My Grandma Rocks!

Come along with me, if you will, on a trip to the toy store with Ian and the triplets. Each of them is armed with $15 bucks (thanks to Grandma) and a strategy.

Ian: He is on a mission to sneak one more Webkinz under the radar. Sure Dad hates stuffed animals, but Mom is distracted with the girls, he had a crappy day, and he has his own grandma money and a 25% off coupon. Who can it really hurt?

Ella: She has 3 five dollar bills. She deserves 3 things. In a vague way she understands that together they equal one larger sum, but she likes the idea of picking 3 things that are close to the same physical size. She knows her mother well. Get the stuff picked quickly, and don't make any waves that will link her with Jilly who is sure to cause trouble, making a quick exit a distinct possibility. Once she has made her choices, she can then browse for alternatives, but the safety net is layed.

Holly: Poor girl has no idea what is going on. All she knows is that they get to BUY something!! Mom has specifically stated that it is her money, and she can spend it!! These other kids are confusing her with negotiations, and questions. Just pick a couple small things and get out of here before Mom changes her mind. This is the greatest trip of her life. One Polly set, a Hello Kitty lipstick, and tiny car, she is great, ready to take Ian to the checkout where she can charm the heck out of the store manager who now thinks she may just be the sweetest kid on the planet.

Jilly: Oh heavens, where to begin. She touches every item in the store that costs 50.00 plus just in case one of them is in her price range. BUMMER-- plan B.: Make sure that she tries as many combos of items that she wants as possible to maximize the spending. How about a barbie, a big Polly set, and this 40 inch tall doll house? No, too much? Okay how about the first two things, and this play kitchen?No, I have a play kitchen, so even if I could afford it no? Okay then what can I get if you are going to say no to everything I want?? She now has to start over completely... 40 minutes later... She buys the first 2 things she wanted in the first place, borrows 1.10 from Ella's leftover money, and immediately has buyer's remorse when we FINALLY get to the car.

At home they were totally happy with all their choices. I was very proud of their choices, and their willingness to share the stuff they chose. Ian is teaching the girls how to play webkinz. Ella let Jill help her paint the wooden jewelry box she chose. Holly put Jill's toy polly puppies in the back of her Polly car. Hadley gets the box, you get the idea. We had a lot of fun tonight, as much time as it took, they were so dilligent about spending their money, and I really enjoyed seeing each of them shine through in this situation.