In 1985, Karin Scholtz took a picture of her triplets, Peter, Mark, and Dennis, on their first birthday.
Little did she know this one photo would lead to 33 years of the boys posing together, showing how much their personalities changed throughout the years.
It Started On Their First Birthday
The triplets' photo series began in 1985 during their first birthday. The tradition was actually unintentional, with their mom, Karin, just wanting to snap a picture of her boys while their tiny hands were stuffing cake into their mouths.
But posing in front of a birthday sign soon became an annual occurrence for Peter, Mark, and Dennis.
Turning Two Means Soccer Jerseys And Smiles
When their second birthday came around, Karin made another sign for the boys. This time, they were a bit more aware of what was going on around them and were more than happy to line up and pose for the camera.
With their blonde hair and soccer jerseys, the two-year-old triplets were all smiles!
Birthday #3 Is When The Photo Turned Into A Tradition
It wasn't until their third birthday that Karin decided to make the annual birthday picture a tradition with her boys. In fact, they were the inspiration, as they were waiting for their picture to be taken together with their sign.
With matching Snoopy sweaters, Peter, Mark, and Dennis sat on the couch with their sign, smiling wide for the camera.
Age Four: Their Personalities Began To Show
When it was finally Peter, Mark, and Dennis' fourth birthday, the triplets were headed to their first year of school. But the tradition went on, with their birthday sign at the ready and matching outfits. At least, two of them matched.
This was also the birthday that their personalities began shining through, with Mark and Dennis on top of a playset and Peter lying down. Still, all three boys are smiling.
Their Fifth Birthday Was Tough
Birthday number five was a bit sad for the boys, as seen by the concern on their faces. This is the year their mother, Karin, was battling Parkinson's Disease. Still, she wanted to celebrate her triplet's fifth birthday with their annual traditions.
She made her sons their cake, matching sweaters, and took a picture of them with their yearly sign.
They Were Back To Smiling During Their Sixth Birthday
Their sixth birthday had the boys smiling once again. All three of them were doing well in school, they were making friends, and their mom was doing a bit better. They were once again excited to take their annual birthday picture.
Of course, what's a birthday picture without their matching sweaters!
Matching Sweaters Were So Last Year -- Birthday #7
The boys were growing up, and when it was finally time to take their traditional birthday picture, something changed. It was their seventh birthday, and Peter, Mark, and Dennis did something a bit different.
This was the first year the triplets didn't wear matching sweaters! Instead, they opted for overalls with different sweaters underneath.
Their Eighth Birthday Was The Last In Their House
When the boys eighth birthday rolled around, they stuck with their new tradition of different sweaters. While the polka dot pattern was the same, they decided to sport different colors.
Sadly, a month after their birthday photo was taken, their house burned to the ground, thanks to a gas leak. It was a difficult time for everyone.
Birthday #9 Was Somewhere New
For a while, the boys and their mom lived with their neighbor, Wilma. She actually helped Karin with the boys' ninth birthday sign for their photo! Soon, the small family moved to a trailer, waiting until their home was rebuilt.
It would take a year, but the boys and their mom eventually were able to move back in.
Peter Took Their Tenth Birthday Picture
The boys were growing up so fast. When it was time for their tenth birthday, they decided to try something new. Peter had saved up his money and bought a camera.
So, setting the timer, the boys grabbed their annual birthday sign and took their traditional photo with Peter's new camera!
A Girl Came Into The Picture During Their 11th Birthday
He might have just turned 11, but Peter was apparently a little ladies' man! He was the first brother to have a girlfriend. He and Eva would meet after school while Peter and Dennis ran around, causing a bit of trouble, as 11-year-olds do.
Even so, they snapped their annual picture with two straight faces and one with a sarcastic-looking smirk.
Peter Was Diagnosed With Epilepsy During Their 12th Birthday
Birthday number 12 was a bit difficult for the triplets. While Mark and Dennis were getting ready to transition into high school, Peter was in and out of doctors' offices.
