Aunties.

Aunties are a breed unlike any other. 

They are typically more fun and exciting than mom or dad.

They have cooler toys, like ipads and iphones with fun games to play with.

Aunties are willing to dance in the living room to Glee Christmas music.

You are surprised every time Aunty says she is excited to babysit and means it, because you are the one  that's been around your kids constantly and needs a break, not her. And all she requires are some Glutino chocolate wafers as payment.

Aunty always has the best taste in clothes for your kids. 

Aunty is still excited to go swimming when asked even though it's part of her job and should in her own right, be sick of it now. 

Aunties enjoy receiving texts that look like this: "jglkjsphagosngnoOOOOOOOOO". 

Aunties also seem to enjoy receiving the texts from the parent that go something like this: "My kid sneezed out this huge booger bigger than her head and then accidentally sucked it back in. Sorry, prob t.m.i. I'm like so bored of being in the house all day." 

Aunties find cool stuff for your kids on Pinterest.

Aunties are willing to run an errand for you when there is no conceivable way you can make the 45 min drive to Ikea with two kids for one picture frame.

They know of all the best new and classic kids stories to tell you about.

Aunties snort out loud from laughter when you do dorky things with your kids that only the two of you would find funny. 

Aunties don't seem to mind when you are socially deprived and talk their ear off about nothing interesting for an hour straight. 

Aunties bring you Starbucks when you had a hard day and graciously share their drink with their niece when she starts sucking down half of it from the straw without asking and says "Look! We're sharing!"

As Wren would say, "I like Aunty da best." And it's true, Aunties really are da best.

This is our favourite Aunty. Okay, the only Aunty at the moment. But therefore, naturally, our favourite.

Note: There is huge overlap for what Aunty does and what grandparents also do which is equally great and keeps these parents sane. But today, it's all about Aunty :)