My family took a weekend trip with my parents. They're still full-time caretakers to my younger siblings, so the time with my kids was priceless.

The author, right, and her family went on a weekend trip with her parents, and it brought them all closer together.

Courtesy of Kris Ann Valdez

• I'm the oldest of eight, including five adopted siblings. Our house was always busy.
• Four of my siblings are still at home, and my parents don't get much time with my kids.
• A family weekend away allowed them to step into the role of grandparents.

I consider my mom the crème de la crème of mothers. She was the involved kind; always pulling out crafts...