Then and Now

~Sisters 1982~

I am holding baby Brooke aka Bertie, Brookie, Squirt! Corey is 2.5 here.

~Easter 2011~

Shelley (Ava), Corey, Brooke

My youngest sister Brooke came home for the first time in over a year (since X-mas 09). It was great to see her in person. Although, I think having skype helps make the time apart easier.

This was her first time meeting our little Ava. She just turned ONE, and she was making strange quite a bit. She wasn't sure what to make of her. Plus, I think having the whole family for Easter Dinner made her more anxious.

I kept asking Brooke what gift she would like for her graduation. Everything I suggested, she said she didn't need or wouldn't use. The things that she did like were above my and Corey's combined budget. So, I decided to treat her to a pedicure! Corey and I got one too! It was a fun sister's time out. The three of us don't get a chance to hang out much, and it was nice. We all love each other, and enjoy the time we spend together. We all have some similarities in our personalities, but overall, I think we are three very different people. It's amazing how we can come from the same two people. I think now that we are grown up, our life experience has shaped us into who we are today. It is not necessarily good or bad, just different- which makes things interesting.

Anthony and my niece Emma enjoyed playing with Brooke. She brought them some German made toys, which was nice. Anthony got some wide-up tin cars and Ava got a spinning top - she enjoys it! Even a week after Brooke's visit, Anthony was still saying "I really like Auntie Brookie".