Nerf Invasion

Our boys had a lot of nerf guns already.  Being hippie left-wing pacificists, we're not fond of guns or violent play.  Ogres chopping each other's heads off with swords in online fantasy roleplay, or Jedis slashing each other with light sabers--that's cool.  Just not real 21st century type violence.

But Nerf guns are different...they're soft, bright orange and yellow, and afford respite from 2 loud restless boys who can't sit near each other without getting riled up and fighting.  Sure, they're still riled up, but it is OUTSIDE in the backyard, and with the glass doors and windows closed, the shrieking and yelling don't bother me nearly so much.  The neighbors?  Well, they haven't complained yet, and we did provide our actual correct phone number when they asked, so we'll just trust they're OK until they tell us they're not.

Teddy and I went shopping for his brother, and he got him the new weapon with the round 35-shot barrel attachment and some extra darts.  Since they were buy one, get one 1/2 off, it made sense for him to spend the gift card from his aunt and uncle and arm himself too.

Then the Santa at DH's office Christmas party gave the boys a Nerf rifle--with fold out stabilizing legs and the ability to split into 2 weapons with 6-dart clips.  And finally, their best friends gave them each a double-barrel Nerf rifle.  These open up in the middle, and load from the back of the barrel, just like real shotguns.

Yes, that's right, FIVE new Nerf weapons in 3 days.  I am amazed none of them duplicated each other.  Each one shoots farther, faster, or shoots double, leaving their other dozen weapons in the dust.  They can now arm a full infantry troop with Nerf guns from their own weapon stock.  If the army issued soft foam darts instead of real bullets, that is.  Somehow, the Pacifist in me actually likes that idea.

Peace on Earth indeed.  Just not in my backyard once it stops raining.  Hope all your dreams of Christmas magic have come true as well.