We all know that cousins make the best friends, and the days and nights spent together at our grandparents house growing up were the best days of our lives. Now that we're older and those summer days and weekend nights riding four-wheelers, building forts, and camping in the backyard are few and far between, I live for the days that we are all there together again. Just this week I was sitting on Mamaw's couch and Mamaw and I realized that all of the girl cousins were there--that is something that never happens! (photo op right??)

My cousins and I have always been there for each other through the ups and the downs, so here are six reasons I'm thankful for them--the ones I grew up with and the ones I'm watching grow up now.

1. I'm thankful for the summer days and weekends that we spent at Mamaw's and Poppa's house. Those times were never boring when all of us were all around. We ate them out of house and home, and completely destroyed their house more times than once, but the memories we made were priceless and will make us laugh for years to come.

2. I'm thankful for the many life lessons they have taught me. My older cousins taught me to stick up for myself, to do my best, and to always stay in touch no matter many how many miles may separate us. My younger cousins taught me how to take care of little ones, to never take advantage of a moment, to never miss a chance to take a funny picture, and how to bandage skinned knees; they help to remind me of the things I did when I was their age, which is always a good refresher.

3. I'm thankful for the squeals, laughs, and giggles we have all shared over the years that have created funny stories that one day we will be able to share with our future little ones.

4. I'm thankful that I know they always have my back. We may not talk every day or see each other every week, but when the chips are down, I know I can always count on my cousins to be there for me and make me laugh even in the darkest hours.

5. I'm thankful that my older cousins gave me someone to look up to. I'm the oldest sibling in my family, but my cousins gave me someone to go to for advice and they set an excellent example for me to follow.

6. I'm thankful that because I have cousins, I will always have friends.

I would not trade these times for the world, and I am so thankful that God saw our family fit to be able to share these precious memories with one another. I can only hope that one day my future children will be able to create these same kind of memories with their cousins.. hopefully in the same woods I grew up with mine in.