That...mustache...is...breathtaking! Curled up like that it sets of those waves in your soul patch nicely.

Give the family time and they'll come around. As you said, you're shaking up your appearance but eventually they'll come to know you this way.

Since you've had a beard for a long time and are just changing up your style I'm moving your thread over to Established Beards. Over there your beard and your journey will be right at home.

Be sure to update here regularly and welcome to the board!
Tom


Some helpful links:
Library Central of Beard Growing


Taming the Wild Mustache
Tips for eating and drinking with a big mustache

Excess on occasion is exhilarating. It prevents moderation from acquiring the deadening effect of a habit. ~ W. Somerset Maugham
A jerk with a beard is just a bearded jerk, but a bearded gentleman is awesomeness personified. ~ Triibeard