Park day with cousin Myah

I was 14 years old when my mom gave birth to my 4th sister, Faith.
I was there when she was born and I dressed her in her very first outfit. She was my live baby doll and a very cute one at that!

Growing up, Faith was mostly a well behaved little girl, although there was a time or two when she needed her oldest sister's loving and patient guidance and discipline, which I wisely dispensed when necessary. Faith ended up turning out quite well (for the most part),  if I do say so myself.
Now she's all grown up with a baby and husband and lives far away in freezing cold, beautiful Idaho. It's too far away, but I am thankful that her husband recognizes the influential benefits of his wife being around estimable companionship and he makes sure she sees her elder sisters on most holidays and sometimes in between.  He's a keeper.

Faith has always loved kids and has had lots of practice being a mom by babysitting her legions of nieces and nephews before she got married. The kids all loved Aunt Faith too. Who wouldn't? She's kind, fun, and her bad moods are rarer than my days without chocolate. Behaviors that normally earn bad children banishment to their bedroom for 5 years from parents, earn them cookies and a pinch on the cheek from Aunt Faith. She'd laugh at their mischievousness and scoop up a little one for a hug no matter how smelly and dirty they were. When Faith babysat you knew your house may fall apart, but your kids were well taken care of.

It's been so much fun watching Faith be a mama to little Myah; she loves her little girl!

It's even more fun to have the chance to babysit for her, like we had the privilege of doing today when Faith and Nathan went out on a date.

We took advantage of the gorgeous, 74 degree, cloudless sky day with a walk to the park.

We all enjoyed being outside and playing; especially the little girls!

Mikayla took her responsibility of watching Myah very seriously.

She showed exceptional skill and remarkable capability and I was quite impressed with my little girl's mothering instincts; she does her Aunt Faith proud!

Mikayla made sure Myah didn't wander away...

taught her some football...

made sure she socialized...

and gave her plenty of love.

Mikayla noticed that Myah was looking a little sparse on top, but not to worry, Myah....

your cousin has you covered!

My girl...

 she's a sweety!

After the park, we went home and had lunch and then I did a little photo shoot with the girls.

We all had so much fun with Myah and were so glad for the chance to babysit her! Hopefully this is just the beginning now that Faith sees that Myah does just fine without her mama.

Until next time, sweet Myah!