Sisters of my heart

For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted a sister. Don't get me wrong, I love my little brother to pieces and wouldn't trade him for the world. I had fun dresssing him up when he was little and clipping shower curtain holders in his ears so he could have big hoop earrings to go with the outrageous outfits I would make him wear. (Sorry Jay - I'll pay for any therapy you may need as a result of the mental damage I may have caused over the years.) There was just something magical to me, an invisible bond if you will, when you share your life adventures with a sibling of your same sex. My mom and her sisters share that bond - a quiet aura that surrounds their hearts and transcends oceans, lands, and time.

So over the years, I've built many friendships with other girls, searching for members in my hood of sisters. I have been blessed with many of these sister-friends, some with whom I still keep in touch, even after decades of life trials and experiences.

For the past six years, a small group of my sisters and I have enjoyed one long-weekend every summer to bask in the sun and curl our toes in the South Carolina sand. These weekends have evolved into a culinary affair, with delicious recipes being shared as we dance around each other in the kitchen, laughing and giggling as we prepare our meals. We eat our delicious meals together, walk and play on the beach, watch girly movies, and shop the outlets. Most importantly, we share a love for Jesus, evidenced when we pray together and share experiences with each other. We have a large time.

I don't know what the future holds for us. But I do know that this past weekend was wonderful and I treasure the friendship I share with each of these girls.

Here we are after church, enjoying the sunshine.

Don't we look cute with our bathing suits?

And then there were four... Arjean had to go to D.C. for work. We wore matching shirts (fun!)

Blossoming Tracy

Birds-Eye-View Tracy

Sun-kissed Tracy

Sheila in the shrubs

New friends, Sheila and Arjean

Timeless Sheila

Elegant Arjean

Snuggle Bear

Va-va-voom Arjean!

Always Smiling Christi

Cute Bathing Suit!

Arjean did a great job taking this picture of me...

Soaked but happy!