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End of Summer Traditions

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One of my favorite followed blogs is by a fellow San-Antonian: Big Momma.  She posted today a question about what you do to end summer on a fun note. Her family takes a trip to the beach during the week before school starts. That sounds like a great tradition! I was trying to think if I had any, because it’s hard to say that summer has “ended” when school starts, since in San Antonio, it feels like summer at least until Christmas. However, this is what I came up with:

I am the oldest of five girls, and we were all homeschooled (read: each other’s best friends). I was the first to leave home for college, and in turn, each girl has gone off to college (minus the “baby” – Mercy - who is a Senior in high school this year).


Mercy, playing around with a scarf. No clue why, except that Mercy was present, and Benjamin was present.  Between the two of them, we need no "why" to result in hysterical laughter and fun.

At the end of each summer, before leaving for college, I wanted to spend a night with my sisters….probably clumped up on someone’s bed, resting our heads on each other, and talking and talking until we couldn’t keep our eyes open anymore.

Although I graduated from college several years ago, sister #4 (Priscilla) just left today for her Sophomore year at a university several states away (well really, only one state away, but you have to drive out of Texas first, which is like driving through at least four normal-sized states).

Two nights ago, Priscilla and I curled up on her twin bed and chatted forever. Nothing in particular; yet everything so precious.


Priscilla laughing at Mercy and Benjamin's antics

The pics in this post are from an afternoon where Benjamin captured some similar comraderie between Mercy and Priscilla a few days before Priscilla left for college.  They are on Mercy's bed, heaped up together with miscellaneous who-knows-whats-its on the bed, because when your sister plops down to talk, you just dive into the moment.  Even in the middle of your bed, in the middle of the messy stuff on your bed.

In these pics, you really can see the sisterly bond that runs oh so deep.  Benjamin shot these pics, so I take no credit for the troublesome focus and exposure, but then again, neither can I take credit for capturing such beautiful spontaneous moments.


Mercy showing off her muscles to Priscilla

Mercy tickling Priscilla, likely after Priscilla made some teasing remark

I love my sisters.  I can't thank God enough for such an amazing family.

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