49. New Hampshire Sisters

Today is my FAVORITE day of the year- because my little sister Carlin Lister Roland was born. When I was a little girl I would relentlessly BEG my parents for just not any sibling, but specially a baby sister. 26 years ago she was born and my life changed forever. I dedicate this post to her and all that she gives to the world.

This past August I was lucky enough to go home to our childhood home in New Hampshire for a week to spend time with family. It had been 10 months since I had been back. Carly was leaving to grad school in London (YAH SIS!!) 2 weeks later so we were especially grateful to have the time together. Here I share the pictures of that trip and all that it held for us. Williard Pond, porch meals, Diego cuddles, mini golf, Margaritas Restaurant, Rosalee's, deck fires, lunch dates and the best going away present from Carly. Thank you Dad, Mom, Carly and Diego XOXOX

Pictures show that trip, the words of this post I want to focus on Carly. She is a person I wish that everyone in this world gets to meet. If you know me at all, you know she is the center of my world. The way she lives gives light to everyone she encounters.

Her close friends and family would all agree it is hard to find enough good words to fully describe her. Ever since she was little, she has had this SPARKLE, GLOW and GLEAM in her eyes at all times. Her gentleness, understanding, authenticity, calmness and compassion is given to each person and animal she encounters. She has a peace, centeredness and love that makes you feel at home when being with her. Carly's genuine acceptance of all on this earth is truly admirable by all. I admire her holding this light in her core no matter what she has faced in life. She is at a point in her life where health, passion, calmness, happiness and adventure is beaming out of her. That light is so bright, I promise you feel it the minute you meet her. She's a total beauty which you'll notice right away too ;)

As sisters, we admittedly have been through a ton in life and she has stuck with me through it all. I admit that I haven't always been the easiest person yet she has always given me the most grace and forgiveness. She is the one person who has stuck with me whole-heartedly through literally EVERYTHING in my life- a gift that I am truly grateful for every single day. Through ALL of the steps, adventures, ideas, relationships, ups, downs, rollercoasters, chapters in my life, she has unconditionally supported me with ALL of her love. Her understanding of when life gets hard is an unbelievable compassion.

Most of my favorite life chapters started by a wild idea, Carly saying YES DO IT, others doubting it, her standing by my side and it being an amazing adventure. She has a gentle way with her words, texts and calls to make me feel grounded. She makes me giggle like a child no matter what and forever gives me a comfort of home no matter where we are in the world. Her sass and love for adventure has always brightened life too- this is in all of my favorite childhood and adult memories. "No one will know!"

She is currently pursuing her dreams in grad school in London. I couldn't be more proud of how she lives and all of her accomplishments. As her big sister, I look up to her as a big sister. I admire everything in her and get all teary writing this. She is way less cheesy than I am so I try to avoid being too mushy ;) HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARLY! I wish you the brightest, most beautiful year ahead yet. Enjoy your best friends visiting you in London and make sure to be ready to celebrate with me in just FLorida in 5 weeks!!! 'TE AMO MI HERMANA!'

She so often sends texts like this with the best words. Please be a writer someday, promise?

(the classic picture where I make you balance on the shaking fence to get 'the pic' and Dad almost faints)

perfect place to nap- with your neck under the rocker ;) love you diegy.

(sorry sis, the Margaritas & memory were too cute so had to include the pic :P)

Carly, final thought, always, always remember the cool way to use a rolling suitcase ;)