That year, he was diagnosed with epilepsy and would have random seizures that would keep him out of school for days at a time. Even so, the brothers took their annual picture and were all smiles.
Their 13th Birthday Saw Peter Separated From His Brothers
Unfortunately, when the brothers' 13th birthday came around, Peter's parents decided it would be best for him to stay back in elementary school while his brothers made their way up to high school.
New experiences brought on his seizures and moving from one school to another definitely fit the bill.
Peter Finally Made It To High School By Their 14th Birthday
By the time the boys turned 14, Peter was ready to join his brothers in high school. As one of the smartest kids in class, Peter seamlessly transitioned from one school to the other. It was also made easier now that he was back with his brothers.
Now that they're full-fledged teens, though, their annual picture saw the boys with tight-lipped smiles a la teenage angst.
They Were Put Back In The Same Grade By Birthday #15
By the time the brothers turned 15, Peter was put back into the same grade as Mark and Dennis. He was very smart and willing to put in the work, something that clearly paid off.
Their annual picture came and went. And, this time, there were bead necklaces thrown into the mix! Clearly, it was the 90s.
It Was All About Hair Dye For Their 16th Birthday
It was clear that the boys were well into their teenage rebellion phase when their 16th birthday came around. In their traditional picture, it looks as though two of the three triplets decided to do a bit of experimenting with hair dye!
On the left, peter is rocking some red locks while Mark dyed his hair dark black.
They Were Making Their Way Through Their 17th Birthday
The boys were still making their way through high school when it came time to celebrate their 17th birthday. It was also the time where they decided to give up the hair dye and long hair!
Each of the boys actually sported a pretty similar look in their annual photo, including their casual style.
18 Years Old And Looking Towards The Future
The brothers graduated from high school by the time they turned 18. Each of them decided they wanted to go on to higher learning, with Mark wanting to become a teacher and Dennis a sports masseur.
Peter, on the other hand, wanted to go to school and study to become an architect.
Just Before They Turned 19, Peter Had An Episode
Peter had been safe from epileptic episodes for a few years. Unfortunately, right before the triplets were set to turn 19, he had one of the worst attacks in his life.
Thankfully, someone was there to help Peter get through the seizure, but the scare had a lasting effect on Peter's life.
The Brothers Moved To Berlin During Their 20th Birthday
During his last episode, Peter developed anxiety about being alone. So, by the time the brothers turned 20, Mark and Dennis decided to move to Berlin to be with Peter.
They were all over the country by this point, working on their respective studies. But Peter needed them, and they didn't hesitate to be there for him.
They Were Together For Their 21st Birthday
The brothers were together for their 21st birthday, living and studying their respective courses in Berlin. Even though they were getting into their early 20s, nothing was stopping them from doing their annual birthday photo!
With the sign they'd had since they were little, the boys posed for yet another picture.
22 Saw The Boys With Some Dark Hair
When their 22nd birthday rolled around, Peter, Mark, and Dennis were still living and studying in Berlin. Still, they stopped what they were doing and posed once again from their traditional birthday picture.
Each of the boy's hair was a bit darker this year, with Peter getting a trim before growing his long locks out.
The Boys Graduated And Moved Back Home At 23
The boys turned 23 in 2008. Finally, they had each completed their studies. It was supposed to be a fun time for them. Sadly, their mom, Karin, recently learned she had a malignant tumor in her intestines.
With hesitation, the three boys moved back home to take care of their mother.
They Were Taking Care Of Their Mom At 24
While the boys were taking care of their mother in the house they grew up in, Peter's girlfriend, Suzan, also came to help. Together, all four of the "kids" took care of Karin.
And taking care of Karin meant sticking with tradition and snapping a birthday photo of her three boys.
Brotherly Hugs To Celebrate 25
Even with the ups and downs of their mother's illness, she and the boys were a close-knit group and made the best out of the situation. They were all still living at the house they spent many years growing up in and Suzane had moved in full-time.
Of course, the boys also took the time to snap their traditional birthday picture.
26 = Long Hair, Don't Care
When Peter, Mark, and Dennis turned 26, two of the three brothers sported very long hair! Peter was even rocking a ponytail and headband while Mark had solid curly locks almost down to his chin.
One thing remained constant, though, the boys grabbed their birthday sign and took a picture.
When The Boys Turned 27, Karin Passed Away
Sadly, Karin passed away from colon cancer when the boys turned 27. The brothers inherited the house, deciding to live there together since it was plenty big enough.
And when Peter and Suzan found out they were pregnant, they couldn't have been happier that their child would grow up in the same house as him.
Noah Was Born On The Brothers' 28th Year
Peter and Suzan's son Noah was born on April 23, 2013, and the two parents couldn't have been more thrilled. While Peter was very happy and excited to be a father, Mark and Dennis were even more elated about being uncles for the first time.
But even in the middle of a huge life event, the brothers still made time for their birthday picture.
They Got Into A Routine By 29
By the time the brothers turned 29, they were getting into a bit of a routine. Peter was a new father, Mark and Dennis uncles, and they were all working full-time jobs while living at the house they grew up in.
Before they even knew it, the three of them were going to hit another milestone -- their 30s.
Their 30th Birthday Was A Huge Celebration
When Peter, Mark, and Dennis, hit 30 years old, they celebrated by throwing a huge party with all of their closest friends.
Not only was the age a huge milestone for the triplets, but it was also the age Peter married Suzan, the love of his life and the mother of his son.
The Future Was Looking Bright At 31
By the time the triplets rolled on over to the age of 31, they were looking forward to their futures. They were still living in their house, they had a baby to dote on, and great friends surrounded them.
On top of that, they'd been able to uphold their birthday picture tradition without skipping a year!
The Brothers Were Happy At 32
Peter, Mark, and Dennis were all happy and living their best lives by the time their 32nd birthday rolled around. Better yet, they still had the birthday sign their mother had made for them all of those years ago.
So, they did what they did every year, posing in front of the camera with big smiles on their faces holding the sign.
33 And Thriving!
The final photo on their journey sees the brothers at 33 with a hopeful smile on their faces. They have been through so many ups and downs, and the future continues to look bright.
We wonder what's next for the brothers? As the years go on, it's crazy to imagine what the brothers will look like in the future.
Looking Snazzy At 34
Going into their 34th birthday, the triplets once again did their annual photo. This time, they all look way more similar than in the past years!
While the two brothers on the end kept their hairstyles, the one in the middle decided it was time to join the group, growing his hair out a bit longer.
The Hair Got Longer At 35
For their 35th photograph, the triplet brothers all look as though they made a pack -- grow their curly hair out for the following year and let it hang loose and not back in a ponytail!
From 34 to 35, each of the brothers looks as though they let their locks fly free.
36 = Some New Styles And Some Old
From 35 to 36, people might notice something very similar. The brother in the center of the image is actually wearing the exact same outfit!
Well, that's pretty much where the similarities end, as the two brothers on each end grew their hair out a whole lot, including one brother needing a headband.
Four Sisters Take The Same Photo For 40 Years—And The Results Are Heartwarming
Photographer Nicholas Nixon, the husband to Bebe Brown, took a photo of his wife and her three sisters Heather, Mimi, and Laurie, in 1975—the year Jaws swept American film audiences off their feet. A theme in Nixon's project that stays consistent is that he offers no caption for the photo other than the date and location.
This allows the audience to speculate about who the sisters grow up to be and where their lives take them. Here, from left to right is Heather, Mimi, Bebe, and Laurie. The sisters were (in no particular order) twenty-five, twenty-three, fifteen, and twenty-one.
1976, Saw Some Matching Happening
Whether the sisters are aware of it or not, they often match for these photos. They often choose to wear clothes with similar cuts, prints, and styles. However, Laurie and Bebe look like they're wearing the exact same dress.
They could've done this as a joke—which shows an unexpectedly playful side of the sisters in these serious portraits. This goes in line with the comical nature of the year since, in '76, BBC convinced listeners that a planetary alignment would decrease gravity on earth shortly. Many called in saying they felt it.
