, if our schedule is open. What a great way to end a school/work week. Popcorn, movies, and cuddles!

2. Board Games. We love board games. Any kind!

1. Wrestle. Nothing can replace the joy I get when I heard those deep belly laughs they get during "wrestle time" (as they call it). Throwing them around, chasing them through the house, and "beating up daddy" is such a fun time around the Riley house!

What do you and your family like to do for fun?