My Nieces and Nephews

I know I'm a little biased, but I'm pretty sure I have the sweetest and cutest nieces and nephews around. They live only about 15-20 minutes away from me, so I get to seem them pretty often, and for that, I'm very thankful.

I don't have my own children, and I'm not sure I even ever want to be a mom, however, I like being an aunt a whole lot, and I think I'm really good at it. I get to spoil kids I love, then give them back at the end of the day/weekend. Pretty ideal situation.


Quinton and Braden are the best big brothers. For almost eight years, it was just them, and then, the sassiest little lady who ever did sass, Miss Avia, came along.

Avia is three and we are two peas in a pod, except, she's way sassier than me. Every time I'm with her, I have to paint her nails. It's become our ritual, so I'm always sure to have a few on hand so she can feel like the color choice is hers. She also loves to pick out her own outfits and go shopping. Her parents are in for a world of trouble.


As you can see, Avia is a champ at taking selfies with me, so we are always taking pictures after our nails are done.

A year ago, my brother and his wife welcomed their fourth and fifth children into the world. That's right, two sets of twins. Quinton and Braden were conceived through fertility, but the girls were au naturale.



Vaila and Vieira are the littlest sweethearts, who adore their big brothers and sister so much. Babies tend to freak me out a bit, but I like them a lot.

Yesterday was their first birthday, which I cannot believe. I'm amazed at just how fast this year has gone. I feel like we were just at my sister-in-law's baby shower when my brother came in and announced that they had been born. Yep, they arrived on their shower day, and since Pitbull said "don't stop the party," their brothers and sister opened all of the gifts.

I can never get Vaila to take pictures with me because she's squirming all of the place. Vieira is a little better, but, her selfie game still needs some work.


As I was helping to carry things out to the car when the party was over, Braden held the door for me like a little gentleman. I asked him if my brother had taught him to do that, and he shrugged and said, "No, it's just manners." I felt my heart swell with pride. I then told him that it's important to always hold doors for people, especially ladies. It was in that moment that it hit me just how lucky I am to have these amazing kids look up to me. I don't want to ever take that for granted.