1977, Do You Think The Sisters Were Star Wars Fans?
In 1977, Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, was released to box office acclaim and many Americans were caught up in the fandom fever. "May the force be with you" was one of the most popular quotes of the year.
I can't see any Star Wars merchandise on the sisters, nor any Princess Leia hair buns, but they could've very well been fans of the series. Reportedly, the future director of Titanic, James Cameron, quit his job as a truck driver after seeing the movie.
1978, The Sisters Probably Saw Grease
In 1978, the memorable John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John movie Grease came out and took America by storm. So did National Lampoon's Animal House—much to the chagrin of many parents.
I can't see if the sisters are wearing leather pants, but they very well could be there. Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac were also immensely popular during this time, so the sisters could've very well been into the more bohemian scene than the Grease one.
1979, On The Brink Of A New Decade
The sisters were gearing up to ring in the new decade by taking another commemorative photo. The top song of the year in '79 was My Sharona by The Knack, so they could've very well been listening to it as they posed.
It's so interesting to see that, even 40 years later, the outfits the women are wearing are still fashions you could see someone wearing today. It just goes to show that neither style nor sisterly love has changed all that much.
1980, The Brown Sisters Looked Joyful Here
Instead of photographing the women in the serious way that he had been doing, Nixon seems to have caught the women in a moment they were enjoying each other's company.
I wonder if they were celebrating a happy event and that's the reason for the switch up? Maybe there was a wedding or a graduation happening in a sister's life. We'll never know, but it's nice to see them happy.
1981, These Women Were Probably Thinking About Working As Adults
It'll blow your mind, but the minimum wage back in 1981 was $3.10/hour. Today, for comparison, it's $7.25. The Brown sisters, all in their 20s, except for Bebe, could've all been working minimum wage jobs at the time of the photo.
For comparison, a bag of Lays chips was $1.98 back then and today they're $2.98. So minimum wage more than doubled and Lays chips went up 50%. It's good to see our wages are increasing as the costs of living are too.
1982, It Looked Like A Cold Day For The Browns
A fun fact about 1982 is that Sony Walkmans were about $130. This is crazy if you think about it, since today, Sony's MP3 Walkman players range anywhere from $100-$4000.
We can clearly see that the Brown sisters are all bundled up in winter gear here, so it's interesting that Nixon chose to shoot them outside on a cold day. Maybe they were vacationing this time and he wanted to capture the moment and thought the chilly photo was fitting for his collection.
1983, Jenga Was Introduced—Do You Think They Were Playing It?
In 1983, Jenga, that iconic toppling stacking block game, was introduced at the London Toy Fair. I wonder if the Brown sisters heard about the new toy and wanted to get their hands on it. I'm also curious who'd be the best at Jenga.
I really enjoy what Nixon has the sister's doing here—having Heather and Laurie closer to the camera in a semi-circle gives the effect like the viewer is a part of the women's conversation. It's a unique way to communicate how personal these photos are.
1984, We Can Almost See Nixon
Today it looks like we've interrupted the sisters during a day at the beach—see the sand and water behind them? This is one of the only photographs where we can almost see what Nixon looks like. I wonder why he chose to include a shadowy version of himself in this sunny photo?
An interesting fact about 1984 is that Baby on Board stickers in cars had just begun to gain popularity since they help emergency workers identify babies in emergency situations.
1985, It's Been An Entire Decade Of Photos!
It's crazy to think, but the Brown sisters and Nixon have been at this project for an entire decade! The sisters are now (in no particular order) thirty-five, thirty-three, twenty-five, and thirty-one. How time flies!
Another crazy piece of history from that year was that this was the year that "New Coke" was introduced by Coca Cola. It lasted until 2002—thankfully, they haven't discontinued my favorite yet, Cherry Coke.
1986, Up Close And Personal
Instead of showing us a full picture of the sister's 80s fashion, Nixon takes the viewer up close and personal with the sisters. They all look pretty happy too—I wonder if something good happened that they can't wait to tell the viewer about.
