Trying to come up with specific memories of my sister is hard to do. I'm sure if you asked her to come up with detailed memories of our childhood, like what she wore the first day of school in third grade, she would be able to tell you :) That's one of the things I love most about Stac. She is a human crystal ball that can recall so many memories of our childhood, most that make me laugh and smile and sometimes cry. Im lucky to have her.

The very first memory that I have of my sister is the day that they brought home Beau from the hospital. I remember her short hairstyle with the signature bangs. I believe she had on a white tank top with flowers on it that showed her cute little rolls on her arms when she reached for Beau. She was so excited and then the second she held him her face changed. She was ready to hand him back ha

My childhood memories of Stac often go back to all the trips and time we spent in Roswell with the family, which are my best memories spending so much time with Gramps and Grammy and our cousins. I remember how much Stac loved the color green because it was Grammy's favorite color (whom she adored) and how most of the time Stac spent in Roswell was with Erica. They were always together and were always funny together making cakes that tasted like acid or banging their heads against a wall singing cooka Rocha. I remember a night we stayed at Aunt Beckys house and it was storming the night we slept over. Stac and I were always scaredy cats while Meredith and Erica were not. There was a picture of Cramer in their living room that spooked Stac and I that night. I think that might of been one of first ever all nighters ha....we didn't sleep much.

For some reason first grade for Stacie really stand out in my mind. I know that was one of her favorite years and she absolutely loved Ms. Rodriguez. I remember being so jealous when she came home and told me she had a reading loft in her room. I might be making this part up, but I also remember that was the year Stacie got to go see Home Alone for her class field trip and I went to see Aladdin and I was jealous of her once again ha. And you can't forget her favorite Dalmation shirt she wore

When I think of summers in our childhood I remember Stac always had the best tan. I don't know why that sticks out in my mind, but it does. She loved the pool, so that could have something to do with the amazing tan. I remember her in the pool and she would play pool games with everyone, but she was totally content doing flips underwater by herself and keeping herself entertained. Now having my own kids, she remind me a lot of my Ben. The middle child who is easy going and able to go with the flow. I love that about Ben and Im sure my parents loved that about Stac. 

As we got older and we moved to the east coast, we spent less summers in New Mexico and more in Maryland. The transition summer between Louisiana and Maryland was a summer that really sticks out in my mind.  Of course it was hard because not only were we in the hardest and most awkward years, but we were trying to find a place to live. Looking back I would say that Stac and I share a special bond that many other siblings don't. That summer was the summer of us, just hanging out. Spending many hours at Aunt Nancy's house watching Forrest Gump and Wallflowers and Hanson music videos on repeat :) it was a summer of lots of unknowns, but I really don't remember any fighting amongst Stac and I. We made the most of that summer and in a way I am glad we had that time. 

Now Stacie's post college years get a little fuzzy, but what I do remember about this time is how Stacie really came into her own and had so many experiences. One of many things I admire about my sister, is that she took chances during this pivotal time in life. She traveled for the first time a broad and saw so many things that opened her eyes to the world and how she wanted to live her life. I wish I would have taken that chance and was brave like she was. When she came back from Australia with her cute bob haircut I was beyond envious. I always wanted to cut my hair short and she did it. I have a vivid memory of her holding a koala or some sort of animal like that with her short bob and it was pure joy on her face. I remember being so happy for her, that she had that experience and that time to really figure out what she wanted out of life.

She has always been there for me from helping me make baby books, to putting flyer together for the kids school programs, to pretty much writing my thesis for my Masters..I can always count on her to help me with the things I know Im not good at but she is.

Everybody remembers their wedding day. Might not remember every detail and what was said, but you do remember how you felt. I couldn't tell you every word from Stacie's speech, but I remember it being heartfelt, very funny, and spot on (and there was a Chuck Norris reference). She has always had a way with words and putting them on paper, but I remember that I felt special and she was able to capture Ryan and I's relationship so perfectly.

Now many years later a lot has happened. For me, our newest memories are made with not only Stac and I but with our husbands and my kids. They love their aunt and uncle and look forward to every year when we get to do grab bag and just hang with you guys for a few days. My kids are getting older and we are excited to start traveling with them soon and our first stop abroad will be to visit Stac and Kyle and create even more core memories not only for us but for my kids to have some wonderful childhood memories with the best sister and aunt. Love you Stac