Stephani -- It's your day!

My cousin, Stephani, is celebrating a birthday today! I decided to pull out some treasured photos taken by our family members from years ago... {Yes, I did this, Steph!} I hope you won't mind that I am highlighting some of our shared times together as young children, but mostly they are of you and your life. Today I honor you, on your birthday. You are like a sister to me. I want you to know how much you are loved. This lady has the best sense of humor. We have always been able to laugh together and share secrets and triumphs too. I am grateful for your honesty, friendship, but most of all, love. I love you, Steph. Have a beautiful birthday! Celebrate life, enjoy simple pleasures, and love fearlessly. Here's to you! Cheers!!!

photo by Barb Liszcz {my 3 girls photography}

photo by Barb Liszcz {my 3 girls photography}

Remembering our canoeing, rafting trips ... so much fun for us.
Our beloved Poppop ...

You and your mommy

in Hawaii ...

You and your daddy

The 3 musketeers :)

this is my favorite ... just look at that beaming smile!

You've come a long way, baby... photo by Barb Liszcz {my 3 girls photography}

Wishing you a day filled with love, laughter and light. So much that it spills over abundantly into your new year. May you find adventure, new beginnings and peace.

I love you, Steph.

All my love,

always,

Barb

photo by Barb Liszcz {my 3 girls photography}

Sisters

Sisters. The word alone conjurs thoughts of an intimate bond between girls; one that is filled with laughter, giggles, tears, heartache - a life together, yet somehow separate. A childhood filled with shared memories {although not always identical}. At times I feel that my sister picks up where I leave off, and vice versa. She is the only one who knows the deepest places of my soul {sorry hubby, you don't pass GO on this one}. Whenever I need someone to right me, put me in my place, or lift me up, it's my sister that comes to my rescue. I can always count on her to tell it to me straight. How fortunate I am. How fortunate are women to know this bond between the female kind. For we are stronger, wiser for the relationships we form. I love my sister. I love you, Laura. I hope my girls are fortunate enough to form the same kind of bond that we have.

Did I mention that my sister lives roughly 1000 miles away? She is a wandering, travelling spirit, so, I'm thankful that she's at least living on the eastern seaboard of North America. I'll count my blessings where I may. We don't get many chances to spend quality time together: we are both full-time moms juggling schedules and households. I had a window of opportunity to take my 2 young girls for a visit, and I jumped on it! Plus, we needed an excuse to celebrate my sister's 40th birthday! We managed to squeeze a lot in our short visit - all worthwhile and immensely special. Please enjoy a few shots of my dearest loved ones while we visited Daytona Beach, FL.

I like the beach, Mama!

sand art

Picnic time at Ponce Inlet lighthouse Beach Park...

and time to play too!

lighthouse at Ponce Inlet {Daytona Beach}

the sweet and silly, Aria

look what I found!

sisters...

good bye, mighty Atlantic Ocean, for now...

Thanks for viewing!

If you are interested in seeing the entire collection, please visit my gallery at:

http://my3girls.smugmug.com/Family/Daytonabeach/13857951_5GwYD/

Your comments are always welcomed and appreciated. Let me know what you are thinking. Are you fortunate to have a sister in your life (either blood related or not)?

peace & love,

Barb