The top song this year was the hit, That's what friends are for by Dionne Warwick. It's an awesome song, but photos like these make me wonder if they should release a sister-themed version...
1987, Mimi And Bebe Take Center Stage
I'm curious what Nixon's motive was here for placing his wife Bebe (right) and Mimi the closest to the camera in this shot. Maybe it was a big year for the two of them—if only we knew what, and if, they were celebrating.
This fun fact about '87 will make you happy—a can of Campbell's soup was priced at 99 cents. Luckily, inflation didn't work its magic totally and we can often still find these for this price today.
1988, '80s Prints Coming In Strong
Look at Laurie! she's rocking the cheetah print! This is the only hint of the signature '80s bold patterns and prints that we've seen the sisters participate in. I'm glad she wore this shirt—though, I'd like to know what color the cheetah print is. I'm hoping for neon pink.
This year the movie Rain Man was released—I wonder if any of the women went to see it. They might not have seen Scooby-Doo though since the animated movies went on a brief hiatus due to bad audience reception.
1989, Heather Was Hiding
Heather's hiding in the background, almost completely hidden by Mimi in the foreground. I wonder if she could've been pregnant in the photo and Nixon didn't want to show that. If that's the case, maybe his reasoning was to keep the viewers from drawing assumptions about their lives outside of the photos.
The Sony Walkman also decreased in price this year—shooting down from $130 in 1982 to $79 in 1989. Personally, I wish they would've stayed that cheap.
1990, It Was A Cold Day At The Beginning Of The Decade
Not only is it the start to the greatest and "grungiest" decade yet, but it also saw the sisters embracing each other on a cold winter day. I like how, despite all of them being individuals, they sometimes wear similar things that subtly show their sisterly bond. Today, it's Mimi and Bebe in denim and Heather and Laurie in fleece.
1990 was the year that the first crash between two cars with airbags occurred. Both drivers walked away with minor injuries in a crash that would've been fatal without airbags.
1991, You Can Really Tell They're Sisters Here
Sometimes, when people are younger, it can be harder to see family resemblances. But now that the Brown sisters have been taking these photos for over 15 years, you can really start to see how similar they look. I'm having trouble telling Mimi, Heather, and Laurie apart.
The hit 1991 Nirvana song (do you think the Brown women liked Nirvana?) Smells Like Teen Spirit was named after an actual deodorant. Apparently, Kurt Cobain's girlfriend wore "Teen Spirit."
1992, Could Mimi Be Pregnant?
If there's one thing we know, it's that Nixon seems very specific with the way that he wants the Brown women posed. It seems like he wants to give the audience clues about what the sister's lives are like without being obvious about it.
The way that Heather is holding and looking at Mimi's stomach makes me think that she might be pregnant. Laurie also seems to be looking at Mimi too, which makes me think Nixon is dropping clues Mimi is the one in focus here. We'll never know though...
1993, Looks Like The Browns Stayed Up Late For This Shot
While most of the pictures of the women look like they were taken in the middle of the day, this one looks like it was taken at night with a flash. The women look like they're in light summer sweaters to stay warm as the sun sets.
Hopefully, this was a creative choice and not one that happened because Nixon couldn't get a shot all day that he liked. I'm sure that's not the case—after almost twenty years of photos, the sisters are definitely practiced models.
1994, The Women Cozied Up To The Cameras
The sisters have taken a similar photo to this one! Back in 1986, eight years ago, Nixon posed the sisters in a close-up indoor shot like this one. I wonder if similar events happened those years or if they were visiting the same place.
A big event that happened in 1994 was that at Woodstock, Green Day was performing and they started a massive mud fight. The band and the stage was so covered in mud that guitarist Mike Dirnt was mistaken for a fan, thrown off-stage, and lost teeth after being punched by a security guard. Maybe the Browns attended.
1995, Big Hugs All Around
Something I've noticed about Nixon is that he's careful not to show the sisters with a lot of jewelry on—specifically wedding rings. Even though he's married to Bebe, we haven't seen her wearing her ring in many years, if at all. Maybe she lost it?
