Michi Doesn't Do It Well

The grandmother of our wonderful friend Jessica was visiting for a few months from Argentina. I don't like to credit genetics for an adult's behavior, since I strongly believe that adults should take responsibility and/or credit for what they manage to do with their lives. But, obviously, genetics and environment can be very strong positive or negative contributors. In any case, the charm, intelligence, vivacity, and kindness that Jessica exhibits appear to be common traits in her family — including her nearly 3-year-old sister, Martina (click here if you haven't met).

We had the pleasure of joining Jessica, Juan Carlos (Jessica's partner in life and work), Martina, and Abuela (Grandma... or as San Geraldo would say "gramma") for lunch last week at Sandpiper. I brought Martina a book on marine life, which she loved. But when we arrived she was quietly working on her own sticker book that featured Spanish cartoon character Peppa Pig (photo at top).

SISTERS, MARTINA AND JESSI, WITH "ABUELA MANUELA."

During our lunch, Martina gave me a Peppa Pig sticker and turned to a page in the book, showing me where to place it. I reached across the table and lightly tapped it down. I figured Martina would want to press it firmly into place — which she did.

But Martina then turned to big sister Jessi and said with her eyebrows raised and a very serious expression on her face, "Michi no lo hace bien." (Michi doesn't do it well.) 

Thankfully, I was given a chance to redeem myself. (Click any image to increase the adorable.)

MARTINA AND ABUELA MANUELA READING TOGETHER.

MARTINA AND JESSI WERE STICKING THEIR TONGUES OUT AT EACH OTHER.
THEN SAN GERALDO JOINED IN AND THIS IS THE LOOK HE GOT.

I DON'T THINK SHE HAD EVER SEEN A TONGUE THAT BIG.

MARTINA HAS A MAJOR CRUSH ON UNCLE JUAN CARLOS.

THE FEELING IS MUTUAL.

MARTINA CALLS HIM CARLO...

IN ANDALUSIAN SPANISH, PEOPLE TEND TO DROP CONSONANTS,
ESPECIALLY THE FINAL ONES.

TARTA DE CHOCOLATE...

SHE DID SHARE...

SHE HANDED ME SOME CRUMBS THAT FELL ONTO THE TABLE.

A 20-SECOND DOODLE.
MARTINA TOOK ONE LOOK AND SQUEALED, "MARTINA!!!"

Can't wait for Martina to be old enough to perform this duet with Jessi...

VERA ELLEN AND ROSEMARY CLOONEY (GEORGE CLOONEY'S AUNT).

SOS, DD (Same Old Song, Different Day)...

BING CROSBY AND DANNY KAYE (AS ROSEMARY CLOONEY AND VERA ELLEN).