Growing Up

I spent Saturday and part of Sunday with my niece and nephew, Kate(9) and Jack (10). We had a full day - went to the Farmers Market, the library, grilled out, went swimming, to a movie, a party and to Bay Beach. We had a great time, and I love spending time with them. They love to hear stories about me and my siblings when we were little, stories that my sister has told them time and time again.

But somewhere between the swimming and sitting with them on the top of the Ferris wheel, it hit me. They're not going to be little "pips" forever. Right now, it's still "cool" for them to hang out with their Auntie Jamie. They still give hugs, want to snuggle when watching TV and aren't afraid to show their affection. They want to be seen with me on the Tilt-a-Whirl. They beg me to go on The Scat and think it's funny when I can't stomach the rides as well as they can.

I know this probably won't last much longer, and evidence of this is in my two older nephews, Bill (15) and Bob (12). Bill, who was born when I was 15 years old, will have his drivers' license in two months, and before we know it, he'll be off to college. Bob is becoming so mature and polite, his voice is already changing, and I don't get as many hugs from him anymore.

I know it's all part of growing up, and my parents probably felt the same way at one point. I can't keep them little forever, and all I can do in the meantime is enjoy this time and their youth while it's still here.