Miami Part Deux: A Change of Scenery

Perhaps the biggest change of scenery was not escaping the beginning of fall to endure the heat and hum-id-it-y of the tropics - but escaping the relative quiet of a childless home to the...let's say...PITTER PATTER! of a home full of children.  The last time I saw my niece (AJ) and nephew (BF - for Boy Friend - because he luvs me), they were considerably smaller, even though it was only a few months ago.

Then:

Now:

The children opened up to me fairly quickly, which may or may not have to do with the large quantities of toys I brought for them in my 'magic suitcase' as my BFJ calls it.  G (and every other adult I know) refers to this as 'bribery' but I choose to view it as tangible proof of my affection for them.  And if it causes them to look forward to my visits, well, then, how nice for me.

There was work to be done, despite my fun visit:

But then it was time to play with my other nieces & nephew:

Check out the little cheerleader in the background:

A couple of highlights from the kiddos:

• I got them some plastic flashlights in the shape of certain animals.  One of them was a colorful bird.  When you squeeze its tail, its mouth opens to reveal the light, and it sings this quick burst of a scale, "La - la- la - LA - LA!"  After the 20th or 30th time in row of hearing it, their dad turned to me in his deadpan way and said, "Thanks for this."  But my lil BF just loved it, and started toddling his way around the house, merrily singing, "LALALALALALALALAAAAAAAA!"
• Also, they were skyping some family and the kids were playing in the background.  When it was time to go, the family quickly said bye, and lil BF said clearly, "Bye Bye!" and waved.  We all just stared at one another like aliens had landed in the backyard or something.

I had to leave so a certain little girl could rest up for her first day of preschool. 

Until next time.  I have to save up to buy more toys anyway.