I have all the feels.

My nephew got married on Saturday.

I don't know how this is possible since like last week he was playing with Barney, but it happened.

If you've read my blog for any amount of time, you know how much I love my children. My nieces and nephews aren't technically my children, but they are very close second. I adore those kids.  A great number of the happiest moments of my life have been spent with these people; playing Apples to Apples, swimming, talking, and laughing until we are hoarse.

Things will change now, at least a little. It's inevitable. I know all "the kids" are growing up. Not so much kids anymore. They've gotten jobs and drivers licenses, they've had graduation ceremonies. My own babies aren't babies anymore. We can't stay stagnant. We have to grow and change. All of us. Even those of us who wish things could be the same, just for a little while longer.

My nephew and his wife (wow, that seems weird to type) will be just fine. They are wonderful, sweet, hard-working people who are totally in love with each other. I don't worry about them...not in that way anyway. There are no guarantees in marriage, or in life, but I don't worry about the two of them. I honestly don't.

I also know this means more exciting, different things are coming. Eventually  I will be a great-aunt (and since I'm already an AWESOME AUNT, the title might be confusing). My children will be Juniors in high school next month. My daughter is talking about where she wants to go to college, where she wants to live someday (I think my son just plans on staying here forever since I'm such a great cook). Some of it feels a little scary, but it's a good scary. If that makes sense.

They are still my kids. They'll always be my kids. Aunt Steph will always, always have their backs.