My Man-nny

So, I had a Manny this last weekend (Man--Nanny). He was selected from a large pool of applicants in the Kansas City area. His qualifications made him stand out above the rest--six feet tall, red hair, skinny--oh yeah, he's my brother too.
My manny is the youngest child, so he's not used to being adored. For those of you who come to visit us, let this post serve as a warning, that my daughter, Ryanna, will love you and she will let you know that by being by your side from the minute she wakes up until we force her into her bedroom to go to sleep. I don't think Keithie (we were on a first name basis my manny and me) is used to being worshipped like this although he did handle it well.
It started on the drive from the airport to the zoo. (I really mean the actual Phoenix zoo--this is not a coy reference to my house.) Keith and I were talking in the front seat and from the back would come her little voice,
"Um, hey, Uncle Keith?"
Keith would respond, "Yes, Ryanna?"
Ryanna: "Did you know that I have a silver tooth?"
Keith: "No, that's good Ryanna."

Keith and I would commence talking only to be interrupted a few minutes later, "Um, Uncle Keith?"
Keith: "Yes, Ryanna?"
Ryanna: "Did you know that I can play the violin?"
Keith: "Yes, that's good Ryanna."

Then, we got to the zoo where Keith hauled Ryanna up and down the trails on his shoulders. She loved every second even if the elephants, orangutan, tiger and rhinocerous were hiding in their cages due to the cold. (Sidenote--does anyone else say orangutan-g or am I the only one in America mispronouncing that word?)

When we ate at In-N-Out Burger, she had to sit right beside him. (Note to self--I consumed more food at the restaurant than manny did--hiring him based on food consumption would be a wise move.)

When manny awoke the next morning, what to his wondering eyes should appear but a four year old standing beside his couch waiting patiently for him to awake to read her stories. Afterward, she asked him to color with her for an hour. She colored her pictures exactly like his. As soon as he'd set down a marker, she'd pick it up, look at his page and copy it.

We also played a little of Settlers of Catan. Manny did great for a newbie. I had to beat him and Derek several times just for fun. We hope he comes back, so we can beat him, I mean play with him some more.

Ahhh yes, my manny was put to the test, but secretly, I think that he loved it. He even squeezed me orange juice. Yes manny, if you're reading this, you're hired.