My dearest kiddos,

I want to start by saying how wonderful you all are and how grateful I am to be a part of your lives. I can't thank your parents enough for allowing me to spend the majority of your days with you this summer. As the summer draws to a close, I am even more thankful for the last days we get to spend together.

I know you aren't reading this now, but maybe one day in the future you will stumble on it and know how much this summer meant to me, whether you remember it or not.

I want you all to know how amazing you are. I've seen you grow and develop so much. Every day that I have come in exhausted has been quickly made better by sweet morning snuggles or the excited sounds of my name being screamed.

You mean the world to me, even when I don't always show it.

I never feel unloved while I take care of you. I never feel unneeded. There is never a dull moment, and I am always on my toes. And just because I fuss at you, doesn't mean I'm mad at you or you're a bad kid. I fuss because I want you to learn from those behaviors and be the good person you tell me I'm teaching you to be.

I love that you make my day brighter when I'm feeling down. I love that you trust me enough to come to me when something upsets you. I would never allow anything to hurt you, and you know that as much as I do.

You all love me regardless. I can come in anywhere from fully made up to just rolled out of bed and threw on clothes. The second option was the popular option most days. But it never mattered to you. You love me regardless of how I look, how I'm acting, or anything I've done. I'm much more than that to you, and I'm thankful for that.

I'm thankful your parents trusted me to stay with you. It has been a learning experience for us all. You have taught me much more than you'll ever know.

I can't imagine what my days will be like once I go back to school. They will certainly be filled with a lot less giggles, cartoons, snuggles, and drool. They will be quieter and much less eventful. However, I don't know what I'll do without all of these things. They are what makes our days fun and exciting.

Every toy I've put away, tear I've wiped, injury I've healed with a magic kiss, chicken nugget I've cut into tiny pieces, nose I've wiped, spill I've cleaned, child I've rocked, and book I've read has made this summer very memorable. I will never forget the summer I spent with "my babies."

I love you all, just as I love my own siblings. Thank you for a wonderful summer. I couldn't imagine spending it any other way.

Love,

Your Babysitter