Honorary sister. Elle has taught me everything about what it means to work hard, and play harder. I know I can always go to Elle for an honest answer, solid advice, and if she hosts it... the best party you have ever been to.

Mel's "brother" from The Netherlands. Joost is the best tour guide, an amazing friend and great example of a husband and father. Joost, Kim (his wife) and 3 daughters: Amber, Jasmijn and Iris have become family and we are so honored to have them in our lives.

Dylan's brother. Despite the younger and less wise brother, a true role model to look up to. Elias and I have been through everything brother's share in life, heated battles, healthy and unhealthy competition, and undying support to name a few.

Honorary sister. Mischa has the ability to make you feel like you are the only person that matters, ever. She is generous, and kind, and is about the most supportive person you could ever hope to have in your life.

Dylan's sister. The forever youngest sister that will fight till the last round for you. Hallie has always been a kind heart, a listening ear, a warm hug, and a fierce competitor in our, not at all competitive, sibling group.

Dylan's Bestie. Through the most formative years of my life Alex has been a constant. Always on an adventure in life, Alex never ceased to provide sound advice, plenty of laughs, steady support, and a partner for all video games.

Honorary cousin. Lisa is a person who is with you through thick and thin, will always encourage you to "buy it" and never says no to an adventure. In fact, our most recent adventure was our cross-country road trip from Minnesota back to Boston!

Amber is the oldest daughter of Joost and Kim. She is a talented illustrator, pianist and dancer. The fist time Mel met her she was about 3 and insisted on performing the most elaborate and entertaining dance performance, costume and all.

BFF (since before she was even born). Neko is one of the most kind and special people I have ever met and has had killer dances moves before she could even stand.

Hanae is my "sister" from Japan. We have maintained a beautiful friendship despite distance and time. Hanae has taught me so much from a different perspective and culture, which I will forever be grateful for.

Jasmijn is the middle daughter of Joost and Kim (Dutch family). She may appear shy, but she is fierce in the kitchen and on the dance floor!

Elizabeth is my adventure partner and my only friends who has seen where I grew up. Our favorite memory is when we got laughed out of a rodeo dance for getting down to Billy Jean and Sexy Back (we were the only two dancing to those two songs). We then sulked in shock on the ferris wheel.

Iris is the youngest daughter of Joost and Kim (Dutch Family). Though she may be small she is the absolute life of the party.

Tracey, "Bud", is always keeping me on my toes with her South African lingo, and is the perfect friend to spend hours with drinking tea and eating popcorn while we flip through Netflix in search of the movie we will inevitably never watch! Tracey is wildly talented and even more wildly humble. I am so lucky to call her my Bud!

Celeste (mother of my BFF, Neko) has always made a place for me at her table, given me a family to spend the holidays with, and specializes in knowing how to make me ugly face cry over sappy movies and stories.