Around spring and summer time, many southern families tend to gather together for special events and celebrations. From sweet tea to grandmama's secret banana pudding, these gatherings are part of what defines a true southern family. Not only are these functions a way of reconnecting, but they make for some of the most memorable experiences to reflect upon in the future. Here are a few things that you could find at a typical Southern family gathering.

1. The South's "water."

Sweet tea is a necessity for any type of southern social gathering. Families drink this brown nectar sent by the gods as religiously as water. Mamas make sure that the tea is so sweet that it could rot your teeth in just a few sips! No southern family gathering would be the same without this sweet drink.

2. The family blessing.

Religious or not, southern families teach their future generations to bow their head, close their eyes, and pray before they eat dinner. In my family, it's tradition for the older men to say a long and meaningful prayer over our meal. If you are to eat a bite before the prayer, you may get scolded and told that you're "going to choke on the unblessed food."

3. Red Solo cups and paper plates.

Red solo cups and paper plates are like a Southerner's Chinaware. These extravagant dishes are used for almost every gathering and can be easily disposed of when you're finished. It makes for easy clean up and prevents the little ones from breaking anything. Of course there's always that grandma who saves the plastic forks, knives, and cups for next time! Don't want to waste!

4. A variety of casseroles, chicken, and mac' & cheese.

Bringing a dish to the party to share is pretty common at Southern gatherings. Many people bring southern "fixins" such as fried chicken, BBQ, ham, casseroles, rolls, vegetables, and, of course, mac' & cheese. Most of these foods are homemade and are large enough to feed an army. Families then put their contributions onto a table where everyone can get a scoop of the delicious offering. After all is said and done, tummies are full, people are happy, and naps are soon to be taken!

5. Kids, pets, and the crazy uncle.

Of course, a party is not a party without screaming kids, pets running under your feet, and that one crazy uncle that no one really knows how or why he got invited. While you may think that these things seem cringe-worthy, they are one of the best parts of a family gathering. Not only do the kids have a way of making you smile, but the pets are your own personal vacuum cleaners. As for your crazy uncle, he still holds a special place in your heart, no matter how weird.

6. Memories.

Personally, I feel that the best part of these gatherings are the memories that are made and the embarrassing stories that are told. Sure, you're embarrassed that your mom told THAT story to every breathing being there, but it's still fun to reminisce and laugh with everyone in attendance. In a way, it's beautiful how family gatherings have a way of creating some of the best memories that you'll keep close to heart throughout your lifetime.

These are only SOME of the many things that happen at a typical Southern gathering. From food, to kids, and the memories that are made, you're in for a good time when attending a true Southern family gathering.