Picture this: A family packed around a table, on the third round of BINGO. “N ‘farty’-three,” is called - just the number you need to win the latest round of BINGO. Your grandmom pulls out the box of paper bags, filled with gag gifts and prizes, and your excitement rises. You reach into the box and select a bag. You look inside and what do you find? Old underwear that has been transformed into a dust rag. This is a common scene from game night during our annual beach vacation.

My family has always been incredibly close. We all live within 20 minutes of each other and attend the same church. My grandparents have been in the stands for most of my volleyball matches, soccer games, and anything else I am doing. My aunts and uncles frequently take my sister and me out to dinners and to the movies. My parents know most everything that is happening in our lives and give us advice. Over the years, we have created various traditions and memories and continue to do so. Since we are so close, we get together all the time- with themed parties and celebrations.We joke, laugh and cry together. Having such a strong, consistent support system is invaluable, but sometimes it can feel like we’re a little too close.

Being so close, we are bound to step on each other’s toes. Sometimes we make jokes that, instead of being funny, are actually hurtful. We know too much information that perhaps some of us wish would remain private. Other times, we just find ourselves annoyed for no reason.

Our family is filled with love and we pour it onto each other. Despite our crazy, insignificant arguments, we do encourage and respect each other more than anyone else I know. Each of us has our quirks and annoying habits, but we move past them. Being together can be somewhat outrageous at times (remember the underwear BINGO prize?), but it is also a lot of fun. We have competitions and games that entertain us and bring us closer together, if that’s even possible. My family can be a little much at times, but I wouldn’t trade them for the world.