Little brothers get a bad rep. They're always in your business, messing with your stuff, and they get away with everything. That's not entirely true. My little brother is four years younger than me, and I am so thankful to have him in my life. I didn't always feel this way, because we fought a lot growing up (as all siblings do). But as we've gotten older, we've grown a lot closer (I'm a sophomore in college, he's a sophomore in high school), and we bicker less. Going to school out of state where I don't see him as often as I used to has really taught me about all the little things I miss and love about my little brother.

1. They keep you grounded. My brother and I are extremely different, and he reminds me when I'm being ridiculous, or putting too much thought or stress into something that isn't a big deal.

2. They do the dirty work (sometimes). I'm four years older than him, and we went to the same school our whole lives, so once I got my license, I was in charge of driving him to school. One morning, there was a lot of frost my on my car that I thought would go away once I got driving, but it didn't. So I made Coleman get out (in the middle of our neighborhood, nonetheless) and scrape the frost off of my windshield with his sleeve. Thanks again for that.

3. They understand the family stuff that no one else understands. Not only the stressful situations, but the little things. Attempting to explain our holiday traditions to anyone else just gets extremely confusing.

4. They go along with your crazy schemes. I was a large fan of "make-believe" growing up. And as the big sister, I got to make the rules. Apparently, that hasn't ceased...

5. The magic of holidays get to last just a little bit longer. Trick-or-treating can go on longer if you're "just going around with your little brother," and Christmas and Easter are mystical for just a few extra years.

6. You have a teammate for life. Unless it's playing baseball with our cousins, I know he'll always pick me for his team. (Even if he doesn't pick me first. He'll pick me. Hopefully.)

7. He'll support you, no matter what. My brother is the biggest fan of University of Georgia football you will ever meet, but he'll say "GO TERRIERS!" just for me.

8. You don't have to worry about them stealing your clothes. Except for tee shirts. For some reason, Coleman and I will trade tee shirts on occasion.

9. They have a different perspective on life and are (usually) willing to discuss it with you. For example, my brother and I are close enough in age where we can talk about the people at my old high school (and his current high school), and I'll know exactly who he's talking about. Same goes with teachers. You can tell him how to succeed in their classes based on what worked (or didn't) during your time in that class.

10. You'll always have someone to talk to during huge family events. The extreme confusion that is our family reunions is made much easier by having a "home base," or, at least, someone you know other than your parents.

11. They remind you who you are, and where you came from. Since I was three years old, I've had this other person in my life who I know is never going to leave. He's the constant reminder of who I am and how great it is to be a part of my family.

Thanks, Coleman, for being the coolest little brother anyone could ask for.