I come from a LARGE family. Every year we all pile into a car to experience our annual one-week adventure — together. Every adventure has its ups and downs.

Here are the four stages of a family vacation:

Stage One: Anticipation

You wait all year to leave home and experience a new scenery, so to put it simply, we're flippin' excited! Our family plans a time to meet up, figure out our route and pick up much needed road trip snacks.

Stage One Duration: Pre-trip to Day 1

Stage Two: Satisfaction

You've made it! You're probably most excited to get out of the sweltering car. Arriving at your hotel always seems to be a little bit less climatic than you anticipate, but who cares? You can see the OCEAN! You're probably a little too excited to get out of the sweltering car.

(Stage Two lasts the longest of the four stages of a family vacation: Day 2 to Day 5)

Stage Three: Frustration

Sharing a bathroom is driving you crazy, your aunt snores, and your grandma likes to wake up at 4 a.m. This vacation isn't a vacation anymore; it's work. You are consciously working at not snapping at a family member. You've all been too close for too long and desperately need to separate. It's time to go home.

(Stage Three duration: Day 6 to Day 7)

Stage Four: Longing

You miss that little diner your family goes to across the street from your hotel and the outlet malls. You can't smell the beach anymore or feel the sand between your toes. You're probably sad. You've got PVD: post-vacation depression.(Stage Four duration: Post-Vacation to your next family adventure.)