It's not too often that you come across siblings with a huge age gap such as 11 years. Most siblings get to experience going to school together, making up their own imaginative games together as little kids and even the occasional or in some cases daily fights over who gets the last cookie or who gets to sleep on the top bunk on the family vacation. But in cases like mine, I had already had my fair share of these battles with my brother when my sister was born and I was 11 years old. In some ways, having such a huge age gap between sisters can bepretty strange since it's hard to find things in common with each other. But, as time goes on you find that even though you are so much older you wouldn't have it any other way.

1. You have an excuse to act like a child again

Whether it's getting to go on the kiddie rides at an amusement park, playing with stuffed animals, or even getting to make silly music videos, you have an excuse for it all because you have a little one in the house. I can't even tell you how many times I have voluntarily sat in front of the TV watching a barbie movie that was left on or some other cartoon my sister watches religiously. You forget how many things you use to do as a little kid and when it all comes back into your life sometimes you can't help but love it a little.

2.You get your own personal cheerleader at all of your sporting events

Looking out into the crowd or sea of spectators to see your number one fan cheering you on is hands down one of the best things in the world. Soon your little cheerleader acquires her own jersey and becomes an honorary member of your team despite being 11 years younger than the rest of the players, and sometimes your teammates begin to like her more than they like you! It puts such a smile on your face to see your "mini me" slowly becoming a part of something you love and you are so grateful to have her as your biggest supporter.

3. There's always someone willing to take a silly selfie with you

Ever in the mood to take a selfie but want someone else to take one with you? One of the perks of having a little sister is that she will come running over in less than five seconds if she becomes aware that you're on snapchat using the filters or trying to take a selfie to post somewhere. The best part is getting to capture all of her funny and adorable faces on your phone and looking at them anytime you want. The downside..she knows how to work your phone and will NOT hesitate to help herself anytime.

4. You always have someone to take a nap or cuddle with you

Little kids LOVE to cuddle, so you'll always have someone to wrap up in blankets and cuddle with on the couch while watching a movie. When kids get sleepy, they are usually even cuter which is always a plus. Sometimes, both of you might even fall asleep and wind up looking as cute as we do.

5. You get to spoil them by going to all of their favorite places

Shopping sprees at Justice, bowling, movies and mini-golf are just a few of the places you get to go with your "mini me" as often as you like. It's important to be careful though, because little girls can be quite the shoppers and before you know it she'll be begging for $200 with of shoes and sparkly outfits. She will give you the puppy dog eyes and make it nearly impossible for you to say no, but as soon as you suggest stopping for frozen yogurt on the way home she is satisfied.

6. You have your own personal stylist

A little sister will always be someone you can count on when it comes to picking out clothes. She certainly won't hesitate to tell you when something you pick out is "not stylish enough" or "looks so weird!" on you. She will always offer up her own options on what she feels matches or what she feels is stylish enough to go out in public, which often ends up being a bunch of random pieces of clothing thrown together, the fanciest dress you have, or anything that resembles sequins, sparkles or glitter.

7. She will always provide free entertainment wherever you go

Having a crazy little sister to take care of in public is sometimes a lot harder than it looks, especially when being 11 years older means you aren't supposed to laugh at her crazy outbursts. Whether you are shopping for groceries together, sitting in a waiting room or at the beach it is almost certain you won't ever be bored. Your sister may start making loud and obnoxious noises, singing at the top of her lungs and dancing like a crazy woman, or start saying things she should not necessarily be saying in public, which only makes you laugh harder.

8. The holidays are even that much more exciting

As you get older, holiday excitement isn't always the same since Santa and the Easter Bunny no longer exist as a part of holiday traditions. But, when there is a little one in the house holidays are even more exciting than when you were a kid because you get to see the happiness and smiles radiating off of your little sister as she opens up her new toys from Santa or watches the 4th of July fireworks lighting up the sky. Being able to expereice those moments with the little girl you love is unforgettable.

9. You have a best friend forever who taught you what is most important in life

My little sister is without a doubt my best friend for life and I couldn't imagine my world without her. Sometimes I wonder what I did for those 11 years she wasn't born, and think about how much my life has changed for the better since she has been a part of it. I can always count on this little girl to make me feel better and she knows exactly how to put a smile on my face when I need it. Having such a large age gap between us has taught me some of the most important life lessons such as how to be a role model, how to take care of another human being's needs as well as how to be empathetic towards others. Above all else, the most important thing having a little sister has shown me is how to love. Many adults say to their children that a person won't ever understand the amount of love one can have until they have a child of their own, but in my case I feel like I have already reached that capacity to love. I am lucky enough to have been blessed with the opportunity to be this sweetheart's big sister, and I couldn't ask for a better gift.