The summer season is our time to reset and relax from the busy school year. We embrace the slow pace of summer and look forward to making core memories with some of our favorite people. We feel incredibly fortunate to have found such a wonderful group of friends. Sharing all of its ups and downs as we navigate the journey of parenthood together. Everyone in our group encourages, motivates, and inspires each other to be the best versions of ourselves for our families. When we’re together, it feels like one big, chaotic, and beautiful family. When they say, ‘It takes a village,’ I understand exactly what they mean. I am forever grateful for our village.
To my Summer Sisters,
As we all slow down and enjoy the spontaneity of summer please know this; raising our children together is the best life upgrade I have ever experienced. Watching them effortlessly form meaningful friendships with each other reassures us that we’ve done everything right as a group. Our Village, made up of the most incredible humans, is the most supportive, caring, and inspiring group of people. We are so lucky to be part of it. It is truly a gift to have a bonus set of adults my boys can look up to as role models.
Summer, with its delightful lack of structure, seems to be slipping away faster than I’d like. I’m determined to savor every sun-kissed day for as long as possible. As we gather around the pool, sharing stories and advice while our kids splash and laugh, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for this sisterhood. I’m immensely thankful for our ability to support each other. Whether it’s trading off full days when we have to work. Or volunteering to take all the kids so others can tackle their to-do lists without interruption.
I appreciate the willingness we all have to drop everything when one of our sisters sends out ‘the bat call’ and to plan an emergency girls’ night on a whim to make sure everyone is okay with our recipe of snacks, wine & sour patch watermelons always making an appearance. It’s in these moments of unwavering solidarity that we show the depth of our connection and the strength of our friendship.
We were not meant to parent alone, and this group is proof of that. We discipline each other’s kids, explaining why they shouldn’t do certain things, and inspiring them to learn by explaining how things work the way they do. The kids share their abundant knowledge about animals, the ‘new way’ they teach math, and keep us up to speed on new slang words like ‘suss’ while we contribute our own individual talents and strengths, demonstrating the value of being unique. We love them all as if they were our own, and we know they trust us and feel safe with us. This, my friends, is the true definition of a village.
Thank you for all the days and nights filled with fun, the leisurely strolls around town, the spontaneous playground excursions, and all the heartfelt conversations and meaningful connections in between. There are still so many adventures to embark on, so many stories to share, and so many moments to cherish. Your friendships will continue to be a source of joy, strength, and inspiration. Thank you for being a part of my life. For sharing in the sunshine and sentiments of this beautiful season. Here’s to many more summers filled with laughter, love, and core memories.
With gratitude beyond words,
Tina 
To my 7 sisters K,E,K,L,A,P,M (who inspired The Herd), thank you all for being my elephants and being my continuous circle of love and support.
