I am so in love with these two little girls.

My nieces: Brooke & Hope, originally uploaded by Melanie Jennifer.

I can't believe how much Brooke and Hope remind me of my sister Liz and me. Growing up we were so completely different; both in how we looked physically but also in everything that we did and liked.

My two nieces are the same in that they are so different from one another.

I wanted to take them both home with me. And I cried my eyes out when we had to say good-bye. But that’s what life is like living in half way across the country from one another. I am just so happy that I got to spend time getting to know them and playing with them.

And the amazing thing is that although I have not met Hope she knew who I was right away. Both my Mom and Elizabeth talk about Auntie Melanie all the time and my picture is all over my Mom’s house.

I am so grateful for my family.