There are some days when the afternoon seems to stretch endlessly.
Of course, I am more anxious for The Husband’s arrival on those days. The Crew must smell a weakness in me, because they are exceptionally squirrely.
We had one of those days recently. After battling with the kids for a bit, I threw my hands up in surrender. Since the weather was nice, I decided to take The Crew to a nearby dollar store. It’s just a short walk, so Bito and Cupcake hopped along as BabyMuffin got a ride in the stroller.
Once there, Bito quickly picked out a truck, but just as quickly, he changed his mind and chose a wiggly, jelly bug instead. Cupcake considered her choices carefully, first eyeing a horse-on-a-stick toy, then fingering the dolls. A bouquet of fake flowers earned a moment of reflection, as did a ceramic figurine. However, when she spied the candy, she focused all her attention on choosing the perfect candy that would maximize her dollar purchase. Bito ditched the wiggly bug and also perused the candy as if it were a matter of life and death to pick out the best candy.
I marveled as I watched my older two children choose anything they wanted for a dollar. It amazed me how it delighted them to have such a surprise, special treat that day.
Moments later, we were on our way out the door, Cupcake happily munching on a candy necklace, and Bito opening a whistle filled with bubble-gum. So maybe their dinners were spoiled, maybe they’d have a sugar crash later on, maybe they’d come to expect special dollar store treats more often than I was willing to give them. I didn’t care, though. That one trip brought joy and peace to my otherwise difficult afternoon–for the mere price of $2.
I wish our dollar store was in walking distance. I have done exactly what you’ve done! It’s amazing what $1 can do.
Everyone deserves a treat once in a while!