So Samuel hits. To their credit, his mum and dad reprimand him right away when he does. They give him time outs, take away things he adores like his GameBoy and privileges. Last month, when we were together Samuel hit Lily in the face for absolutely no reason - not that there normally is a reason, we're not talking Lifetime Movie Of The Week here. There was no mysterious bruise followed by the weak explanation, "I fell." It just came out of nowhere. The husband was so embarrassed and felt so badly for Lily that he just turned around and slapped Samuel really hard in the face. It was a shock. I'm normally not a fan of smacking (I would have preferred a smack on the tush instead) but I do like justice and seeing as it wasn't the first time the little b*stard had hit Lily (he's even hit me - right in the boobs!) so I was grateful. I didn't let them know that though. I acted all, "Oh dear, you didn't have to do that." Liar. The good news is - Samuel was so embarrassed from the smack heard round the world that he hasn't hit Lily since.

However, all is not well. Lily doesn't want to spend time with Samuel anymore. Larry and I are also feeling uncomfortable about Samuel's dad feeling obliged to smack his son. And after Samuel's dad smacked him the last time there was tremendous, palpable tension between his mum and dad. So much so that we made excuses to leave early. It was so bad we actually skipped dessert and if you've seen any photos of me recently it's safe to say I don't miss many desserts. Cake is my life people.

Any rate, I got a call from Samuel's mum yesterday in regards to the cottage we rent every July in Hyannis. She reminded me that the balance of the rental is due this Friday. But I'm not sure I want to subject my child to a holiday with a friend's child who hits. Lily no longer enjoys play dates with Samuel because she's gun shy. And the awkwardness between Samuel's parents over his behavior is not something I want to pay $1500 a week to endure. It's our holiday too. We're really disappointed to say the least. These holidays in Hyannis with friends have become a tradition for our little family that we really treasure.

You probably have many questions....like how did these people find a cottage in Hyannas for $3000 a week during the high season?  For that price why don't they just put up with it?

Seriously though, I'm not sure what to tell our dear friends. They really are good friends whose company we appreciate. When I try to talk to them about Samuel's behavior they become quite defensive, it's uncomfortable to say the least.  What should we do?  Come clean and be honest or do the honorable thing, preserve the friendship and lie.  It's so easy to blame the economy these days, we could just say we can't afford the gas to get up there.  And at $4 a gallon that's not such a stretch.

What would you do?  I really need the opinion of someone not directly involved to gain some perspective.  Is it time for us to weed the ole' friendship garden?