Sugar -N- Spice

"Ca'mere an' let me tuck you in, Auntie Leah, we are goin' to bed." I could only shake my head and smile at the sweetest little sweet pea who took me by the hand. Never mind that she'd called me by my sister's name for the umpteenth time. She was just so cute I didn't have the heart to correct her again. She prompted me to lay down on the rug and covered me "all up" with her special blanky.

"I'll get you a snack. Some human cheese, I think." She pattered off in search of her mom. Human cheese? I was afraid to ask. Besides, I'd already been stuffed full of imaginary strawberries and tea.

"Uh, we don't have anymore so you can have this," She handed me an empty, plastic plate. I pretended to gobble up whatever it was, thankfull not to have to try whatever "human cheese" was.

"Not yet! you need another nap before pie!" One teeny hand rested on her hip while the other wagged at me. Then, again with the covering of the blanky. I could play with Maddie all day, which, I think, was her plan. I tried to steer her Uncle Lucas's direction but she wasn't so sure about him yet. I was already under her tiny tot spell. It was Lucas's turn.

The next morning found Maddie, Macy, and I blowing huge hand bubbles in the front yard. Macy made the best ones I'd ever seen. Later they actually let me paint their faces. (Bring out the face paints at our house and the boys scatter.) Maddie wanted flowers down one side of her face and a green heart... on her chin.

"I just love fish. I want a fish. A fish in the ocean. How about a lot of fish! As many fish as you can fit. Now paint a fish on my other cheek. A fish in a bowl. Oh! I know! A fish in a bowl on this side, dreaming about being a fish in the ocean on the other." I painted as fast as I could to keep up with her. Macy has a great imagination. "Now could you paint a fish on my hand?" She blinked up at me with her big baby blues. How could I resist?

"Ca'mere," Maddy grabbed my hand again. "Let's go watch Angelina Ballerina, Aunt Rachie." Oh, wow. I could have taken her home with me! They wouldn't have missed just one would they?