Oh sisters...

Nothing makes me happier than having all of my sisters around. Since my older sis now lives in another state than the rest of us sibs, we die for time spent with all four of us together, and our little families in toe. She's in town for the week and we've been looking for new ways to entertain all of the cousins (eight cousins six and under!). So yesterday, we took our crazy crew up the canyon to explore. Below you'll see all of our pics from that fun little adventure. It was gorgeous as the leaves are already starting to change color. The kids collected pine cones, ate treats on logs and took turns pretending to see animals that weren't really there (except squirrels... lots of squirrels). It was a perfect cousin and sister day. Oh and husbands. We loved having them around, too! ;)

To give my readers a closer insight into our family, I've got to tell ya.... I can't imagine having a greater love or bond for siblings, than the one my sisters and I share. The way we look out for each other and each others kids, is so unique to many of my friends. People often comment on our closeness and how special it is. I don't know how my parents raised four girls (so close in age), to be so loyal, to love and support each other and care so deeply about each others happiness the way we do. I do not mean this as a compliment to myself or even my sisters, but to my parents. We were never competitive, spiteful or even slightly unsupportive of each other, because that wasn't ever allowed. That's not to say we never had sisterly spats... Because we surely did. ;) But I so appreciate my parents forcing (not really!) us to be best friends and think it was the best thing they could have done for us!

I remember when I had Welles and how involved my sisters were in his first days, as I was struggling with his diagnosis. One of the (ridiculous, but didn't seem so at the time) fears I had, was that Scott and I would likely never be able to travel as empty-nesters one day. I assumed that Welles would probably never be independent enough (so silly) and that we would always be home taking care of him and not experiencing things as a couple when our other children are grown. Why that crazy and far-off thought was so difficult to bare, I don't know. But it was one thing I struggled with. I still remember my sisters sitting around my hospital bed saying "Why wouldn't you be able to travel and experience things as a couple?!" and then they all fought over who would care for Welles in those far-off events some day! They raise their small children to love and care for Welles like a close sibling. They advocate for him almost as much as I do. In fact, my older sister has made friends with a little girl who has DS whom they met in a restaurant near their home, states away. They often have lunch and play dates with her because it kills my sister not being able to raise her kids closer to Welles. She wants them to learn from the love that children with special-needs have to offer.   

How blessed am I to have sisters who love the things close to my heart? And how lucky am I to get to love the things close to their wonderful and huge hearts? Family is the best. No matter the chaos, differences or challenges. Perfect labor day with some of my favorite people. 

<3

baby smothering aunts

nieces, nephews and loves from aunt summy...