Sometimes when people find out that there were 8 kids in our family growing up, they ask, "Did you feel like you were always competing for food and attention?"
The answer is an emphatic yes. The problem, of course, does not lie in the sheer number of siblings...the issue is that—to one degree or another—LeBarons are all performers. We have Dad to blame for that since he's the literal offspring of the original Nanny.
The video below demonstrates this pretty well. In 30 seconds, we have at least 7 of 10 LeBarons actively vying for attention (in the middle of a graveyard no less). I invite you to watch the video several times and scrutinize what's happening. From Jim giving Bob bunny ears to Joseph and myself flailing our chemo arms across the top of the screen to Tommy doing "jazz hands" at the end (among other nonsense), there's a lot going on. Mary didn't really say much, but her overalls are clearly screaming for attention...I apologize that Joe's not wearing a tank top. Don't worry, there are plenty more gems from this vacation to come.
Dad, thank you for putting up with the theatrics. I pity the many clients, ward members, and neighbors who came to our house on legitimate, often times stressful business, only to have their meetings with you upended by our musical performances, magic tricks, arguing, or show-and-tell.
Here's to eternity. All together.
