Sisters and daughters

My mother used to tell me  "One day you will thank me, I have given you the best gift ever".  

       She was not talking about life itself, which I realize is a great gift.  She generally reserved this statement for times when I was frustrated with one or more of my 9 siblings.  Angry that I had cleaned like a maniac, only to find it dirty 5 minutes later.  Put out that someone had taken a bag of candy and left only wrappers.  Embarrassed that we had to drive a bus (large van) to fit all of us.

And in the end, as mothers tend to be.....

my mother was right.  

My siblings are, indeed, some of the best things she has ever given me.  

Family Beach Trip 2010 - Only 4 siblings missing

There is nothing I like better than a family gathering, children running all around, adults talking....and talking...and talking....

After mom died, we girls decided we needed to capitalize on the fact that we still had each other and started having a "sister's night out".   This somehow morphed from a night in Park City, to two nights in a local hotel the year we ALL had new babies, to three nights in Kentucky so we could be with Val's wife, Jeannie.  It does not seem to matter much where we are, as long as we are with each other.  The bonus is that now our brothers have give us sisters too.  They are every bit as crazy and fun loving as we like to be.  

It seems that there is never a year that EVERYONE is able to come.....

Sometimes we make a silly purchase when we find a great sale.

Like I said, our sisters in law treat us just like real siblings!

There is one tradition we have added into our annual nights away.  

PF Changs - lettuce wraps and Great Wall of chocolate cake

Yes, this is a must each year!  

Last night, I broke with tradition.  I admit it - as ashamed as I feel.....

I cheated on my sisters

Hopefully they will forgive me.  The free lettuce wrap coupon just made it impossible to say no!  

I did, perhaps, get a glimpse into my future.  Maybe the daughters night out will be something to consider.  

Forgive the grainy phone pics.  Laugh at the antics!

But only if they can learn to eat cake slowly and respectfully.  

Instead of eating like demons possessed!!!   

Maybe I'll wait a few years before I try it again!!!