Recently I have had a new family member join Steemit, after much, much, encouragement. But if anyone knows me at all, they know I am stubborn, especially when it comes to the best interests of those I love. My sister and her family visited me from New Zealand (yes, I know you regular readers have read this about a million times now!!!) and the way I felt during this visit really hammered home what is important to me.
Pina Coladas made by the multi-talented
Even after an absence of ten years, it was as if no time passed at all. We giggled, and reveled in who was the worst influence on the other. My sister likes to wait until a certain time before having a drink, and I eventually wore here down to having cocktails in the afternoon! She also likes to have a proper breakfast before snacking. I could not influence her, but when her back was turned I had my niece eating cake for breakfast. Dammit, it was a holiday. Her influence on me? Oh it was baaaad! I swore I would never play Candy Crush as I have an addictive personality. I am playing Candy Crush. We had an opportunity to discuss many serious issues, and reminisce about our childhoods, with much hysterical laughter. I am the older sister and I was a brat. The point is, I have never felt happier in a long time.
My lovely sister and my brother (who is my ongoing Steemit recruit project).
Me, the bad influence. The mojito was delicious!!!
It is not only biological family I consider family. My best friend is my family, as are her children. My brother-in-law is my family. I claim him as a brother and he has the loyalty I reserve for family. This is an important point as I have another legal brother-in-law, my husband's brother, and he is not my brother. Just as my niece and nephews on that side of the family are in name only. Though I am still civil, and even kind occasionally (when they don't make me too mad), they do not feel like family. My sister's only daughter, my niece, is so like my three children, that even though I only remembered her as a baby, the opportunity I have had to begin to get to know her as a young woman of fifteen has literally been like gaining another child.
Moments engraved in my heart!
When I refer to the new Steemit recruit as a family member, he is to me. I liked my daughter's boyfriend instantly (as opposed to a previous relationship) and want the best for him. He is a very talented photographer and has a great sense of humour, and I believe he is perfect for Steemit. I know he will do well here!
I love my family so I will shamelessly promote them! But more than that, 
My mom and dad. My dad is opening his Christmas present, a castle handmade by my daughter,
All the best photographs on this blog were taken by my brother-in-law, who is also a very skilled photography. His specialty are action shots.