National Siblings Day

I've been waiting 364 days to post this picture... 

Such an oldest child thing to say. I'm a pretty typical oldest child.

In all seriousness, I love my family like crazy and am so blessed to have each of them in my life. I don't even want to think about a life without 5 of the coolest siblings ever. Each one of them is precious to me, and plays a unique role in our family that we couldn't live without.

When we were adorable little people :)

I learned lots of things from growing up as the oldest in a big family. I learned to be patient, and I learned to talk loudly to be heard. But the most important thing I learned was to make life fun! While we didn't always get along, we really did have a great childhood together, and when I look back all I see are the funny moments we shared, and the hilarious quotes that were said. 

 

After my senior year of high school. Taken by my now mother-in-law!

I think I was probably your typical oldest child growing up. I liked to be in charge and decide what we'd do together each day. I looked forward to the day I was old enough to take the Babysitter's Class so that I could be in control. I'd like to take this time to thank them all for putting up with me and following along, and to my brothers, I'm sorry for making you play dress up with me. 

Our last vacation together

When I look back to the time I was in a long distance relationship, I remember feeling like all I wanted was to be in Arizona with Curtis. It was hard to embrace where I was in life. After I got engaged, I saw how precious my last days with family were, and tried to savor every chance I got to spend quality time with each of them. Those last 7 months are so precious to me now as I'm now 1600 miles away from them. I wish more than anything that I could have more time with them. We're all growing up and changing, but they all still mean so much to me and I'm always looking forward to the next time we can all be together again.

I always heard that I was supposed to be a "role model" for my siblings because as the oldest, they "look up to me" and follow my example. I'll be the first to admit I didn't get this and did a poor job of it growing up. But when it came to my relationship, engagement, and wedding, my life was pretty much an open book to them, and I'm so glad about that. I remember the day after Curtis and I officially started "dating," how we all sat around the table at lunch and talked about it together. Curtis proposed to me in front of both of our families, and I absolutely love that we got to share in the excitement of that moment together. 

Some of my favorite memories of my wedding day are when each of my siblings stood up and said something during the reception. I can't help but tear up every time I watch that part of our wedding video because of all the love that was showered upon Curtis and I that day.

The day after I got married, and gained even more siblings :)

So, family, who wants to live it up with me this summer? :) 

Much love to you all!

(if you ever read this, that is) ;)