True story. A family fracas as a result of one of the greatest misinterpretations in my lifetime.
The boys were introducing Eliot to a rocket ship I'd built for them out of a large stump and a chainsaw. With a short countdown they were off, exploring the solar system, and working as a team to navigate safely through space. Quin suggested they go to Mars. Otto countered with Uranus.
And Eliot had had enough of the boys making all the decisions.
Otto: Let's go to Uranus!
Quin: Engaging engines.
Eliot: NO NO NO
Otto: What's wrong, Eliot?
Here's the thing about Otto, he takes great care of his sister. So much so that he's going to destroy me. I'll tell Eliot 'no' and she cries and Otto swoops in to make her better. I've warned him that he's making a monster.
Otto: Eliot, we're going to Uranus.
Today, with that declaration, he'd help bring joy and awkwardness to our family vacation. To all of the woodland creatures of Gould, Colorado.
Eliot: NO! WE'RE GOING TO MY ANUS. MY ANUS!!!!
Pause. Shock.
Quin: Eliot, we're going to the planet Uranus.
Sarah: Maybe pronounce it YOUR UH NUS.
Eliot: Not Uranus. MY ANUS. MINE. MY ANUS.
You ever have that time when, in your head, your emotions overpower all other reasonable indicators to the contrary and you feel it's a good time to finally snap?
She unleashed.
Eliot: MY ANUS MY ANUS MYANUS!
Pointing and yelling her maxim at each of us, she exited the craft and stomped away.
Otto, Quin, Me: Eliot, it's a planet!
Sarah: (face in hands) Just go with YOUR UH NUS
Eliot: MYYYYYYYYY AAAAAAAAANUS! MINE!
Otto: We'll go to another planet.
Sarah: I think we're already there.
