::HOLIDAY RO-AH-OH-OH-OH-OH-WAH-AH-OH-OAD::

Starting Sunday, my family will be occupying this house in New Braunfels. Yep, it's time for the Annual Smith Family "New Brawnsville" (because that's how they - not I - pronounce it) Trip!

Every year, at least 20 of us caravan down there to experience days of toobing, river rafting, drinking, outlet mall shopping, eating, eating, and eating. There's even a talent show, wherein we showcase our magnificent abilities to dance, sing, or juggle. Yep, it's a riot.

It's also really ritualized. We go certain places, eat at certain restaurants, patronize certain businesses, and cook certain meals. Until last year, we stayed at The Other Place (that's really the resort's name!) in four- to eight-person cabins, so I'm interested to know how our trip will differ, now that we're at a house that sleeps all twenty or so of us.