18
I lost. When it seemed like I was preparing to dig down and build up my defenses, uncle Azzie resorted to dirty tricks and unleashed the kids on me.
Seeing Leila's eyes filled with tears, as she came in hugging her favorite teddy bear, Davyn's worry, and Nigel's confusion (is auntie Amy going to die? after which his older sister shushed him), I knew I lost.
Leila, the little manipulator, dried her tears and demanded to be allowed to sleep with me, lest I escape in the middle of the night. The kids then all climbed with me to my bed, which was thankfully king-sized. You'd think kids shouldn't occupy much space, but, with each of them bringing an enormous stuffed toy that was twice their size (Leila's was the traditional bear, Davyn's was a dragon, and Nigel's looked like a hippo. I'm
