When the parents are away we will play!

One of the perks of being an uncle is the ability to be the fun and irresponsible adult for your nieces and nephews.  Enjoying these perks can be very dangerous if you are too cavalier because you will evoke the wrath of parents.  In order to minimize chastisement, I am strategically releasing this story about a one year after the fact.  Motto of this post..."No harm, No Foul!"

Early in January 2009, my niece was allowed to stay at my folks overnight.  Cherishing every moment with their grandchildren, my parents made sure to have plenty of activities for her enjoyment.  Exhausted from a busy day (my parents, my niece), my parents directed my niece to get ready for bed.  After my niece dressed in her pajamas and brushed her teeth, she joined us in the living room on the couch. 

Due to the unusually cold nature of my parent home, she was wrapped snuggly in a blanket capturing as much heat as possible.  Looking at how tightly she was wrapped in the blanket, I could not help but think back to my high school physics lessons and the properties of circular forces.  She seemed to be the perfect specimen for an “experiment.”  All I needed to do was present the experiment in an acceptable fashion.  Knowing how naïve children can be I prodded her to let her “fun” uncle and “sweet” papi show her a trick.

Quickly, so as to not allow second guessing, I laid out a blanket on the ground and had her rest in the middle.  Papi and I grabbed the ends of the blanket to create our own version of a hammock.  Rocking her back and forth, she laughed and giggled.  Her enthusiasm grew as we increased the energy of our swings.  Eventually we pushed her momentum above 90 degrees. Squealing with joy, she asked us to continue.

We continued for a few more minutes allowing her to further experience of weightlessness.  Knowing that we should not attempt a 360 degree swing and the she still needed her beauty rest, closed down shop for the evening and promised not to disclose this evening to her parents.

A little word to all my siblings, this is one of many "hazardous" activities I love to do with your children.  They have survived so far, so I would not get your panties in a bunch.