Happy National Sibling Day!

We have a big family. My husband, John, and I have 6..yes SIX kids. We are the original parents and for those who are already wondering..it is not a religious thing. When people asked if we were done at six, I usually responded, “No, we were done at four, but the last two were just too cute to send back.”

A few years ago we were all in San Diego, not a small task for a large family, especially when they start leaving the nest. We were enjoying a few days at the beach and while there we met the love of Mark’s life, Aarika. We all showed up at the Starbucks just as Aarika, an only child, was finishing her shift and our family filled the dining area, resembling the scene from “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”  ..Nick, Nick, Nicky, Nick, and I am Gus.  Later that day the boys body surfed, played frisbee, and tackled each other in the sand. The girls walked arm in arm, chatting while foamy surf lapped over their bare feet. 

Sitting on an outstretched blanket, Aarika,  said, “I always wondered what it would have been like to have siblings. I think this is a good glimpse.”

I thought about that for a while. Our kids have never known what life was like without their siblings. They have always had someone to look up to or someone to help look after. There has always been someone around and the house was rarely quiet.
Over the years there have been a few shared tears, monumental moments and symphonies of laughter. While I thought about all of the stories and photos of our kids together, some funny, some tender, I figure that for now, I will just share this..

Happy “National Sibling Day”, kids!  I have had the best seat in the house.