Little Brother,

First of all, I am sorry that you grew up with two sisters. Instead of wrestling and football, your favorite toy was a vacuum. Even though your sister and I weren't the girliest of girls, some of that clearly wore off on you. Oops. I am also sorry we made you the dog when we played house and put a leash on you. Little do you know, it will help you understand girls better. I know we've brainwashed you for years and made you want to pull your hair out, but I promise it will be worth it. You'll be better at picking out birthday and Valentine's Day presents and if you're somehow still stuck, you have two opinions. You will have more of a clue when it comes to mood swings and the small things that girls get upset about because you have heard your sister and I vent. Hopefully the years of vacuuming the drive way end up paying off.

Second, you're our little brother. You are one of the most important men in my life. You best believe that when you start bringing home girls, there's a pretty good chance your sister and I will have higher standards than Mom and Dad. We will annoy you and bother you and ask 20 questions when you're trying to keep everything on the down-low. Who you bring home is important to us and, honestly, no one will ever be good enough. I think the world of you and I don't know if anyone you bring home can match that, but I promise to be as open-minded as possible.

Be nice to Mom and Dad. You're the only one still left in the house and I am sure it is weirding them out. There will be a time in your next three years of high school where Mom and Dad will annoy you, drive you nuts, or just make you mad. Just realize that they have your best interests in mind. Make sure you don't dislike them forever. Kat and I went through a phase and I'm sure you will too, but then again, you're the youngest, so maybe they will give up on parenting and you can get away with murder (even though you already do).

I find it weird that you're turning into this giant adult thing. You're gigantic, mature, intelligent, and your voice is five octaves deeper than what I remember. You are so impressive and wise beyond your years. I highly doubt 99 percent of kids your age would even know how to take apart an engine, let alone fix it. You have never met a stranger and are one of the most socially outgoing people. No matter what though, keep being goofy. There is nothing better than someone that can make you laugh. Maybe its because we are practically twins and think the same, but your constant comedy can turn our whole family's day around and that is invaluable.

I may laugh or roll my eyes at you when you lecture me to drive safe or be careful or don't stay out too late, even though you are seven years younger than me, but know that I do appreciate it and think about your worries frequently. Thank you for acting like a protective brother through breakups, through college fun, and through life and for starting your protective younger brother role at age 11. I'm sure your sister and I give you mild heart attacks every now and then, but I'm sure you will bring home a girl that makes our jaws drop or will call us in the middle of the night in college and everything will come full circle.

Love you,

Your bigger (but smaller) oldest sister