Memory Monday

For most of the time I can remember we lived close to cousins. My mom's sister and her (eventual) four daughters lived about an hours drive from us. I enjoyed going to their house and would babysit for my aunt on occasion. Some memories:

-When they were getting ready to buy their house. We toured it with them and I loved how you could see your footprints on the carpet.

-I used to leave notes for my cousins in a basket and they would write back. We had our own little mail system.

-I was jealous that they had a play kitchen. My dad made my little sister an amazing wooden one, but I liked their plastic one with the fake food. (I wanted Anneke to have one, but she never got one either.)

-My aunt would take us swimming with them at their community pool and I felt so lucky each time. I still love swimming.

-I remember once when we were babysitting the wind kept blowing the front door open and set off the alarm. We were so scared.

-I used to sing my cousins to sleep. I had a few songs I would sing over and over. (I still remember them and sing them for my kids.) Julianna drove me crazy because it felt like she would never sleep. Now, I am pretty sure she just didn't need as much sleep as other people.

-Our last Thanksgiving in Texas we played football with their uncle and cousins on their dad's side. I had so much fun I wanted to make it a tradition.

-My aunt always had fun projects. She introduced me to calendar making. She let me help with making a Quiet book for Christina. I remember her making Nina Nina Ballerina. (It was a life size doll of Christina.) I am not sure if I helped with that one, but I thought they were so neat. I remember the stuffed animal's she would turn into puppets, etc. I wish I could sew, or even had a sewing machine.

-Heather always seemed so grown up and could talk with my aunt and uncle. I was always nervous and felt so dumb.

-My aunt tried to teach me how to play the piano. I wish I had been a more diligent student.

-We had a fashion show one summer night and took pictures in Popi's basement.

-When Julianna would get hurt she would say, "owie, Owie, Owie." over and over.

-Carianne and Sara seemed to have a special bond.

I have a lot more I could write about, but this is getting long. I sure am lucky. I wish my kids could have the same thing. Living by family is nice and feels different than friends. But, I know from experience that friends can turn into family.

P.S. Don't forget to enter these two give-aways. For a board book or random Mommy stuff.