When we lived in California and visited my in-laws on a regular basis, my girls would tease David and I that our best friends are over 60. It doesn't really sound that funny on paper, but it's pretty funny when the little pip-squeaks say it.

A few weekends ago, we were at the dollar movie and Lillie leaned over and made some joke. I don't remember the joke, but it was really funny. I was laughing at the comedy when I suddenly realized that Grace and Lillie are not only my favorite people in the world, they are David and my best friends. They are totally fun to crack jokes with. We've even trained them to have the same sense of humor.

I know, parents are supposed to be parents and not friends. I'd just revise that and say that you should be a parent first, but that doesn't mean you can't be friends (just a friend who has authority over you and tells you what to do).

But, what I'm talking about here is not us being their friends. I'm talking about them being our friends. Besides playing Trouble, going for bike rides, going to the movies, and things like painting with them, we don't do a lot of the stuff they like. I'm not interested in hanging out with them when they are playing. David and I aren't really useful for most of the games they like to play. But when they are hanging out with us, it's great times.

Now, I have friends who are my age, and it's not the same. I'm not going to talk to my kids the same way or about the same things I would to my friends. Their job is not to be there for me, my job is to be there for them. But, it really is a joy to have them get older.

I've loved every phase as they've gone through it. Even when things have been hard, they have been worth it. As they grow up, it's so fabulous to see their personalities emerge and bloom. If I could choose, I'd keep them just as they right now for a couple years. But, I always say that. I know that what is coming is great, too.

(I say that and I mean it, so how come I feel a little choked up when I think of them as young women? Choked up and a little scared).