WHEN EVELYN got to the foyer, she picked up the phone and stared into the camera, gingerly making her way to the rear wing of the mansion to the courtyard where her privacy was guaranteed.

"Hola, Mami!" She waved at her niece. "What's good?!"

"Hola, Tía!" Livvie's reply came almost inaudibly amidst the cacophonic background.

Just before Evelyn could complain about the noise, a group of grade schoolers scurried to Livvie's side, battling to join the Facetime, all of them speaking ...