Family.

Today, my mom, dad, Nikolina and I headed up to visit my Brother, my Beautiful, Charismatic, Sassy Sisiter-in-law and my two Beautiful Nieces, Savannah and Isabella, "Bella" who live in Chicago. I worked last Saturday, and decided to use today as my day off so we could all go for a visit together.

My parents go frequently, but Nik and I have been unable to go due to our schedules just not working out or because  Nik is always sick, and as you can see my little beautiful niece is only 7 Months. My Papa took these photos of us together, aren't they cute???  Isn't my niece so precious. My sis-in-law would prob freak that she doesn't have a bow on in these photos, ha, but oh well.  She's the sweetest, always with a smile.  She's a master Tummy-timer, wiggling, rolling all around.  I'm sure she'll be on the go soon. 

Isn't she soo tiny for 7 Months. Geez, I just looked at a pic of Nik at 7 Months and she's twice her size, I swear. All of the babies surrounding me are always tiny compared to Nik. Nikolina must be the next Olympic basketball Player or something, ha.

My niece, Savannah is 6 years old, and in 1st grade this year, I can't believe it!  We met her at the Bus-stop, and she took Nikolina's hand and they were inseperable since that moment. They were joined at the hip for the rest of the day playing with dollies, zu-zu pets, reading books, jumping on the bed, sliding down the slide, playing in the playhouse, and drawing with chalk.  They had the best time together. We could hear fits of laughter coming from every room of the house that they played in.  It warmed my heart that they had so much fun togeher, but maybe me sad that we don't live closer to them.

If they lived here, I know my family would be over there every day, bugging them to no end. We just adore them, and we all have so much fun together. I remember when we used to go visit when Savannah was younger, she would cry when we'd leave, saying "Mimi" through tears for my mom. I would cry the whole way home, wishing we were closer.  It breaks my heart, but I am grateful for the time we do have with them.

I am sorry to admit that I have not seen my niece Bella nearly as often and as much as I should. I feel like a horrible Aunt. With Nik being sick all the time, work, and the cost of gas, and schedules, I just haven't been there as much for her as I would've liked. Savannah and I were much closer. I hope that one day, I will be home with Nik, she'll be sick less, and my schedule will allow for us to visit more. I don't want to miss this time with them.  I'm going to make that a goal for the rest of the year and the coming year to get up to see them more often.  Life is so short.  There is nothing more precious than family.