Family.

The family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together. ~Erma Bombeck

They're here! Straight from Utah and Virginia, they've come to stay...for the week at least. Our first official outing was held at the Clubhouse at Hackers for a day of bowling, lazer tag, mini golf, arcade games, and great food. Monday morning, with the usuals and eleven new faces, the Van Tassell crew headed to Hilton Head Island, SC for a week at the beach house. As of now we are housing: Chris, Lane, Gene, Tammy, Ben, Betsy, Sarah, Emma, Michael, Nate, Andrew, Becca, Amy, Jessica, Dawn, Steve, Ryan, Parker, Dallin, Dana, David, Laney, Harrison, Gracie, and little old me. We'll be featuring a few guest appearances tomorrow by Darin, Whitt, Danielle, Carson, Dwight, Shanna, Mia, Sarah, and then Mr. Tucker on Friday. And maybe a few Hilton Head natives here and there. It's a full house.

When we weren't bowling...

 we were chatting. 

We played a Just Dance on the Wii.

For a little longer than we probably should have.

Some had a little more rhythm than others.

Around midnight we broke out Rockband, deemed incomplete without the cowboy hat.

Soccer and wiffle ball games several times a day.

Instant new friends. 

 Little critters.

And beautiful sunsets ending each day.

The week is off to a great start. I can't forget to mention the endless card games, unceasing amounts of food, and great company. I love my big family.