Family Love

When I was home in Minnesota in August, my family of nine headed to the Edge Gallery in Elk River to take a new family photo. The last time we had one taken was back in 1997 for the Lord of Life Church directory, and if I had to use one word to describe it, I would say horrible. So we were all very excited for the new pictures. After weeks of waiting, the are finally done and ready to share! The images are a little small; the gallery gave us digital copies, but we can't enlarge them. I cannot wait to have my 8x10 group shot in my apartment!

I feel so lucky to be a part of such a big family. When I was younger, I don't think I realized how amazing it was to have seven siblings. Now that we are all older (and wiser), I think we all appreciate each other so much more and enjoy each other's company. Every time I go home to visit, I get sad because I wish we all lived close to one another all the time. I have been in NYC now for seven years, my brother Lucas is in Chicago, and my sister Chris (not pictured) is in Tampa. If only flights were a little less expensive! Luckily, whenever we are all home we make the most of it. We play Scattegories, Scrabble, and Taboo. We toast marshmallows and make s'mores by the fire. And we swim, tan, and enjoy the hot tub as much as possible. And best of all, most of the time we all get along. I just feel so lucky!