APPLES DON'T FALL FAR FROM THE TREES
We get to some home-truths with the families of Howie and Rachel. Howie's dad describes his son as "outrageous and outstanding." However, Rachel's parents aren't enamored of their daughter's teammate, regarding him as a little too outgoing for their tastes. Rachel, they say, is the more serious one. Rachel's ex-boyfriend Mike is led to comment on the strengthening of Howie and Rachel's friendship inside the house, but doesn't see a future for the pair.

Howie's little sister adores her big brother as we view home movies of Howie when he was merely gathering clouds instead of the mighty Hurricane he is now. Howie's parents think Rachel is a little too straight for their lad, thinking Janelle is more his type of girl. Both families are concerned for their babies as they await the eviction news with baited breath.

The vote previews start with April, who reveals her disgust with Howie. "He is the most immature 34-year-old I have ever met in my life," she cries, adding that "at least Rachel acts (her age)." James is left cold by both nominees, while Ivette couldn't give three hoots about Rachel. Janelle considers Rachel a stronger player, but admits she personally has a better alliance with Howie, which might not exist with Rachel. Master manipulator Maggie sees danger in Rachel as she's a solid competitor. Ivette wraps it up with, "All these people, the less we have of them, the better for me."

HEAVE-HO AND OFF SHE GOES
Maggie is first to submit her vote, starting what turns out to be a unanimous vote to evict Rachel. Rachel was willing to sacrifice herself for Howie, so their farewell to each other is sweet and heartfelt. The Hurricane survives to blow another day. As host Julie Chen chats with Rachel, they review the events that led to her eviction. Rachel has no regrets, having enjoyed her summer in the BIG BROTHER 6 house. In the goodbye videos, Ivette caustic farewell stands out as poor form among the gracious adieus bid by the other HouseGuests.

The HouseGuests are missing their loved ones, so America's Choice is giving the viewers a chance to give one of the remaining HouseGuests a phone call from home.