Being an Auntie

I am in Florida right now helping my brother and his family get ready for their move to Utah. Yesterday I spent the entire day with my two year old nephew Elliott. We started the day with his parents and the baby, Oliver at Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary Resort. After our yummy breakfast, Ben got Elliott & I into the Magic Kingdom where we were on our own. I was a little worried about spending the day just the two of us. What if he had a melt down? Would I be able to calm him down?
Anyway, we rode Dumbo, the train, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, Small World, the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Carribean. We then headed over to Epcot where we had a lunch of chicken nuggets and grapes. I then took Elliott on Spaceship Earth to hopefully lull him to sleep in the darkness. It worked! He then slept for the next 2 1/2 hours while I wandered around the park. He woke up right on time and we headed over to the Land where we went on the Behind the Seeds Tour where Toffer was our tour guide. Toffer then joined us as we wandered around the World Showcase, going on the Malestrom and eating School Bread and Elliott charmed Toffer's female co-workers.

He was awesome. Was so cute and well-behaved! It was such a fun day and I am so glad I was able to spend it with him. Hanging out with Elliott has been the best thing about this trip. Every morning when he sees me he exclaims, "Auntie!" and gives me a huge hug. He is adorable. Also this trip I've met my newest nephew, Oliver who is almost three months old. He is so sweet, nothing is more satisfying then having a baby fall asleep in your arms. It is so peaceful and fulfilling.

I'm glad I've had the time off to come down and help out.
I've also been thinking a lot lately about what it means to love and be loved. Elliott is one of the most loving little boys I've ever seen. Within moments of meeting people he charms them with his bright eyes and easy laugh (yes he is two years old, but he is just a natural). He has made me feel more loved and wanted in the last few days then I have felt in a long time. When do we lose the ability to love so effortlessly? I've also been thinking a lot about families as a direct result of spending so much time with my nephews. I am so grateful to be an Auntie, to be a surrogate parent to my cute nieces and nephews. But, there is still a small emptiness in my heart because I do not have MY own family. Alas, it is what it is.
So, you just live your life and try to have faith and try to be the best person you can be all while you wait upon the Lord for promised blessings. And in the meantime, you have amazing nieces and nephews who love you without reservation and you get a glimpse of what eternity will be like.