Growing up with you guys has been everything but boring. There has never been a dull moment when we are all together. We were each other's first friends and childhood playmates. Now we are not only cousins but best friends, and I could not be more grateful that we have such a close family.

I will always cherish all the memories we have created and all the times we have spent together. Even the simplest times of building forts all over Nana and Papa’s property and countless Sunday dinners, I wouldn't change for anything. I always love telling stories of us when we were young and even now, or hearing stories other family members have of us all.

We all understand the frustration that always follows the phrase, "All of the cousins get over here for a picture". Our family photos always seem to take a lifetime to take, and its rare that we end up with a good picture of all of us. I still cherish our tradition of Secret Santa at Christmas, which never really ends up being a secret because none of us can keep our mouths shut on who has who. I’m glad we’ve stuck with these traditions our parents and Nana and Papa established even though half of us are already away at college.

We all knew the drill that followed the phrase, “All the kids go play outside”. And we would-- no matter the weather. If it was cold we bundled up, if it was raining we stayed in the garage or continued to play in the water. The memories I have created with you guys are the majority of my childhood, and some of my favorite ones. Like tying a row of sleds behind the snowmobile every winter and having one of the adults drive us around for hours. It is never a dull moment and I always feel at home around you guys.

All of our different personalities make as all unique but also help us bond. If we were all the talkative one none of us would ever get a word in, and if we were all the shy one not too much would ever be said. There is a perfect balance and I’ve loved watching the types of people we have grown to be.

We’re the ones who understand the frustration with another family member, the ones who are always there to support you, the ones who will never judge you, and the ones who will always have your back. We’ve brought a whole new meaning to the phrase “if you mess with my family, you mess with me”.

I wish you all success with college, careers, life and finding yourselves. I know you all will be successful in your lives and I wish you all the best. I can't wait for the day we’re sitting at the “adult table” while our kids are sitting around the “kid's table” making memories and creating bonds like the ones we have.

I hope we continue with the traditions that our parents and Nana and Papa have set for us as we start our own families in the years to come. But also start our own traditions with the new members we welcome into our family.

As we’re growing older and heading to different colleges and down our own paths, I just want you all to know I am always here for you. I'm always in your corner cheering you on. I cannot picture my life without any of you. I don't think it's said enough, but I appreciate you guys so much. Friendships come and go, but our family is forever.

I love you guys.