Friday, December 7, 2012

Friday Favorites: Nephew Dates

Greetings and Happy Friday!  I have seen other bloggers talk about their favorite things on the occasional Friday, so I thought I would play along and do posts like these occasionally.

I thought I'd kick off the Friday Favorite post series with one of favorite parts about being an aunt:  Nephew Dates!  Now, I do not have nephew dates nearly enough, but my outing with 2 of my nephews last month reminded me I need to do them more often!

I'll let the pictures (mostly) do the talking!

The afternoon started off with a trip to this awesome children's bookstore called Wild Rumpus.  Besides having books, they have lots and lots of animals (like the cat pictured here, held by Matthew)

After the bookstore, we headed to my favorite local ice cream shop.  It was such a nice day, we were able to sit outside for awhile while the boys enjoyed their ice cream (Andrew had raspberry chocolate chip and Matthew had chocolate)

We got a little cold so moved back inside and Andrew demonstrated how to eat an ice cream cone without getting all messy...

... while his younger brother acquired a chocolate mustache and beard.  ;)

After a couple of hours of book browsing and ice cream eating, it was time to return home. 

I enjoyed the whole afternoon, but I especially liked the car rides as it gave me a chance to really talk to these two.  Oh my gosh they made me laugh, especially Matthew.  First he told me I am a pretty angel (he is going to be a charmer).  Then he said that my GPS was too yappy (which means talks too much. He also confessed that he can be too yappy sometimes, too).  Then we had a discussion about the different meaning of the word cool (temperature and the way of describing a person's personality) and he told me that my clothes are not cool, but they are very pretty.  You've gotta love the honesty and perspective of kids.  ;)  Neither Matthew nor Andrew could get over how SMALL my car was (my brother drives a truck and my SIL drives a crossover), but they both said it was very 'cozy'.

They each got to pick out a book and it was so exciting that Andrew is able to read chapter books now!  It has been so fun to watch my nephews learn to read and it always amazes me how they all seem to hit a point where the 'light goes on' and they really 'get' reading.  It makes me very happy that they love books!

I only wish my niece and other nephews lived closer so I could do things like this with them, but I will just have to make a point to do outings with them when we are at the lake or when I am visiting them!

Do you have any nieces or nephews? 

20 comments:

Kelly (She Wears a Red Sox Cap) said...

I live for that light that goes on :) Of course I also contribute to the light! haha. You do too but always modeling how much you love reading and buying the kids books for Christmas.

Your nephew dates are very cute! I love the yappy GPS comment, mine gets really yappy too!

missris said...

That first picture with the cat just kills me! What a patient kitty :)

Abby said...

I love this!! I'm not going to say I'm jealous (because that's unkind) -- but I must say I have a little envy that you get to spend time with them so often! That is so cool you get to do that, and they will remember these dates forever!!

My favorite part of this post is your phone conversations. And you are so right - the honesty of children is just awesome.

Stephany said...

Aw, your nephews are so cute and I love your close relationship with them.

As I'm sure you know, I have a nephew and he's four and amazing. It's so fun being an aunt!

Marlys said...

Loved this post! The boys will always remember these "dates"! I would love to visit that bookstore someday as it sounds enchanting!

Raquelita said...

Great post! Yay for spending time with and reading with your nephews! I do wish that I could see my nieces more frequently.

Elizabeth said...

Ha how wonderful and I'm super impressed the boys were able to spend so much time in the book store! I too love the honesty & perspective of kiddos! My nephews (5 plus a step nephew and step niece) are all older now (the oldest is 19 and the youngest is 12)...but I'm loving many of my friends having kiddos lately too. Those younger ages can be so much fun!

Unknown said...

What a fun post! They are two very incredible children!

Alli said...

It was so hard for me to decide what my favorite part of this wonderful post was, but I think I've narrowed it down to their use of the word "cozy." Adorable!

Marisa A. said...

I absolutely love when kids get excited about reading. So great you're able to take your nephews on dates to the bookstore :) Also that is a BIG cat!

Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks said...

I really admire what a strong relationship you have with your nephews (and developing relationship with your niece). I have four nephews and nieces. My relationship with my nephews is interesting ... they live in the same area as us, but we only see them a couple times a year at larger family events, so I don't really feel like I know them very well. I live closer to my nieces and see them more often, but I don't necessarily feel closer to them as their personalities are more prickly. It's not a bad thing, but I do hope as they get older that we get to spend more time together.

Cherry Blossoms said...

Hilarious! I love how little kids at times don't have a filter and just say whatever comes to their minds like your clothes are not cool, but pretty :)

I remember when Christian was younger and my sister and him were driving by a cemetery and she was telling him about his grandma being in heaven and how he just wanted to use the phone and call her up in heaven. Love how the little mind thinks.

Stevie said...

Isn't being an auntie the best?! It is such a special relationship. Your nephews are so stinking cute! Sounds like you guys are really close.

I have 2 nieces and a nephew, but they live in DC so I only see them once or twice a year. :-( But there is a possibility they'll be moving back to Seattle in late 2013. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Carolina John said...

I think my niece is going to live with us next school year to get her senior year of high school in NC. I can't wait!

San said...

I always love when you talk about your nieces and nephews.... I love being an aunt as well. I can't wait to hang out with my niece and nephew <3
Cute pictures!

The Many Thoughts of a Reader said...

I have two nephews and a niece that is due in January. I have only met the one nephew but they are moving back too our state soon, so hopefully, I can get to know them!

Becky said...

A) Your nephews are adorable.
B) This looks like so much fun!

Amber said...

So fun! We have three nieces and a nephew (and another niece on the way!) but we don't get to spend nearly as much time with them as we'd like. We usually always take Drayden (our nephew) for a night when we are home though!

Jolene - EverydayFoodie said...

I have one nephew and he is my world! I love the little guy to bits!

Kyria @ Travel Spot said...

That looks like fun and I love that you took them to the book store and for ice cream, which are like two of my favorite things! Can I come over and have an outing with you?