happy birthday, Aunt Natalie!

My aunt was 17 when I was born, which means that she was automatically designated "the cool family member who will spoil you and treat you like a grown-up." She accepted the position (with pride, I think) and did not let me down:

+ She introduced me to Boy Meets World. I can still remember us laying across her bed on our stomachs, getting caught up in the life of a teenage boy. Even at such a young age, I knew that Cory and Topanga's relationship was a great one.

+ She was the only one who could wash my hair without me screaming bloody murder. To rinse my hair, she used a toy watering can and sang a song about watering the garden. I don't know why no one else thought to use this trick.

+ She took me to see my first movie on the big screen. We saw The Lion King and it still holds a special place in my heart. I got to decide if we would go to the matinee or the evening show and of course, I chose to go at night. (It seemed like the more grown-up thing to do.) Natalie picked me up from my babysitter's and we drove to the theatre. The concession stand was mesmerizing; so much candy! I chose Junior Mints, so I can probably credit my love for peppermint chocolates to her as well.

+ She knew the words to every song on the radio. Or that's how it seemed anyway. We'd be driving down the road and she would be singing the entire time. I wanted to be just like her.

Happy birthday, Aunt Natalie! I hope it's as sweet as a box of Junior Mints!