My Siblings

I am one of 4 kids.  We rarely are all together at one time.  And, as usual, we did not even get a picture of us all together when my brother was visiting last week with his sons.  But, we had a nice, loud time being together with everyone.

My brother, Michael, and his grandson.  They adore each other.

I didn't really like my brother very much when we were growing up.  Because he was forced by our dad to let me tag along on all his adventures, I received the brunt of his frustrations.  He tried to lose me during a walk in the woods, he let his friends tease me, and he would sit on me for hours while he watched TV.  To be fair, I realized by the time I was 18 years old, that he really was keeping an eye out for me all those times.  I am sure he figured that a rough life as a kid would make me a great adult.

My nephew Thomas with a cheesy smile.

It is amazing how much he looks like my brother.  But, maybe a little more handsome.  He and Seth are the same age, just days apart.  The lucky duck is currently visiting Hawaii with friends and is planning on getting together with my daughter at some point this week.  I'm jealous.

Beauties Ireland, my niece, and my sister, Melissa

As with me and my brother, so it was with me and my sister.  I wasn't the greatest sister growing up.  I did not appreciate the blessings of little sisters and the impact I could have on them at the time or in the future.  I've learned through adulthood to appreciate my siblings and their uniqueness. 

Melissa's other daughter, Aidan.  She's special and loves playing with my girls.

The baby of our bunch, Michelle.

Six years my junior, but she never treats me like an old woman.  I see Michelle a bit more often because she is the mom of Violet, whom I get to babysit every now and then. 

All the cousins had fun with their "big" cousins.  It is crazy to think of the 20 year difference in age with this gang.  I remember changing Bradley's diapers and taking him to the mall, pretending he was mine (before I had my own).

 This picture makes me wonder what kind of grandparent I'll be one day.