The kids have a temporary nanny

My cousin, Vanya, is staying with us for a few days and the kids just cannot get enough of her. It's Aunty Vanya this, Aunty Vanya that. For example, "Aunty Vanya can I sit next to you for dinner" and "Aunty Vanya can you read us bedtime stories". This morning, Shannon asked "Aunty Vanya, can you help me brush teeth".

There's nothing like having a new person in the house to irritate and bug to death :)

The kids love her because in her they see a big sister (especially for Shannon) who is not quite an adult yet old enough to dispense advise on earrings, princesses and almost any other phenomena. She's like a grown-up kid that can help them unlock the secrets of life that their parents do not want to reveal. Celest and I are fine to let her take them off our hands for these few days to give us some peace - Amber is not quite so involved at this point although she occasionally throws in her signature "How bout me! How bout me!" line to ensure we know she's around.

As for Vanya, I think this is good training for a future when she will have her own little ones to manage.

Aunty Vanya, come back any time and read more stories too!