I am a long distance Aunt to my sisters kids. I am in Jersey, she is in South Carolina. Sometimes it is hard to keep in touch, but text messaging has helped that! If you can't beat them, join them! I often see my nieces and nephews on ICHAT, until they disconnect me! LOL I also Facebook them! They think it is so weird that MY GENERATION is suddenly invading their space!! When I go to visit, or they come here, there is so much commotion it is very hard to spend "time" with each one. I always try to go out alone with each of them. But it is hard to fit that in the time frame of a visit. I started taking them (alone) with me on Getaways and REALLY got to know them!! My brother, who has never been married, takes trips and brings different nephews every time he travels. He also also lives away from my kids and it has been intrical in getting to know my sons and my sons getting to know him. They LOVE him! Think he is the best! Try it! It is so special to spend that time with them!