I wanted to get married in my parent’s house because it’s my favorite place on earth. As I get older, going home just gets better and better. Even though I have my own home now, nothing will ever be better than pulling up my parent’s brick driveway and having the family dog greet me.  Some days when everything in my life is crazy and changing so much, I just want to go home and see that some things will never change. Dad is still sitting on the window sill trying to keep up with the conversation, Mom is sitting at the kitchen island reading a bridal magazine even if none of her kids are engaged, and Alex is in her room blaring stereotypical teenage music. Then Nick and Liz pull up the driveway (I swear they can sense when I am there), and the “What’s for dinner?” conversation begins. Dad is sent to the grocery store while everyone munches on their favorite appetizers. Nick wants the jalapeño chips, Liz wants cheese and crackers, I’ll eat anything in sight, and Alex is still upstairs blaring music. Then Eric comes over with one of our dogs and everyone quickly puts anything breakable away. We call Alex to come down and join us, and she runs down the stairs wearing one of Liz’s sweaters. “HEY! I’ve been looking for that sweater everywhere!” really means, “Hello, it’s great to see you!” in our house.

Sisters.

I always look forward to going home. Unless I’ve dyed my hair with pink streaks, and then I’m a little scared. Otherwise, my parents really set the standard, and I can’t wait to start my own marriage there in a few short months.