Back when they'd smile on cue

I found an old video of the kids setting up at the market. They were about 8, if I'm counting right.

Back then, if I asked them to say hi, they said hi. If I asked them to smile, they smiled. They were so excited to "help."

They'd argue about who got to check people out (that lasted about a year 😄), run off to the park, then come back and help pack up.

We used to listen to Moth Radio on the drive back from St. Augustine, then head straight to the AB market — back when it was on Saturdays from 2–5.

Remember those days?

Those days feel very far and very close at the same time.

A lot has changed since then.

Today, the twins — turning 16 next month — ran the St. Augustine market on their own, without their big sister. I wanted to send my mom with them, but they didn't want that.

"We have to learn, Mom."

And they will.

They don't smile as freely as they did back then, but they still wake up at 5am, load both market vehicles, and work a long shift every Saturday.

In that old video, notice the ONE cooler in the back. That was everything.

Now we send out 24 coolers every weekend.

It's been steady growth. And it's only possible because you've shown up, week after week, helping us empty them.

We're under contract for a building right now. Still very early, but it's happening.

None of this would have been possible without your steady support. Truly, thank you from the bottom of my heart. 🥹

Punita