being Auntie Laurel

It was NOT pretty.

Don't get me wrong. I ADORE my nieces and nephew. But all my years of college teaching did NOT prepare me for babysitting four rampaging kids (three related, one sleepover friend). A demanding, pouty six-year-old. Two nine-year-olds (nine, going on sixteen). And the elder statesman at eleven. Three instigators. Four show-offs. Every conversation a negotiation. Every game a mosh pit.

WHOA Nelly!

Anyway, it is a good thing I love them to pieces. Otherwise I might have locked them all in the bathroom for the night.