Once upon a time there was a big sister. She had a little (babycarrot) sister, whom she loved very much and who was often called a miniature version of her, the big sister. Big sister didn’t think she was a miniature version of anything, she being the most independent and capable woman big sister had ever known. Big sister remembered her babycarrot sister when she was younger, and remembered that even back then she was independent and strong. Big sister would look out for her, wanted to protect her, from everything, but most of the time little sister didn’t need protection, because she was smart, and funny, and all wasn’t afraid of much at all.

Big sister grew up, as did little sister only eighteen months behind her, and for awhile big sister moved away, to fill her brain with knowledge she thought would only be valuable if it was gained in another state, in another place.

After many adventures in the great unknown of Oregon, good adventures and bad adventures, big sister came home to little sister, so much did she miss her, so much better was home for big sister just then.

Big sister had forgotten how many blessings there were to be enjoyed at home, like hot tea with family and her little sister’s company. Big sister went to live with little sister and her friends, and they became big sister’s friends, too. It was a hard time for big sister, but being with little sister strengthened her resolve and helped her remember who she was, who she wanted to be.

Years passed and the two sisters had many memorable days, weeks, and months together. They made homemade scones and laughed until their sides hurt, celebrated birthdays together and got to know beloved family who were more amazing and hilarious than they ever could have imagined.

Little sister watched as big sister traveled to Russia and finished her degree at a local university. Big sister watched as little sister spent a summer working in Virginia, finished her degree too, and made very good chai.

Little sister watched big sister make some serious blunders with boys, until the day she found her footing and met a man that talked gently and wisely and made her laugh. Big sister watched little sister meet the man she was going to marry and when they did walk hand in hand toward forever big sister didn’t even cry, which for her was unheard of, but instead she smiled and felt as if her heart was bursting with pure joy.

One year and one month later little sister stood beside big sister as she professed in front of God and her beloved wedding party to love and adore the handsome and gentle man she loved so greatly, and who stood before her, promising to love her, too, even when she turned old and gray, even after she made him lift endless boxes of her heavy books.

Through it all big sister and little sister were one another’s biggest fans.

The end, which is not really an end at all but rather a bed-time story introduction to pictures I took while babycarrot sister and brother Will were here for the day yesterday, after they brought us homemade hummus (so good), coffee, and Korean drinkable aloe, and before we had Korean cuisine for lunch and Indian cuisine for dinner, and my taste buds exploded from the sheer heavenly flavors and culinary wonder.

Theresa meets Iggy:

And makes a slobbery friend for life:

Happy! Korean Lunch:

And then, for dessert, a dramatic return to Saint Cupcake, because it, was indeed, as it so often is, cupcake time:

After cupcakes and great conversation, a long walk and Trader Joe’s, many hugs and many a bag of organic groceries, they all lived happily ever after.