Conversations with an 8-year old

So my sister-in-law is visiting us from London, UK with her 2 kids - a son who is 13 and a daughter who is 8 years old. Today, my hubby n I had to step out for some time in the evening to run errands, and we took our 8-year old niece N with us.

I love being with kids....pretty much any age. I consider my time very well spent when I am with them, because I always learn something new and I always find something to be happy about, something to laugh on, from the conversations. Today was no different.

One of the most touching things N said today was: "I want this to be Ruhi's best birthday ever". She is in love with my daughter, kisses her zillion times a day, wants to hold her, hug her, feed her, bathe her - she showers all the love she has on the little one. I cannot express in words how good it makes me feel. She has prepared a surprise tap dance for Ruhi's birthday party and I can't wait to see her perform. She wants me to give her measurements of the room where the party will be held, so that she can make all the decorations at home by hand. She has been asking me about Ruhi's favorite toy, favorite spot in the house, etc etc and I am sure something cool is cooking in her mind from the answers she is getting.

We asked her if she would like to take Ruhi with her back to UK. She said it would be the best thing ever to happen to her :). We asked our nephew too, and he also said yes, but he was like it would be better if Ruhi was a boy :). He wanted a baby brother as his sibling but got a sister instead :).

N found a piano book from Ruhi's pile of toys and books, and she started playing nursery rhymes for Ruhi. She is so innocent and selfless. I wonder why we can't be like this all our life. There is so much purity in the way the kids live their life.

As soon as both the kids arrived at home yesterday, they gifted her with a set of gold bangles. Both of them took a bangle each, and made Ruhi wear it. My daughter is so lucky and blessed to have cousins like these.

I asked N what she would like to be when she grows up, and she said she wants to be an optician. She said she loves to look into people's eyes.....paused for a bit....and then said eyes are wonderful and I would like to look after everyone's eyes. I find her thinking so profound.

When I asked her what movies and music she likes, she responded in a detailed manner. And when she was done, she asked me what movies I liked and why. I find her so sensitive at such a young age....all the time while talking to her I kept imagining how wonderful it will be when Ruhi grows up and talks to me like N is doing right now.

They will be gone tomorrow for 3 days to visit Yosemite and San Francisco, and I am already starting to miss them, and want them to be back soon......