This book is, in so many ways, an ode to female friendship and the ways in which it enhances our lives. I kept hearing about “mommunes” all last summer—on the news, on the radio, in my news alerts. But it wasn’t until the fifth or sixth time that one had been in my path that I thought: I wonder what people would say about a mommune in a small southern town? The idea gripped me right away and the first people I ran it by were my “summer friends,” the five women who were there when this idea took flight: Jessica Wilder, Dorothy Coleman (my sister-in-law!), Heather Wiggins, Caroline Mooring, and Megan Fader. I’m not sure it necessarily takes a village to raise a child, but I’m positive it’s a whole lot more fun. Thank you, ladies, for being mine for all the years I’ve been a mom! (And even before!)

Kate McDermott, Kate Denierio, Drew Leonard, Millie Warren, Lee Taylor, Leeanne Walker, Booth Parker, Shelley Smith, Marci Godwin, and Margaret Robinson, you are the most supportive friends, and I’m so grateful for all the memories we have made and will continue to make together!

Speaking of moms, I have the best mom. Thanks, Mom, for being an amazing mother and friend and business partner and modeling all the right ways to do things even if I don’t always do them as well myself! And thanks to my dad for being so involved in everything I ever did, now and always. The older I get, the more I realize how few truly wonderful dads there are. I’m so lucky to have one of them! Love you both so much. Thanks for being the best support system and my biggest cheerleaders.

I have to thank my husband, Will, for being the most extraordinary father and husband. I wouldn’t trade you for all the mommunes in the world! Little Will—who is a good five inches taller than I am and not-so-little anymore—thanks for being the greatest thing that has ever happened in my whole life. I never imagined that my favorite way to spend a day would be at your games and matches. I’m so proud of everything you do!

Growing up, every summer, my grandparents took our whole family on a beach trip, and, in some ways, life at the mommune reminded me of that. Nancy and Tommy Sanders, Cathy Singer, Anne O’Berry, Catherine Adcox, Raymond Smith, Sidney Patton, Rutledge Smith, and Thomas Sanders, our family has grown by leaps and bounds, but we’re the originals. Love you guys so much, and I will always, always be grateful for those special summers together. (Speaking of… I know there are like thirty of us now, but can we please do it again?)