The Aunt Hat

Life brings lots of hats. I've got my work hat, church hat, and school hat...friend hat, daughter hat, and sister hat. But right now in life, I think one of my very favorite hats is my aunt hat. I love being an aunt!

I decided to make a quick visit to Idaho this weekend to visit my two nephews. It's amazing how fast they are growing up. When I first arrived, we went to the Idaho Falls Temple grounds to feed ducks. I really enjoyed watching Mark delight in feeding the geese. He's so great! When we got home we had a tickle war. His smile and giggle makes me SO happy. I had to be so careful at what I did/did not do because he would copy everything I did. Part of me just wants to feed him dozens of twinkies to see if I can add enough preservatives to keep him right where he is at. Some say two's are terrible. I like two's...but maybe I'm partial because I'm 22. :D

I was excited to help put baby James to sleep. It makes me feel successful when I can hold a baby and they don't cry. :D In the picture Leslie was making me laugh, but I was so proud of myself for figuring out how I could multitask!

Now,when the kids are asleep...I play! Growing up my grandpa had a go-cart. The rule was if you could touch the pedals you could drive. By the time I was tall enough to drive, the go-cart tradition had been parked. Recently my sister was given the go-cart and I was finally able to drive it. I definitely fit the tall requirement now...my knees are nearly wrapped around the wheel. It was so fun. I was a little nervous at first. Brett says I left skid marks on the driveway because of all my breaking :D I'd like to do a speed race between the go-cart and my bug. There's question in my mind of which would win.

When it comes down to it, I just have to say I am so grateful for family. I love my role as aunt and with it my role as sister and daughter. I have the world's greatest parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews.