"Sessa" first met "Ia" when he was barely two years old. Although they were initially indifferent to each other, they would soon form a bond and friendship that would remain strong throughout their early childhood in Scottdale, Pennsylvania, growing up in Israel/Palestine, and entering adulthood in Ontario, Canada. From their earliest games of pretend, to helping with the hard parts of computer games, to the ins and outs of adulthood, Sofia always depended on Stefan's level-headedness, omniscience, and omnipotence. He remains one of Sofia's close friends and 24/7 computer consultant.

Jumana was always just the cool older sister of one of Sofia's elementary school friends--until they bonded over American folk music, movies, and Disney songs. From traipsing the streets of Nazareth, to maneuvering the paths of adulthood, Jumana has remained one of Sofia's rocks and confidants.

Oh hai, readers! Mark and Michael have known each other since their early boyhood in Welland, but mainly started connecting in youth group at their former church (Wellend Bretheren in Christ), where they battled each other in Foosball, and co-founded "Club 9." Mark and Michael are still good friends--Mark even served as a groomsman at Michael's wedding in 2016. Most of their time is spent playing baseball, seeing movies, and quoting The Room (see opening sentence!)

Nathan is Mark's third oldest brother. He has been Mark's video game mentor since boyhood, and Mark's main ally against their dad in Goulet family wrestling! Mark also remembers Nathan guiding him in the art of making friends. He and Mark still enjoy playing video and board games.Nathan also currently holds the title of co-founder of "The Sleeping Game."

Sofia and Amber met in 2006, when she and Stefan attended a community theater production in which Amber was appearing. Sofia and Amber were 16 at the time. In the years since, they have shared countless games nights, family dinners, and shenanigans--including a trip to Brazil with Sofia's family last January! When Stefan and Amber got married in 2016, Sofia and Amber became sisters as well as friends. They share a love of cats and entertaining, and look forward to facing the decades to come, along with their husbands!

Jesse is Mark's second oldest brother. Growing up, Jesse and "Kid" spent many an hour playing N64 games and inventing obnoxious noises. Jesse also kindled Mark's love of playing baseball, which he maintains to this day. Jesse currently holds the title of co-founder of "The Sleeping game".