Wednesday 15

To steal from my cousin Mallory – today I am extremely grateful for all of my siblings and their kids!

Kamie, Alex, and Ari

1- Kamie. Best. friend. ever. Really. I don’t even know how else to explain the sister that has shared everything with me and created who I am today. Soul mate.

2- Alex. Even though I hate to admit it, you really have completed our family. Kamie needed you more than you can even imagine. Thanks for loving her the way she deserves to be loved. I couldn’t ask for a better uncle for Kaiah. You are the missing link in our family and it wouldn’t be complete without you.

3- Ari. Cutest little baby boy in the world. I love that you are exactly opposite of Kaiah – you are sweet and she is a monster! I love your fat cheeks and worried face and slow-motion talking!

Sara, cousin Braxton, Caleb, baby Kaiah, and Ben (not pictured – baby Ciara)

4- Ben – the brother I hate to love, or love to hate? :) Thanks for giving my hubby someone to talk all nerdy with! And, even though you were a little mean at first, I am also grateful that you (eventually) helped me to feel like part of the family.

5- Sara – Oh Sara . . . what to say? I am grateful that you gave me a friend in the family. I am grateful for someone to fight with and laugh with and drink soda with :) Even though you may not believe it, I really do consider you one of my very best friends.

6- Caleb – Smartest four year old I’ve ever met. I am so glad that Kaiah will have someone to teach her everything and keep the boys away.

7- Ciara – I am so incredibly grateful that Kaiah will have a sister-cousin to grow up with. There is nothing better than two little girls who can share secrets, play dolls, and do all those other girl things!

Marnie, Dave, and Caleb

8- Marnie – I’m grateful for Marnie in more ways that she can ever know. In a lot of ways, you were a solid connection between Me and Jer. You helped us to understand each other better, and I am eternally grateful for that!

9- Dave – Thanks for loving Marnie the way she deserves to be loved! I am so glad that you found each other.

10- Caleb (yes, we do have 2 Calebs) – Thanks for being the first little kid to make me an aunt!

*No pictures for the rest – apparently I need to take more family pics!

11- Josh – Thanks for giving me an intellectual opposite for debates! I love talking with you!

12- Jessica – Thanks for loving me and my baby. Thanks for caring about our family and helping me try to plan the Payne events. Thank you for calming down Josh!

13- Aaron – I’m grateful for your willingness to listen. Thank you for being always optimistic and the best person ever to go to Tucanos with!

14- Braxton – Cutest. Smile. Ever. Thanks for letting my Kaiah beat up on you!

15- Jake – Thanks for caring so incredibly much about us. You have the biggest heart ever and I know that Kaiah will just love you as she gets older!