Aunt Laurel

Never mind it was late at night and the kids were over-tired. Anya and James bawled Tuesday night when I announced it was time to say goodbye to Aunt Laurel (and Grandma and Grandpa Christensen...but this post is about Aunt Laurel).

Anya quickly bonds with female adults. Maybe it's because she's surrounded by four brothers. But I've seen her bond with Grandma's Knutti and Christensen in a way that only girls can. And she has a special love for her Aunt Laurel. They are kindred spirits.

Aunt Laurel plays the BEST games. And it's tough for mom and dad to follow her act once she leaves. The restaurant game...she talks with this British accent and waits on the kids hand and foot and teaches them to be proper, speak politely, and use good etiquette. The kids love it at

meal times. They didn't get to play it this visit...and the kids won't let it go!

The wide-mouth frog. That's a classic story. If you haven't heard it, you'll need to request a story time with Aunt Laurel. It's always a favorite way to end days of festivities. A visit from Aunt Laurel just wouldn't be complete without her rendition of the wide-mouth frog.

Horsie rides on the knees. It goes through how a lady, a gentleman, and a farmer ride a horse. Then it's the way Mark or James or Luke, etc ride the horse. The kids giggle uncontrollably all the way through it.

Speaking of giggling, our four oldest ganged up on Aunt Laurel while the rest of the family was in the backyard. She was casually resting on the couch in the family room when Mark, Anya, James, and Peter began tickling Aunt Laurel. Now...you need to understand that Laurel isn't just ticklish. It is almost to the point where it could be considered a phobia. As a brother, I'm well-versed in the art of sibling torture and I am well aware of her weaknesses. Boy, are there stories I could share! Fortunately for Laurel, Anya stepped up and pulled everybody off when Aunt Laurel approached the panicked "I can't breath" phase. Laurel knew she could just swing her arms and throw all four of them across the room. But she showed good restraint and Anya picked up on the fact that Aunt Laurel was no longer enjoying the tickling fest. She survived to add it to her collection of stories.

Aunt Laurel does just about everything...except change stinky diapers. Apparently, that is off limits for her aunt status. But she adores her nieces (yes, that includes you Hannah) and nephews (yes, that includes you Isaac and Kyle). And she works hard to keep the "favorite aunt" status on the Christensen side. (Cheryl--you still hold that spot on the Knutti side...James LOVES apples now because of you...so THANKS!)

Moms love Aunt Laurel, too! Karen enjoys a little time off when Aunt Laurel is in town. So everyone is happy. And we look forward to the next visit!

Aunt Laurel ~ your little brother loves you, too! Thanks for being such a great sister! I mean that.

Our assignment for this photo op was to do funny/scary faces. Isn't Anya scary with her missing teeth?!? :)