The loves of my Life

Since I dont have any children, my neices and nephews are the loves of my life. I can't get enough of them and I find myself going through withdrawals if I dont see them or at least talk to them for awhile. So, I'm gonna comment a little on each one: (Sorry, its kind of a long post)

KELLER

Keller is the oldest and entered our family about 3 1/2 years ago when my brother married his mom. Although he and his brother have only been in the family a short time, I love them so much and consider them my nephews just as much as the others. Keller is 11 years old and into hunting, video games and listening to his I-pod. He went through hunters safety this last year so now he is able to carry a gun and go hunting. He is also a great big brother (not just to his little sisters but to his younger cousin Lilly too). Sometimes I will just watch him with them and he is playing with them, taking care of them and just loving them. Keller, I love you and I am so glad you are in our family!

Preston, Keller and Cory on Keller's first "official" hunt carrying the gun.

PRESTON

As I said before, Preston also joined our family about 3 1/2 years ago. He is eight years old (almost nine) and he got baptised last year. Preston is into GiRlS, gIrLs and did I mention GiRlS? Every week it seems he has a new girlfriend and he is so cute about it. Preston is also a great helper. He will do what needs to be done, and stick to a project until it is finished. Preston is very thoughtful and kind hearted also, he made me a Birthday / Christmas card because he knew I was going through some rough times. I love you Preston!Preston, Addie, baby Ellie and me at the Berrett family Christmas party

RYKER

I will always have a special bond with Ryker. He was the first grandchild, and only grandchild for about five years. When he was born it was the first time I realized the amount of love you can have for someone (and he wasnt even my own). Ryker is eight years old and was baptized in August. He LOVES animals. He can tell you anything and everything about any animal. He is also very affectionate and lovable. There are times he will come up to me and just tell me he loves me, just out of the blue. He is a great big brother to his sister Lilly and is always watching out for her. I love you Ryker (Bubba)

Ryker looking like a missionary on his baptism day! I am so proud of him!

ADDIE (The Princess)
Ya know, it is kind of interesting how you bond with neices and nephews. Addie is my little princess and I cant get enough of her! I would have to say I am her favorite aunt (but thats ok because Nicki is Lilly's favorite aunt). Addie's reaction when she sees me just melts my heart. She LOVES to dress up and put on her "pretty" (makeup). She just got her ears pierced and loves that too. She loves to read and will sit and read with me for hours. She is also obsessed with Princesses. Cory (her Dad) started talking to her in Russian since she was born, so she understands and speaks Russian (the best a two year old can). She has her moments with temper tantrums, such as sitting on her baby sister, taking the binkie away, or squealing when she doesnt get her way, but not often. Addie has been my life saver when I've had a bad day and I love so much they moved closer so I can spend more time with her. Does Aunt Mami love Addie so much? Yes I do!

Addi posing on the "stage". Isnt she just adorable?!

LILLY

Lilly Belle came to our family through adoption. We have had four cousins adopted besides Lilly, so we are so grateful for the adoption process. Although Nicki is Lilly's favorite aunt (or Jaz as Lilly calls her, not sure why), I think I'm coming into a close second (or at least I tell myself that). You would never know she was adopted. She looks like the family and even acts like the family. She is a little princess, and she knows it! She does everything on her own time ie: walking, talking etc. She is very lovable and will say "hold you" so you will pick her up and she will just snuggle on your shoulder. She loves to have everyone notice how pretty she is and sits quite contently while her mom does her hair so cute every day. She also knows how to scuz you off with the best of them! I am so grateful to C for making the decision to put her baby up for adoption. We all love Lilly so much. She brightens my day, even just to talk on the phone and I dont understand a word she says. Aunt Mami loves Lilly so much!

The cutest pic of Lilly at her second birthday party...precious!

ELLIE JO

Ellie is the newest addition to the family, being about 2 1/2 months old. She is the best baby! She just lays in your arms, looking around and taking everything in. She was just blessed the first Sunday in January and Cory did a beautiful blessing. I look forward to seeing her grow and seeing her personality shine! I love you Ellie!

The Carter Family on Ellie's blessing day

So, there you have it, the loves of my life! Thanks Cami and Jason and Cory and DeeAnn for making me an aunt to the most amazing children in the world. I love you!