Vacation: a haven of relaxation and leisure… until you add a few siblings into the mix.

There’s nothing quite like vacationing with the entire family after all the siblings have moved out of the house. It’s a reunion like no other. In theory, it sounds enjoyable: an attempt to reunify and bond after months spent apart. I repeat… in theory.

Here’s how it all begins. The trip is planned. Destination established. Flights booked. The siblings all begin texting about what an amazing adventure it will be, how fun it will be being all together once again. Everyone is oh so excited.

Then comes the trip that the family group chat has been anticipating. The siblings reunite. It’s all fun and games for the first few hours (or minutes depending on family dynamics).

Below are things that you inevitably encounter during the vacation:

1) You quickly learn that it is essential to re-master the art of sharing one bathroom.

Through the time spent apart, it seems that the brothers still have not acquired the skill of lifting the toilet seat. They have, however, maintained their habit of leaving just a singleitsy bitsy piece of toilet paper left on the roll. No new roll in sight.

At some point during the trip, one sibling will inevitably confuse toothbrushes with another sibling.Oftentimes this one sibling recognizes his confusion days into the trip.

2) One or more member(s) becomes hangry.

It does not stop there. This hanger is often prolonged… because agreeing on a restaurant takes time.

3) Every other member is down for that long hike besides yourself.

4) Two siblings start a big argument.The rest of the siblings sit back and feel angelic.

5) Your sister finds that shirt that she’s been looking for in YOUR bag after you took it from her on the previous break...

...Caught.

6) A political debate:

Especially interesting when half of the family is conservative and the other half, liberal. Consider sparking this conversation in an open space. Fists may be thrown.

7) You must choose wisely who sleeps in which room to avoid the snoring members of the family.

8) You regretfully remember how much one member’s gum smacking used to tick you off.

9) The favorite child begins speaking of his/her successes and left over siblings are just chilling.

10) You begin questioning how you and your siblings ever coexisted under the same roof.