A not-so-fun fact about the year is that 37 Americans were killed by vending machines falling over onto them. Maybe this number would be reduced if machines would finally accept bills that are slightly wrinkled.
1996 Featured Some Dramatic Lighting
Back in 1984, the Browns took a similar photo where Nixon's shadow appeared on them. 12 years later, that's the case again! I'm curious why Nixon chose this year to present himself again, and what the meaning behind his shadow almost covering his wife Bebe's face is.
To many parent's chagrin, in 1996, "Tickle Me Elmo" was introduced into the market. I'm sure I don't have to remind many parents, that day is already engraved in their minds.
1997, The Year Princess Diana Passed
This photo looks like the sisters are a folk band or pop stars with windswept hair. Though, I'm sure nobody actually hauled a wind machine to wherever they took this photo.
This is the same year that Princess Diana tragically died in a car crash in Paris. I wonder if the reason why the sisters are dressed in black and monochrome colors is that they're fans of the royals and had recently heard the sad news.
1998, Bebe Is Featured Front And Center
I think it's beautiful how the three sisters look like they're rallying around Bebe and supporting her as she stands front and center. They all look happy, except for Mimi. Maybe Nixon has just said something she's objecting too.
It's crazy to think, but this year was the first year that US female life expectancy had reached 79.5! Before, for a few decades, female life expectancy had been hovering around 78. Male life expectancy in 1998 was at 73.8.
1999, It Was A Windy Morning
The Brown sisters are back at the beach! They've returned once again to the beach they first visited in the photos back in 1984—except this time it's a little chillier. I wonder if this is a popular family vacation spot for the Browns.
Speaking of vacation, the popular fisherman's trip memorabilia "Big Mouth Billy Bass" the singing fish was introduced. Hopefully, the sisters weren't subjected to its repetitive and monotone singing at their vacation cottage.
2000, Happy New Century!
To celebrate the new century, Nixon takes us back to another shot of the sisters on the beach. This is the farthest away he's taken a photo in years. Maybe the distance is to symbolize how far the project has come—25 years!
The world population finally hit 6 billion this year! It had been creeping up to the number for decades but hadn't quite crossed the boundary. It's only fitting that the new number would come with a new century.
2001, Where Were The Sisters During 9/11?
9/11 was the biggest and saddest world-changing event that happened on American soil that year. Nixon's photographs show us that though we may never forget, life still goes on.
It looks like the sisters were caught on a beach vacation with both Heather and Laurie wearing Hawaiian-esque shirts. I think the happiness of these vacationing sisters and the way they're embracing each other here is a beautiful reminder, especially in 2001, that we should cherish each other while we can.
2002, Polo Was Apparently The "It-Shirt"
Maybe a Ralph Lauren store had just opened up in the Brown sister's town, or maybe they all wanted to dress similarly to show their bond. Whatever the reason, they all rocked a polo this year, with the exception of Heather.
Remember me talking about "New Coke" that was introduced back in 1986? Well, in 2002, after 16 years, it was discontinued and Coke brought back "Coca Cola Classic." I wonder if the Browns liked it.
2003, Spot Heather's Techy New Cell Phone And Mimi's New Hair!
I think it's great that not only do we get a snapshot into the Brown sister's respective lives with these photos, but we also get a little picture of how far technology has come. Check out Heather's flip phone! Today that thing would be considered a fossil.
An interesting technological fact is that the original Dunkin donut came with a handle for dipping into coffee. It was discontinued in 2002 because it had to be made by hand (and not machines).
2004, Shoreline Staredown
I wonder what Laurie is looking over at Heather for? I think this is the first time these two have been so front and center in a photograph together. Maybe it was a big year for the two women—career, family, or hobby-wise.
You're going to love this news—remember when I said that Campbell's soup cost 99 cents in 1987? Well, in 2002 the price dropped down to 79 cents. That's one heck of a cheap meal.
