Have you been to the funny farm lately?

About 21 years ago, we started what has become the Ferrin Funny Farm. You don't believe me? Come on over!
Sadly, too many people dread the teenage years of their children. Now I will readily admit we've had some of "those days," many of them. But what you don't hear often enough is how fun teenagers are!
Let me try to create a visual. It's late, much later than Lane and I would like, and we're finally all at home and can gather our family for scriptures and prayer. Often, I'm already in bed so the kids come climb on or in the bed, usually a combination of both. We recap the day and reconnect for a few minutes. It never fails, someone has a funny to share. We're all in the so-tired-you're-giddy stage so the sillies begin. Lots of laughs, hugs, leg slapping, you're getting the picture. Then at some moment Lane decides we really better start scriptures so we can go to bed. Lane usually reads from his palm pilot as do I, but Stephen and Thomas read and translate from their Spanish Books of Mormon. Occasionally, Lane reads from his Portguese book. As you can imagine this takes longer than everyone reading in English. Sometimes we girls beg for English only. Reading this way really adds to our understanding and often we get into discussions too lengthy for this time of night. Sometimes there's a funny in translation or someone just can't say "hither and thither" without laughing and it all begins again. Eventually we have family prayer and send the children off to bed. Now, wouldn't you think that they would run, or at least saunter to their rooms and fall into bed? Ha! More stories, more giggles, more one-more-thing's. All in all it makes for some great bonding moments. After they finally do go to bed, Lane and I cuddle and comment that we'll get some sleep when they've all moved away from home but for now, we savor the memories we're making.