Justin and I spent the better part of today with our niece, Tia, and our nephew, Jack. They are two of the 7 nieces and nephews we have between our combined families. Today was the second part of their Christmas gift - a trip to Toys R Us to spend the gift cards we gave them. After our amazingly quick trip through the store, we went back to my brother and sister-in-law's house for pizza.
Jack had started opening his new Skylanders in the car, so he was all ready to add them to the rest of his collection - I think the total is 12 now. Tia had also opened part of her Peppa Pig play set and was eager to tear into the rest of the toys. Watching her play and listening to Jack explain the figures' various powers was fun. Plain and simple - it was fun. Jack and Tia are two terrific kids.
Jack is eight-years-old. He and I have a special way of saying good-bye that started when he was little. I'm grateful he's still "little" enough to keep it going with me. Jack is a smart little guy who loves to read and truly enjoys learning - the phrase "kids are like sponges" was meant for Jack. He absorbs information and carefully figures it all out. He asks some pretty amazing questions. Jack loves school, and it makes me smile when I ask him "How's school going?" and he almost always replies, "Great!" He is also a comedian-in-training. If you know my brother, Mike, his Dad, this shouldn't come as a big surprise. Today Jack was making jokes about different things that had all of us laughing. He is starting to learn to use sarcasm, so he'll fit right in at our holiday dinners. Jack is into so many different things. It's fun to see his interests change and develop as he gets older.
Tia is three-years-old. She is, despite my sister-in-law's efforts, the princess of the household. She loves anything sparkly. She also loves Mickey Mouse, Peppa Pig, Hello Kitty, My Little Pony...you get the idea. Tia has more personality in her little body than any other three-year-old I've met. She can light up the room with her smile and laugh, but will tell you if she doesn't like something. She keeps everyone on their toes, and has mastered the look that makes it so hard to say "no." She has so much energy that it's not hard to imagine her dancing around the room; but she can snuggle up with books just as quickly. Tia has a passion for life and is one sassy little girl.
Spending time with Jack and Tia today was a fun surprise. It's hard to feel anything but happy when you're hanging out with two of the best kids around (I know I'm biased, I never said I wasn't). I love them both and I am grateful to be their Auntie Kelly.
p.s. Don't worry, the other 5 nieces and nephews will have their day here too!
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