I'm the oldest of a big (real big. Crazy big) family.

I don't get along with all of my siblings, but more in a "we don't hang out" kinda way, not a "please die in a fire" way.

Our family reunions are the stuff of legend. Days of hanging out; taking turns cooking meals for an army; hours spent swapping stories and just enjoying hanging out together.

My best friend in the world is one of my brothers. I could spend years just hanging out with him. (I mean, we did, growing up, but I'm still not sick of it.)

My siblings and I don't see eye to eye on everything. We all have gone down different life paths as the years have gone by. Some of us are very liberal and some are very conservative. Some of us live in major cities, others in the heart of the country. Some are atheists and some are devout.

We aren't perfect. There have been cruel words spoken, tears shed. I've broken up fistfights (...and been in a couple myself).

Growing up, my mother taught us how to talk things through. How to start from a fight and finish as friends. She set us an amazing example that I am trying to teach to my own children.

My family is one of the best things in my life. I love my siblings and my parents. I know not everyone gets a happy family. My wife really didn't. I'm not sharing this to brag. I just want to say that... It's out there. A family that loves each other and largely gets along is possible. I don't know if we're a fluke of nature or a miracle of nurture.

But next year is our family reunion. And I can't wait.