Long-lost sisters in a long-lost post

These picture are from way back at the start of July when my older sister, Rebecca, and two of her children (Rhett and Miriam) came to visit from Texas. My younger sister, Sr. Ilaria (formerly known as Martha) coincided her visit with that of Rebecca's to produce an occasion that last occurred nine years ago when Dave and I got married: the three of us together. Our mom and dad also joined us: Dad for one day and Mom for the week.

It was really amazing for me to see in-person Rebecca as a mother. I had yet to meet any of her children (still haven't met her wonderful husband); but, thanks to blogs and the telephone, I really didn't feel like I hadn't seen her in such a long time. However, it was great to see her in her motherly role (she has many others) - one that she performs with great skill and, above all, love.

I just love this photo of Sr. I.
Towards the end of the visit Rebecca's husband, Nathan, attempted to upstage Dave. He sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers with a simple note attached telling Rebecca that he loves her. The strangest thing was that the doorbell never rang; one of the kids simply found the bouquet lying on the floor inside the front door. Rebecca and Nathan also spoke on the phone for, on average, an hour each day. This was a real witness to me of how much they love one another and how great their friendship is.
Rhett and Joseph on the swing. The little boys got along wonderfully and took Rhett in as one more brother.
I attempted twins again (Miriam and Isaac are 4 months apart in age).
The twinning was disastrous: Isaac bore with it while Miriam protested loudly. This photo is totally staged. Hannah took it while we attempted to mind Miriam while Rebecca caught a quick nap. Singletons know that they were born that way.
Relaxing on the deck.
Trouble brewing: guns, brothers and beer.
The gun was passed over into more appropriate hands - those of a native-born Texan.
Hannah and her charge, little Miriam. These two girl cousins just loved each other. Actually, Hannah absolutely adored her Aunt Rebecca. Aunt Rebecca is feminine in a way that I am not. She brings cowboy boots, blingy jeans and high heels with flowers on them when she comes to visit. None of this was lost on little Hannah whom I found practising on high heels in the garage. My Birkenstocks clearly don't elicit the same reaction.
As Dave says when he looks at this picture: can the three of you be any different? As my dad calls us: Orange Bear, Blonde Bear and Brown Bear - with one Mama Bear and two cublets. Hopefully the time 'til the next visit won't be measured in years.