As Robert De Niro famously said in Meet the Fockers, a family is a “circle of trust.” It’s not only shared DNA that connects you to them, but also the memories and experiences you’ve built together. There may be a bit of sibling rivalry or playful teasing from the youngest members, yet we love them all the same because they’ve always stood by us.

Story 1:

My wife wanted to climb the tree in our front yard to hang Christmas lights, but my toddler cried and begged her not to so she wouldn’t get hurt. It was a warm, caring moment that showed how much she loves her mom.

Moments later, she suggested I climb the tree instead.

Story 2: 

8 y.o.: I don’t want to have bunk beds anymore.
Me: Why not?
8 y.o.: What if my brother falls through and crushes me while I’m sleeping?
Me: That won’t happen.
8 y.o.: Are you sure? He’s one real heavy son of a bleep!

Story 3: 

My in-laws gave me body wash for Christmas.
I wouldn’t have thought anything of it, except that my mother-in-law attached a note that said, “I did NOT pick this out.”
So apparently my father-in-law thinks I stink.

Story 4: 

Watching football with your 11 y.o. daughter is fun because when you get frustrated at your team, she asks calming questions, like, “Daddy, do you really think you can do better than the players?”

Story 5: 

My wife’s uncle (who owned the farm where we were getting married) stood up at the objection part. Immediately, his son yelled at him to sit down. To his credit, he did for about 12 seconds and then stood up again. He objected because there was a big storm coming up the driveway, about to smack the ceremony. My wife made it inside before getting drenched.
Got married inside instead.

Story 6: 

Story 7: 

Thoughts and prayers for my husband as our 5 y.o. looked him straight in the eye and told him, “Your jokes aren’t funny.”

Story 8: 

One time in high school, my brother took my car and CRASHED it, got it fixed, and put it back in the driveway all within my 6-hour school day. He kept it a secret for 4 years!!! I think that’s the most sibling thing ever.

Story 9: 

As a kid, if I did something stupid, my dad would tell me not to be a “daft ha’penny.” In other words, be smarter than half a penny, which wasn’t worth very much then and is worth even less now. I find myself saying it to my own kids, and I know his dad said it to him.

Story 10: 

MIL: “You have to teach them really young to pick up after themselves.”
Me: *watching my husband take off his socks and leave them in the middle of the living room.*

Story 11: 

Him: “Guys, what should we get mom for Christmas?”
8 y.o.: “She likes to cook so…a pot?
A pan?”
Him: “Umm, maybe something more exciting?”
8 y.o.: “A…spatula?”

Story 12: