Boy, Boys, Boys

When I left to go visit my family last weekend, I took Maddie and our dog. I came back with both of them, plus 2 of my nieces.

My teenage niece and my pre-teen niece.

My world has changed.

Every summer they come and stay a week- longer, if I'm lucky. It was a tradition we started when they were 7 and 9. I look forward to their visit every year.

But, times have changed.

The first couple of years that they came to stay, I kept them occupied with trips to the science museum, zoo, art museum, and the pool. They hung onto my every word, and what I said was gospel.

Last year, it was all about going to the pool, Hannah Montana, cell phones and iPods.

This year, there is only one word to describe their behavior. BOYS.

Every conversation revolves around who they like, who they don't like, how many times they saw Prince Caspian because he is so cute, who just sent a text, who might call later. . . You get the point.

I listen to them, and laugh because I know that they will be going home at the end of the week and my sister can deal with it for the next few years. It's comforting really.

Crap. I'm going to have a pre-teen in 8 years.

I'll just send her to my sister. She'll have the experience, after all.