Growing up as an only child could get pretty lonely at times.

I had to play by myself and learn on my own from my parents. I never had anyone to look up to growing up that was close in age to me.

Luckily for me, my parents have taken me on the same summer trip since I was in my mother's womb. And on this very trip, I met people that I now don't know how to describe other than being so close to me that they're basically my family.

Here are 8 reasons why these people I have in my life are so important to me:

1. I had kids my own age to grow up with.

I was no longer flying solo throughout life and that was pretty darn cool if I do say so myself.

2. Every time we see each other it's like we were never apart.

One week or one year could go by and it's no doubt we could pick up right where we left off.

3. I can count on them for anything.

From what I should wear on a first date to a family hardship, I know they will always have my back.

4. No matter how far away they are I know they would be there for me in any circumstance.

Through breakups and tears, I know I could call them for anything.

5. Their parents began to treat me like their own child.

This is the part where I am scolded just as much as their own child because they have known me for so long I'm starting to blend in with the rest of the kids.

6. "Family vacations" became way cooler.

I finally wasn't a lone ranger on trips and now had my best pals with me. No offense mom and dad, but sometimes a girl just needs her BFF's.

7. They gave me a little healthy competition growing up.

Being an only child I never had anyone to beat me at board games or water-sports...until I met my best friends and then everything was a fun competition (even seeing who could drink a gallon of milk and keep it down).

8. I gained "siblings" I never thought I would have.

I know I begged my parents for a sibling, and by gaining these best friends I didn't have to ask for siblings anymore.

So to my best friends that feel like family, you've made my life a whole lot better by being the siblings I truly never had. Thank you for allowing me to tag along on family fishing trips and join in on family meals. You guys make life fun. And as we grow older, I hope that we can carry on the same traditions that our parents have done for us and our kids will get to be just as close as we are today.

Love to love you guys!