The Celebration of Tucker "T-Man"!!

Another year has gone by and my friend/nephew Tucker is another year older. I can't believe how old this kid is getting and how fast he is growing. Pretty soon he will be taller than me and a teenager. He turned 12 years old and I wish I could go back in time to when he was my little buddy. At the same time I love that he is getting older. He is truly one of the best people that I know in my life. And that is why he gets a birthday "Tribute". (Plus he asked me if I was going to)

He loves his guitar lessons & guitar and his I-Pod Touch.

He loves facebook and his friends.

He loves Dr. Pepper.

He loves Spanky's and Firehouse Pizza.

And he loves Hollister.

And I'd like to think he loves hanging with me. (Ha Ha)

Tucker truly is the funniest kid to be around! He constantly makes me laugh and says the darndest things. Whether he's dancing around, telling me something silly or dressing like a "gangsta" he makes my life an adventure. I went over to his house one day and he opened the door dressed like a thug and says, "Welcome to my crib." It's things like that that make me love him more.

Tucker is also a great son and brother. He has a family that loves him so much. A father to take him to Nascar and a mom who is his #1!!!! They spend a lot of time together, whether on vacation, hunting, or goofing off. There is constant laughter in their household. They are all truly great and he gets to be part of that. What a lucky kid!!!

Tucker is a pretty cool brother. Like all siblings they have their times of bickering, but for all those times there are twice as many times of laughter and love. I love spending time with both Tucker and Cassidy because they are 2 great kids. And when there are 2 of them it means twice as much fun! These are two silly kids!

He is also the sweetest kid. If I am ever feeling bad or sad he always has a kind word. He always tells me: " Stop putting yourself down!" He's my personal life motivator. If I have a choice I never turn down an opportunity to spend time with him. I feel like a better person being around him and his family. I feel like I'm part of something.

Some of my favorite times are when him & I are in the car and we sing to Linkin Park or to the radio. Then we make up names for people or words to the songs. Or we play "mini-van" flick (our game). There is never a dull moment.

Tucker is the best kid! His parents should be so proud for raising such a sweet, silly, fun kid. I hope he will always stay close to me. But as he gets older I know my days as his friend will dwindle as he becomes a teenager. So I'm just going to cherish the time I have and hope that he will always know that his Aunt Steph will be there for him. And that I love him. And I love when I can fill in as a "2nd mom" whenever needed. He's the BEST!!!!!! Love ya, kid!!!