It was around midnight when Aubrey Seymour and her husband were woken out of a sound sleep by their Ring alert: Someone was on their property. In fact, it was several someones. By the time they ran outside, the perpetrators were gone, but the "damage" had already been done. The Seymours' yard in the small community of San Clemente, California, had just been hit by one of the most epic teenage toilet-papering jobs they'd ever seen. So epic, that they couldn't even be mad about it — they were simply in awe.
Speaking with CafeMom, Aubrey says all she and her husband could think to do was turn to each other and laugh. "They got us good," she says.
And oh, did they.
Yards of toilet paper were flung over their cars, draped from tree branches, and strewn about the driveway.
It was such an extensive TP job that the Seymours couldn't help but be impressed by all the hard work that went into it. But they were also super curious as to who the perpetrators were. On the footage captured by their Ring, they could only make out that the TP-clad assailants were teenagers, similar in age to their own two sons; who they were remained a mystery.
So Aubrey decided to take to the local San Clemente Life Facebook page, where town residents often share local events and happenings.
(Though I'd wager to guess none are as comical as this one.)
"To the kids that TP’d our house last night, I have a few choice words for you … " Aubrey's post began. "AMAZING job, you have given me faith that there are still youths that choose to go ABOVE and BEYOND. One day I believe you will change the world with your DETERMINATION to be the best. I do have you on my Ring and when I find out who you are…game on my friend, we too have a Costco size supply of TP."
Aubrey's hilarious post, which included a photo of the TP destruction, began racking up likes, shares, and comments faster than she could believe.
In fact, to date it has more than 335k likes and 123k shares from people far and wide who were equally amused by the teenagers' hard work and "determination." But they were also really touched by the couple's attitude about the whole thing.
"I love your response," wrote one Facebook commenter. "Now you know … Your home will only get TP'd if you or your children are truly loved by others.This is the best sign of affection."
"I love your take on it all! That’s the spirit harmless fun," wrote another.
Aubrey says she's been completely "blown away" by the incredible response her post has received from people across the country.
"I had posted it on San Clemente Life as a way to see if anyone fessed up," she tells CafeMom, "but most importantly I wanted to point out that kids these days have choices and unfortunately, not all are making the right ones. I was hoping to make a few people laugh on San Clemente Life and maybe point out that the reaction to kids doing a harmless (no damage to property) prank can be viewed in a more positive light."
It seems she definitely did.
In case you're wondering, the Seymours did finally learn who the perpetrators were.
And although she's not naming names, Aubrey can confirm it was apparently four teen boys who've been friends with her 15-year-old son since elementary school.
"I have known the moms also," she says, "and reached out to tell them 'Job well done. They should be proud.'"
That's right — this mama has nothing but praise for the TP vandals, despite the hours of cleanup it took to get her yard looking normal again.
