Backtracking.

This is a sweet picture I took on Christmas Eve.

I love it so much, I just felt like I had to share.

Everyone looks so happy- no fake smiles -

anticipating what Christmas Morning will bring.

Shortly after the sweet picture was taken, the little kids went to bed. Eli, Annie and Michelle were hanging out in the living room. I went into the bedroom to finish wrapping a couple of gifts.

So, I was carrying a few empty wrapping paper rolls to the kitchen -

who could have known what would happen.....

Michelle attacked Eli.

She whipped him.

He cried like a girl.

Then, she used her strength and unleashed on Annie and Eli at the same time.

Annie cried like a little boy.



When Eli crawled back on the couch for safety, and Annie was secure hiding in the corner, Dave decided it was a fine time to join in.

And the Ultimate Wrapping Paper Warrior was born.

*** Events in this story may or may not be true. I ran.

What I do know is that four big people in my house battled on Christmas Eve.

It was awesomely funny.

Out for blood.

Last night, Tripp, Emma and Mallie were playing in the bathroom.
Emma did not want Tripp around.

So, she kicked him in the stomach. He, in turn, bit her on the chest when she tried to hug him and tell him she was sorry.

Screaming like there was something really happening was what I heard first. It took me close to 30 minutes to figure out the story. They were telling it at the same time, while Mallie stood back looking pleased that she kept out of the fight. After all the tears were dried and everyone got an icepack for their injury, I showed Tripp what her bite mark looked like.

Today, when I came home from work, I looked at Emma's purple and green mouthprint Tripp had left on her chest.
I made Emma show it to Tripp. I told him that this is what happens when you bite. It hurts friends.

He told me, "Thats because I am a vampire. I told you I am a vampire."

A few minutes later, she took a toy from him. As I sat and listened to them playing, I heard him say to her, "Do you want me to bite you again?"