The first five or so days of SS10's two week visit were nice while they lasted. Now he is back to his typical entitled, rude, and condescending self. My parents invited us to join them on a 4 day camping trip to an island tourist destination in our state. Here are the highlights of SS' behavior during this trip.

• One of my parents' friends lives on the island and was showing us around. We rode our bikes past the school, where he informed us only 90 kids total are enrolled K-12. He joked with SS that with classes that small, SS had a good chance of being top of the class. SS rolled his eyes and responded "I'm already top of my class." I shot SS a look and said "You may be academically advanced and not struggle in school, but it doesn't mean you have to brag about it." He just rolled his eyes again. 

• The campground we are camping at was hosting players of a huge soccer tournament this weekend. We were all sitting in the hot tub with kids and parents of the soccer team. I was talking to one of the Moms about the tournament and they said it's co-ed. SS immediately states "I could never play with girls." Everyone in the hot tub falls silent. DH calls SS out saying, "yeah that's because they would kick your butt." SS is clearly embarrassed and DH knew he did his job. The Mom asked if SS played soccer, to which he replied "Soccer, Football, and Basketball." The Mom looked at us as if we were nuts for doing all that. DH caught the look and said "He lives in x with his Mom who encourages participation in sports." The Mom caught our drift, realizing it wasn't us doing this to SS. 

• The island we went to has very little wildlife; reports say there are only 3 deer total and a few varieties of smaller animals. SS questioned why there was no wildlife. My Mom explained that there was no way for animals to get to the island unless they swim, fly, or walk across the lake when it freezes over. The whole time we were there, we literally saw one squirrel, that's it. On the phone with BM and GF today, SS tells them that he saw deer, squirrels, raccoons, and more, but that my Mom said animals weren't on the island and clearly she was wrong. BM and GF encouraged him, saying that of course animals were on the island and that large hawks must have dropped them there. SS claimed that since God made the island, God made sure wildlife was on the island. Whatever. BM showed her true stupidity though, asking SS why we didn't take my parents' 46 foot fifth wheel weighing 23,000 lbs, camping on the island. Well BM, how would we take an RV to an island that doesn't allow motor vehicles, and doesn't have land access? You can't take an RV (especially one of that size) on a small ferry or plane... Duh. 

• SS decided he wanted to buy a souvenir (later to find out they are for BM and GF). At the store, SS picked out a souvenir from a $5 bin. The cashier rang up the item and told SS it was more than $5 and that someone must not have wanted the item and dropped it in the bin. SS proceeded to argue with the clerk, demanding the item at $5. DH gave SS a stern look and told SS that the store clerk is right and SS either buy the item at full retail price or leave the store empty-handed. SS bought the item and left. On today's call, BM and GF told SS they were proud of him for that and that he should have fought harder to "negotiate." They said that it was the shop's mistake and that they should have honored the price. GF went on to say that due to SS' limited budget, they should have just given it to him. Umm no, if I want something, I either save up for it or don't get it; I don't expect the world to just give me what I want at a price I can afford. That is not how the world works. 

• Most of the trip, SS kept talking about how BM and GF are so financially well-off and how we aren't. Now mind you, we were with my parents on this trip and my parents have money; my Dad worked hard his whole life to create a thriving business and my parents definitely identify as upper class. My parents and I have never let money define us and we aren't the bragging type. Anyway, SS keeps talking about money. I went into a really nice store and found a pullover sweatshirt that I really liked that was $100. My Dad offered to buy it for my upcoming birthday. I told my Dad "No," that it was too much. SS keeps going on and on about how rich they are. My Dad proceeds to buy me the shirt, a bag and the matching duffel at the tune of $800 total, saying I deserved it because as a new Mom and just in general, I don't do anything for myself. SS' mouth fell to the floor at the final price. I told my Dad "Thank you," completely baffled by the experience. SS didn't bring up money again after that. 

• We drive a 3 row, 7 passenger SUV. While out driving around, SS and my Mom sat in the third row. I told SS to give my Mom the seat with more leg room. He ignored me, sitting in that seat. DH got firm with him and said "isn't that the seat with more leg room?" SS got cocky and responded "they have the same amount of space." DH told him "No" and made him move. SS got mad. Every time we got out of the car and back in, SS would go to that seat and the argument would start all over again. 

I could go on and on. SS never said "Please" or "Thank you" for anything. He argues about every single thing and always has to be right. He couldn't be bothered to hold doors. He has no respect for his elders or anyone else for that matter; the world revolves around SS always. SS comes back for another 2 weeks at the end of June. I told DH that I may take DD and go visit my Grandma for a few days because I cannot stand this attitude for another full two weeks. 

The funny thing is, with all of this superior attitude and macho behavior, belittling and making fun of others, I caught SS intently watching Sesame Street while it was playing for DD4months in the car. When I turned it off to take DD inside, I heard SS go "Awe man." Really?! Sesame Street is cool? I just don't understand this kid.