Putting the POWER in your family- Friday Fun Day

Today's post may have some of you saying, "No, thank you!" but I still wanted to share.  Last Saturday, Cheyenne received it's first snow of the season, and let me tell you, we did not ease ourselves into the idea of winter.  It was a heavy, wet snow that started in the morning and, at least for us who live out in the country, continued most of the day.  As often happens with weather like this (especially out here) we lost power. 
We've only been in this house since Valentine's Day, so this was our first experience with a power loss since being here.  Things kind of flickered and then went dead at about 3:30pm.  We were supposed to be hosting our Bible study that evening, and thought things would come on in a few minutes, but they didn't so we called and cancelled.  It's a good thing, too, since we were just getting started. 
You may be thinking, "What does this have to do with having fun?"  Well, we really did end up having a blast.  I was so proud of my kids for not whining and complaining about our lot.  My oldest daughter did suggest that we go watch a movie on the DVD player in the van, but we nixed that idea and decided to pretend it was Little House on the Prairie night for the Rohdes.
Thankfully we do have a gas stove, so we made some munchy food for dinner (that I had planned on serving to our Bible Study - they missed out.)  I made popcorn on the stove-top - which, I have to say, as a self-proclaimed popcorn expert, is the BEST way to have popcorn!  We lit some candles and sat around and pigged out.
After our delicious dinner, Daddy had us all cuddle up on the couch and big fat chair.  He picked a family member and we all went around and said either what we like about that person, or one of our favorite memories with that person.  It was so cute to hear what they all had to say about each other.
Then, we played hide and seek in the dark.  The seeker had a flashlight, which at first I thought would make it too easy, but quickly realized how small of an area flashlights really light.  We played that all the way up to bedtime for the kids, then we brushed teeth camping style.
Kirk and I spent some time hanging out after the kids were asleep.  It was amazing how quiet the house was without all the normal household sounds, like the refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine, computer - all those things really make a lot of noise!  Finally, Kirk and I decided we should just go to bed - probably one of the earliest nights for us ever.  At 4am, I was awakened by the sound of running water and almost every light in our house coming on!  I went around quietly and turned everything off.  When I got back in bed, I thought about the fun we had, and how prepared we would be if something more long term happened (which may be the topic of a future post - just not on Friday Fun Day!).  It was really a blessing all the way around.  The next morning, my oldest said how happy he was that had happened.  I agreed.
I think we do a pretty good job of limiting media and electronic usage in our family, but we often don't try to fill their time when they are not doing these things with fun together as a family.  I think once in awhile, this is exactly what we should do!  That's part of the fun of having such a big family anyway!
I don't know if any of you will be praying for a power outage, but my kids just might be, so if you happen to live near us, you might get to experience it anyway!