Caving to Commercialism

As soon as I saw it, I wanted it. I can't explain it, except to say that it appealed to my inner Deion. We went in to the Swim shop to get the boys some bungees for their goggles. Of course when we got there, my oldest wanted to see if he could buy another speedo so that he didn't wear out his competition suit. Luckily they were having a clearance sale. And as we went to the counter to look at nose pinchers, it caught my eye. The graphic was perfect, and then when I saw what it said, I grinned. "Melee's going to want this.", I thought to myself. "But it's not really appropriate either for his age or for his swimming prowess.", I silently argued with myself.
"I know, but it's cool!", Deion said.
"Charlie won't like it. Maybe we could use a permanent marker and mark out the saying."
"That's what makes it so cool! And funny."
"What are the other kids gonna say? Plus the parents will talk about you if you let him wear it."
"Maybe the parents need to get a sense of humor. Sunny would get it.", he grinned.
"I don't think we ought to do it."
"I guess you're right. Sigh."
So John finished his shopping and went out to the car to trade places with Melee' so he could come in and choose what color bungee he wanted. And sure enough, as soon as he saw it, that's what he wanted. I was already leaning hard in that direction and so it didn't take much for me to cave. We got it home and as soon as Charlie saw it he said "Nope. You can't wear that."
"But Dad, what if we marked out what it says."
"No, we can take it back and get another one."
As soon as Melee' was out of the room he turned to me and said "What were you thinking?"
"I'm thinking that is SO his personality."
"Even if it didn't have that word on it, kids are gonna make fun of him. I think you need to take it back and get him a different one."
"I don't want to take it back. Maybe he'll get better after he has a couple of lessons."
"It's still not appropriate."
"I know, but it's hilarious!"
"What are you gonna do with it?"
"Maybe I'll wear it. Just around the house or something."

I may not be the greatest swimmer in the world (I taught them their modified dog paddle), but I have a two year old and a four year old and on dry land I'm Freak N' Fast, baby!