The Joy of Aunthood

You know what I like about kids? They remind me of who I am--temper tantrums, sweetness, rawness and all. We're lucky to have our younger generations. My niece--sweet, devilish, willful, fearless, beautiful--is in some ways a role model. She's aware of herself and her beauty and her power but then I catch her running around in her little swim suit completely unattached to her physical self. There's such beauty and freedom in it. Who could say no to that?Taya Mishel, top age 5 3/4; left, about 4 3/4.