First day in Maui and some brotherly love (right after a smack down!)

February of this year brought a fun filled vacay to Maui with my family. That's my parents, five brothers, their wives and children plus my crazy crew. We were usually a scene; especially since "Peterson's are very loud" as Chad puts it. Thanks to my parents we were all able to stay at the lovely Westin with very comfortable accommodations.

Down by the pool were some grills that we made good use of and the children frolicked. On this particular day our personal paparazzi (Jared) caught an entire 'incident' on film. It proved to be helpful when someone who was involved claimed to have, "done nothing at all!"

Mr. Mead reviewed the evidence and sat the boys down to discuss the situation. Which the rest of us tried not to show how hilarious the entire thing all was. After all, when Owen started off his explanation as to what happened to ten adults with, "He hit me with a stick so I HAD to beat him back up because that is what YOU always tell me to do."

It tends to make one crack a smile.

Let me explain also. When you have a child (Luke) who tends to be quite aggressive and over sensitive all wrapped up together, you tend to have situations arise frequently where he uses 'physical force' to show his frustrations. Then you factor in another child (Owen) who doesn't want to injure flies but absolutely adores teasing the he** out of people. It is shall we say a 'recipe for disaster'. In an effort to teach Luke some real world reactions to his way of dealing with frustrations we've encouraged Owen to stand up for himself.

And yes, many many a tear have been shed, but Luke still continues to have a surplus of say, piss and vinegar. Oh how we love that boy! Word to the wise. . .do not, I repeat, do not cross Luke. He will defend himself. Just yesterday at swimteam practice a thirteen year old boy learned this the hard way. Thinking Luke, a six year old boy would be easy prey for some teasing and some serious water dunking. Most mothers would interne as soon as they saw this unfolding but I, knowing my sweet boy, knew that he could and most certainly would take care of himself. I must say, some sick side of me swells up with the teensiest bit of pride in these moments. The really really sick side, btw, and never when it's on an innocent subject but for thirteen year olds. . .most definitely. You gave as good as you got, boy!

Back to the fight, so Maui day one, fighting between brothers. Luke was punished by dad for starting the fight and proceeded to sulk for a few minutes. Owen consoled him and tried to explain why he had to "beat him up", as we all pretended not to be thoroughly entertained. Some football was played and an all around enjoyable day was had on the island of Maui.