A note to all aunts and uncles out there - do not leave a timid 3 year old

[yvr girl]

alone in a dark house (during a power outage) even for just a minute, so that you can get your cell phone, which you forgot in your car UNLESS you are prepared to deal with the scream of terror.

I'm just saying, for a little thing, my niece can really yell.

[fairfaxvadem]

1. This happened to me last summer, as a matter of fact.

Being stuck with a 6 year old and a 3 year old for 5 hours with no power is a true exercise in patience.

While my sis and her husband were blisfully unaware of the power outage, I struggled to keep them entertained and away from the candles. And the fighting over the flashlights was almost more than I could bear.

Finally, at 9:30pm, the utility trucks showed up, so we went outside and watched them. They thought that was pretty cool.

And what happens? No sooner do Mom and Dad show up, the power comes on.

Nice.

[yvr girl]

2. I didn't even have flashlight or candle

My only source of light was the gas fireplace. My niece wanted to watch a movie, which of course, we couldn't. It was a long evening.

Eventually, we went out to buy a flashlight and forage for food. By the time we got home, the power was on.

[fairfaxvadem]

5. I considered taking them to the mall.

Then I remembered I didn't have the dang carseats.

So, no roadtrip that night.

[yardwork]

3. You guys are wonderful. Your nieces and nephews are so lucky

You will have pals all your lives. You're doing a wonderful thing taking care of and having a relationship with your nieces and nephews.

[fairfaxvadem]

4. Oh, I wouldn't use the word "wonderful" exactly!

At least, not for my part. I do it out of a perfectly developed sense of Catholic-Guilt!

[yardwork]

6. I'm serious. Don't underestimate how much this means to them.