You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!

What to do when the tragic lack of snow in Utah forces you to forego the traditional Christmas Eve sledding? Engage in a little modern warfare.

Our gift to Andy's family members: 6-dart repeat firing Nerf guns. After heading over to a local elementary schoolyard with the intent of playing kickball, we handed out the wrapped packages and had everyone tear them open in unison. Within a minute, guns started blazing.

 

  The baby-faced assassin packing some heat.
Unlike Ralphie's mom, we apparently have no qualms giving pseudo-firearms to our children. Charlton Heston would be proud. Others are probably horrified by this picture. You know who you are. :)

Kickball quickly evolved into dodge/dart tag with modified rules. Each team had to kick the ball and run the bases as usual, but people were out when hit by a dart. It was great because Andy's aunt, uncle, and cousin were there, along with his twin's "good friend," so we had enough to really play. 

Freezing temperatures forced us to call it quits after 45 minutes. So the battle moved inside instead.

Andy's mom made scone dough with bullets whizzing around her.

Then someone had the idea to break out the ski goggles to prevent any unfortunate eye injuries that could ruin Christmas festivities. Opthamologists across the Wasatch Front breathed a sigh of relief. That's when it got really good.

Auntie Char's got her game face on. Oh, and the paper antlers Andy's uncle made for each of us for a game we played later.

Uncle Pete's locked and loaded.

Later that night we found him sitting in the recliner wearing his ski googles and reading a book while Ben stood across the room and used him as target practice.

Does anyone else see that sinister glint in her eye? Don't mess with Bets. A true competitor, if I ever met one.

Ben busted out his best moves for the occasion.

Protecting the not-so-innocent.

Let the games begin!

Highlight: The sneak attack from Betsy's friend, Steve "the nice biologist." Also a very formidable opponent and good sport about the evening's shenanigans.

A tiny reindeer eating dinner during a break in the action.

Scones, sausages, and fruit for dinner on Christmas Eve. A Haws family tradition. Great company and good conversation.

Now back to more games. The kids broke a wily dragon pinata after dinner and enjoyed the spoils.

I think Pete's celebrity double would be Jude Law. Anyone else with me on that?

Thanks to our first-ever yoga class, catching up with friends, lots of reading time, societally-sanctioned gluttony, and seeing the kids so excited, it was a great trip. More to come!