Sisters are a Gift!

Travis and I are blessed to each have two wonderful sisters.  I grew up in a house full of girls and one of my favorite things about Travis is that God gave him sisters too!  In the last couple of weeks, we've had some great times with each of our sisters and I thought I'd share :)

Carter, you have no idea yet, but one day you will realize just how blessed you are to have a sister too!!  I think your wife will thank Ava someday for training you in all things "girl" so she doesn't have to!  Ha ha!

This is Trav's older sister, Shaye.  We were so thrilled to get to see her 2 weeks ago, when she was in town for a Yoga conference.  The kids and I met her at Mall of America one night for dinner and because she's a great Aunt, she even rode some rides with Ava!

Although this marks her 3rd time on the carousel, from the minute we walk in the door now, all I hear about are the "horsies" and when she gets to ride them :)

She also got to go on the Blue's Clue ride, which she loved, but you'd never know it from this picture!

Carter didn't ride any rides but he ate up all the hugs and kisses from his Aunt Shaye.

Lucky for us, we had a date night already planned downtown and we were able to meet Shaye for dinner at one of our favorite restaurants.  We don't get to see each other as often as we'd like.  We both have pretty busy lives and kids that keep us hopping :) Shaye and her family live near the DC area and in a few weeks, they will be heavy on our hearts as we pray for her husband Troy while he deploys for the next year.  That's a long time to be apart and we are trusting the Lord to bless their family in ways they can't imagine despite the assignment.  We're so grateful for so many military families like theirs who serve our country and sacrifice their own families for our freedom. 

We had such a GREAT time catching up and enjoying time together.  We LOVE you Shaye!!  Thanks for making time to see us when we know you were exhausted.  Such a blessing!!

This is Trav's younger sister, Katy and we are so THRILLED because this is her new fiance Todd!  They just got engaged over the weekend and we are very excited about it!  Todd was a winner in my book from the beginning as soon as I heard he was from Iowa AND was a Hawkeye fan too!!  I think that sealed the deal for me :) We are thankful that the Lord brought Katy to Colorado and eventually to Todd.  We can't wait to see the future He has for them unfold.  LOVE you Katy!!  Welcome to the family Todd!

And finally, what a treat to have a whole week with both of my sisters!  These two are over the moon about Ava and Carter, but believe me, the feeling is mutual!  My Mom found this shirt for Ava which says, "My aunt is my BFF" and really it is true of all four of Ava's aunts :)

We love all of our sisters and have enjoyed celebrating with each of them in some way for the last 2 weeks. 

I always thought I wanted a brother growing up, but I'm so glad God gave me sisters!  Two I was born with and two I am thankful to have gained. Now I even get to have 4 brother in laws! 

And 3 out of 4 are even Iowa fans :)

Yep, life is good!