My Favorite People

A couple weeks ago we had a great time with my WHOLE family in town!

I am the aunt to the best kiddos around!

ETHAN

Ethan made me an aunt and will always hold that special place in my heart. We were all smitten with him when he joined our family.  I was a senior in high school and when I would have a hard day I would just lay next to him or hold him and stare at him, feeling close to heaven. He is sweet and kind and still likes hugs!

COLE

Cole is creative, fun, a great hiker, and full of energy! He's 1/8 of these kids to have curly hair. He informed me this visit he is allergic to being tickled. I'm old news since Dackota entered the picture. The first thing he says every time he sees me is, "Where's Dackota?!"

Cole is the one popping up behind the couch. He was so sneaky we didn't know he was in the photo until looking at it.

ADELAIDE

Adelaide is all girl and loves being a princess. She says the funniest things in the cutest way. One of my favorites:

Me: Do you get your creativity from your mom or your dad?

Adelaide: Um, I just get it from my mind.

She is my sweet friend. When I sleep over at her house she will crawl in bed with me in the mornings to cuddle and talk. She is special to me because we both are sensitive and I understand her heart.

AVA

Ava is a goofball, has a contagious smile, and loves to laugh. Some people say she looks like me, which is so flattering! She's a great big sister and adores her little brother. We have a lot of FaceTime chats and she always keeps me laughing. She is so pretty, like her mama!

CLAIRE

Claire's "talk" is the most adorable thing ever. She memorizes awesome songs and is just a happy, easy-going kid. She likes Grandpa, Dackota, and Staci.

Me: "I'm your aunt, so what does that make Dackota?"

Claire: "Your dad!"

Dackota: "You're a great hiker, Claire!"

Claire: "Yeah! I just keep walking!"

HAZEL

Hazel has the blondest hair, darling freckles, and is a daddy's girl. We played charades one night and she was my buddy. I was having a great time snuggling with her, Dackota, and Claire, when all of a sudden Hazel asks me, "Why are you smooshing me?" Oops! Too much snuggling...

HENRY

Henry is Mr. Independent and is talking more and more. Lately he likes to say things like, "Mommy, this is so fun!" and "This is so fun, guys!" He loves trains ("choo-choos") and wearing hats like his dad. He recently started saying my name!

 

DAXTON

Dax is an explorer and has the best facial expressions. He would rather have played with dirt and sticks than have family photos taken. He has the best rosy cheeks and looks just like his dad!

 


I captured this special moment. Girl time with ice cream and a gorgeous sunset (and Dackota)!

We don't have kids of our own yet, but for now I am reveling in my role as an aunt. There's no other feeling like that of seeing your nephew or niece's face light up and yell, "Staci!" when they see you.