[MouseWife]

I had a few hours to yourself at DCA. Oh, I was enjoying my time, wandering about the shops, heading down towards the backlot, without any real destination.

Then I saw 'Monsters, Inc'. I thought to myself, that would be a short line, I can sit down for a bit and enjoy this.

I get in line. Some kids are playing on the rails, I keep my distance, they keep theirs.

Then, this family comes behind me. I'd say about 4 kids under 12, two about 16. They bump me. I look back at them like 'Hey, I'm here'. They look at me, I turn around. They bump me again. I turn around again. This happens a few more times. Then, one of the little girls grabs my wrist and hangs there for a few minutes. She wasn't a wee one, she was probably 8 or 9. I am looking at her the whole time like 'I am not who you think I am!!!' and she finally lets go. Then again with the turning around blah blah blah.

The kids KNOW I am looking at them, letting them know they are bugging me. They don't care. The older girls don't say a word. I had thought one might be a parent but with all of the times I looked, I realized neither were. Then I felt one grab my keychain on my backpack. Damn. What else can I do? I grab my keychain to make sure it's there and give them the upteenth dirty look and turn around.

So, we are finally closer and they are asking for 'Groups of 2?' and I say 'I am one!!' but by the time I get there it is my turn anyhow. I walk to the turnstile and the young man says 'You'll have to wait just a moment.' I tell him I can wait forever if it keeps me away from those kids. Who then come in line behind me!!!! The gate opens and I rush in and don't look back.

Then, for what reason, a female attendant comes up to me and says 'You wouldn't mind waiting for the next taxi, would you?' And I look at her and say 'Yes. I would'.

You guys HAVE to have stories where you find yourself becoming angry with kids and you feel like a old grouch. I hated feeling the way I did because I love kids. But, I do expect kids to respect my space.

Please tell your tales, I feel like such a curmudgeon!!