Almost-Uncle Dan

Dan and I consider ourselves to be very lucky because we both have loving and supportive families and friends. As far as family goes, my side is somewhat larger. And, as Dan has come to find out, there are a lot of kids! I have seven nieces and nephews, most of whom have known Dan since they were born. The concept of "boyfriend" or "fiance" is sometimes hard to explain to the little ones, as you can imagine.

But...my sister Tricia has tried for years to appropriately explain our relationship to her two children, Sam (5) and Maya (4). A few Thanksgivings ago when Dan came to Kenosha, he was known as "Auntie Laurie's special friend." I'm not sure he was the biggest fan of that label - luckily it didn't stick!


(Sam and Maya at Lake Michigan last summer)

Now that Sam and Maya are getting older, they are understanding the concept of marriage a little more. Sam now understands that Dan is going to be his uncle. In fact, when he heard we got engaged (and that was explained) he connected the dots (with help from his mom) and figured out that Dan was going to be his Uncle - officially. In the meantime, Sam and Maya refer to him as Almost-Uncle Dan!