Sweet! Sixteen

Tomorrow marks a landmark in the life of one of the most influential males in my life. This January sixteenth my brother Erik will be turning sixteen years old! Not only is he my favorite brother (on the grounds that he is my only brother), he has become an amazing basketball player, charming ladiesman, and great companion. This past Wednesday I accompanied him to his youth group gathering because, let's face it, I had nothing better to do and I still look like a freshman in high school. Now that he's grown an inch taller than me, I think people have started wondering if we're dating, which is completely wrong but understandable since he is blond and I am...not.

This Christmas break I've also been fortunate enough to watch him play basketball, which has apparently become his sport of choice. He's developed into one of the best players, whereas he was short and commanded average skills on the court just a few years ago. I suppose that's why he gave up on basebell (my favorite sport); after all, it is better to have passion for what you're doing rather than go half-heartedly into each game. Since dropping the bat and glove, he's improved upon his dribbling and shooting skills. I must say, I'm extremely proud of my brother for being such a great team player, on court as much as off.

Erik is such an ideal brother because he exudes a confidence that spreads like wildfire; he's also very easy-going and talkative, two characteristics I tend to lack at times. He's been such a good example of what males should be viewed as which, in many ways, has helped me set high standards for my relationships. It's hard to believe he's almost four years younger than me when I consider how easily we can relate to each other. There's definitely something to be said for the brother-sister bond. The endless jokes, stories, German tutoring, and basketball practices. Speaking of jokes, my birthday present to my brother (because I am the family's bakery) was a cake and four chicks. No, not real chicks, fake plastic decorations that are typically used for cupcakes. It reminded me of Jessie's birthday cake because I lacked action figures (or awesome plastic cartoon characters), but that's another story from another time. Vielen Glueck zum sechszehnter Geburtstag, Erik!

The sister of an awesome younger bro,

Anna