When they grow

Growing up I always knew I had a great, loving family. I had my mom and brother who took care of me daily and are entwined in most of my memories. I had my father, stepmother, sister and brothers who provided me with great adventures to Chicago, full of zoos, theme parks and shopping. I had my aunt, uncle and cousin who always were available for a trip to the beach or a weekend get away. And I had my West Virginia family, who entertained me every spring and summer with trips to the park, camping, going to the pool and general zaniness.

Even with all of that, I was always a tiny bit jealous of people who lived in the same town as their extended family. I never had cousins who played on the same soccer team as me, or aunts who lived around the corner when I wanted to run away. Sundays were not spent at Grandma's house and family gatherings were few and far between.

As I watch Addie and Rylan together I often wonder what their relationship will be. Will they be friends or competitors? Will they have each others' backs or will they pretend not know each other?

Even now as they battle over Grandma's and Aunt Nikki's attention, over Mater, over the guitar, over the sandbox, I am apt to believe that they will be loyal friends. That they will always protect each other. That they will be each others' biggest cheerleaders. That they will offer each other a shoulder to lean on.

She has the best of both worlds, extended family in her backyard and extended family to provide her with adventures.

Lucky girl.