Show them no mercy!

One of the hot Christmas gifts this year is a kit that allows kids to build their own Star Wars light saber. I know this because both of my kids got one (we celebrated Christmas over Thanksgiving weekend this year due to scheduling requirements) along with many of their cousins. Needless to say, there were some epic battles that took place - George Lucas would have been proud!

These light sabers not only came in multiple colors, but also provided the ability to make a double light saber - 8 feet of solid plastic. I'm not sure who came up with this idea, but I'm pretty certain it was not a parent of young children. Eight feet of light saber inside a house is a terrible idea (thus the banishment of this configuration to outdoors). In fact, I think the real thing would have been a better option - at least then any objects that got hit by the "blade" would instantly vaporize and there would be no mess to clean up!

As my oldest son prepared to go outside for a war with his cousins, I jokingly said "Show them no mercy, son". He responded in all seriousness "Don't worry dad, I always go for the body instead of the sword!" Hmm, not quite the response I was looking for.