2005, Laurie's Looking Away Again
Laurie's really been keeping an eye out these past few years for her sisters. Honestly, that's really sweet of her to do and a great way for Nixon to show how protective over her sisters Laurie is. At least, that's what I'm assuming the photo communicates.
Maybe she's keeping an eye out for people wearing colanders on their heads since in 2005, the religion "Pastafarianism, the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster" was founded and its members wear colanders.
2006, It's A Sunny Day Wherever The Browns Are
Seeing these loving sisters seriously brightens my day, and it looks like I'm not the only one! Even the sunshine takes a liking to these awesome women since it's shining down so brightly on them in this close-up.
Do you remember when Blu Rays replaced DVDs? Well, that happened in 2006. You can thank Blu Rays for the high-quality streaming you're watching since they can store five times more information than DVDs.
2007, Mimi Hides While Heather and Bebe Stand Proud
The sisters have shuffled again. This time it's Bebe and Heather in the front while Mimi and Laurie hang out in the background. I'm loving how confident Bebe looks with her assertive stance (and pretty bracelet).
It's crazy to think that so much of this article has been comparing the price of the Sony Walkman—because a new player has arrived. In 2006, the first iPhone was introduced and sold for $599. They're much more expensive today.
2008, We Got A Sister Snuggle And Nixon's Fingertips
I love how intimate and sweet this photo of the four of them looks in this. You can really see how time hasn't broken down their bond and I love how Nixon has captured that here. Also, he probably inadvertently captured his own fingertips.
Also, funnily enough, after years of public education on the subject, the NOAA recommends walking to safety in the event of a lightning storm instead of crouching.
2009, The Sisters Look Peaceful Together
I think it's really precious how Laurie's head is resting on Bebe. Hers and all the other sister's close body language just show how close they are with one another.
While the sisters are relaxing in each other's presence, the song Teach Me How To Dougie by musician Cali Swag District topped music charts and is still one of the most popular dance songs in the entire world.
2010, The Sisters Gazed Off, All Except Bebe
I'd love to know what Heather, Mimi, and Laurie are looking at and why Bebe Doesn't feel like taking a glance. When you remember that her husband is behind the camera, I think it's sweet that she's the one still looking on lovingly.
Strangely enough, Moriusaq, Greenland, a settlement on the island country had a population of three until 2010. That's when a self-defense case dropped the population down to two. There's nobody living there now and Greenland considers the settlement "closed."
2011, Heather Seems To Like Holding Mimi's Arm Up
Sisters are always finding ways to grab and nitpick at each other—and this photo just proves that! A funny little trend in the photos maybe Nixon hasn't noticed is that Heather seems to like putting her hand in Mimi's armpit. It definitely makes for an entertaining photo.
While the Brown sisters were being funny, the abbreviations "OMG" and "LOL" were added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2011 as official words. So if anyone ever corrects you on using them, you can proudly say it's proper English.
2012, The World Didn't End, Thankfully
Despite the rumors and the pop culture hype about the world ending in 2012 because of a Nostradamus prediction, the world kept on going, which wasn't very surprising to many. I'm glad the sisters didn't buy into the Doomsday rumors and still took their annual photo.
An interesting foodie fact is that before 2012, kale wasn't the trendy salad food we know it as now. In fact, in the US the biggest kale buyer was Pizza Hut, which they used as a garnish on their salad bars. But not in the actual salads.
2013, The Sisters Take A Little Break
It's never explained why, in accordance with Nixon's photo style, but after 2013 the sisters took a break from taking photos for the next four years. There must have been a good reason for the break, especially since this would be their 39th photo.
This year was also the year of a different kind of resignation—Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013 and became the first Pope to step down in almost 600 years.
Resuming The Project For Photo #40 In 2017
After not taking a photo for quite a few years, the sisters reunited in 2017 to snap what would be their 40th photo for this touching project.
Nicholas Nixon's photos of the Brown sisters continue to inspire and touch the hearts of people who see them—even 40 years after they started. Their project is a testament to sisterhood, love, and the trials we all face in life. I'm thankful I was able to witness their beauty.
