Last night, after dinner, the kids said, “Hey, let’s put down our devices, go outside for some fresh air and just get creative with a new game—all together!”
Or, I yelled at them that I was going to throw their ipads into a giant bonfire if they didn’t get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather while they had the chance.
They agreed on a game—soccer base. They even asked me to play which means the game wasn’t mathematically possible to get underway without a fourth player OR, nobody wanted to be on the 6 year olds team and this was an appropriate punishment for both of us. Me, for making chicken stir fry for dinner (again) and Chloe for being forced to eat it (again).
After a de-briefing of the rules the way that would best suit our opponents (Hanna and Ellie) making it impossible for Chloe & I to; score a point, get them out or win the game, we decided to proceed.
Chloe kicked the ball and ran toward first base, being manned by her 10 year old sister.
In an adorable attempt to reach first and in the spirit of sportsmanship, Chloe hip checked her sister as she arrived on base causing Ellie to tumble over her own feet and fall over, rolling dramatically down a side yard slope.
As a witness to the “attack” my totally unbiased opinion as a mother looking on and fierce competitor of Ellie’s/teammate of Chloe’s, I would describe the contact as a gentle hip “nudge.” I would compare it to that moment when two girlfriends meet each other on the dance floor at a wedding, they bump hips in a “Hey friend, let’s dance!” and then break into an awesome running man in unison.
Ellie’s version went something like this: “Mom!!!! Mom! Mom! Mom! Mom! Did you see that?” (I did) “Chloe just attacked me!” (she didn’t) “Chloe ran at me and smashed into me and then when I was falling, she jumped on top of me!” (false) Ellie could tell there was no sympathy from her mother/umpire/lady being eaten alive by mosquitos/no wonder nobody plays outside anymore. Her story went on, “Then Chloe tried to STRANGLE me!” (nope) “And grabbed all around my neck” (what?) “Then she dug her nails in!” (doesn’t have any) “And was spitting!” (is she talking about today?)
I tried to look confused for as long as possible.
Well, just as long as it took for Chloe to run all the way home.
1-0.
