The Syed Children are lucky to have lots of great "aunts" and "uncles". Those words are in quotations because these people aren't technically related to the Syed kids, but I guarantee you they love them with all their hearts. And the kids feel the same!

I was reminded of this the other day when Quinn received a birthday gift from Aunt Amy and Uncle Alexander.

They know that Quinn loves cookbooks, so Amy found her favorite childhood cookbook on ebay and had it sent to Quinn. It has kid-friendly recipes from all over the world, including the Soviet Union! :)

So far we've made rice pudding (sweeden) and stuffed pita pockets (Lebanon). Moin also made a variation of potato latkes. Quinn also reads the book throughout the day and loves it. Up next are honey baked donuts from Turkey!

Aunt Amy and Uncle Alexander actually have a good track record in terms of gifts. Who can forget the matching outfits from Hawaii?

Or Alexander's handmade flame outfit for baby Quinn, which got lots of oohs, ahhs, and hollers on the streets of Santa Cruz.

We received another great gift from a "relative" recently. A box of items from Uncle Boyd.

What is a box of items, you ask? Well it's hard to define, but Boyd likes to send collections of goods that might appeal to all members of the Herold/Syed family.

I received a doorbell, and moin received a stapler.

Quinn received a stuffed animal, and the girls got baseball cards!

Here are some other Aunt/Uncle gift highlights over the years, although I'm sure I'm leaving some out.

Quinn's trip to Izzy's with Auntie Polly. he still talks about it!

The easy bake oven Quinn received from Auntie Crystal for MY (ahem) birthday

The "Q" painting received from Auntie Belle after Quinn's birth. Hey Belle - we're still waiting for P and Z! (Kidding)

Not to get too cheesy, but the best gift of all is our children having all these wonderful people in their lives. So many awesome role models to choose from!