Summer Shopping!

Today was the first shopping trip of the summer with ALL 3 KIDS.  


Part of me was very anxious - How would they act?  Would I be able to control them?  Will they listen?
The other part of me was eager!  We all have to go to stores and it's a great learning experience.

I think the anxiety and worry was winning but I stayed positive and we headed out to the store.  I reminded them to behave.

Sadly the car shopping cart was taken but my youngest wanted to be in the cart.  Fine.  We got our scanner which allows you to scan your groceries and bag them while you shop - WHICH IS THE BEST INVENTION EVER!!!!!

My youngest had springs on his feet.  Up and down, up and down.  I was envisioning him flipping over the cart.  Every two seconds I had to call his name when we stopped and have him sit.  He wanted to walk but thought running away was more fun.  Luckily he likes to hold hands so he held my oldest daughter's hand.  at times all 3 of them held hands.  It was kinda cute.

We managed to get everything on my list and a few extra things, OF COURSE!

My kids are outgoing, vocal and energetic.  They ask me questions about everything.  What's this?  How does that work?  Why is that like that?  Where is that?

I definitely encourage it because 2 of my 3 have speech issues.  I share with them what we are looking for.  We talk to about why we buy what we do.  We count.  We point out colors.  We talk about the things we see.  We greet other customers.  

It probably sounds like a real chaotic family because the produce guy said, "I guess you might be done having kids?"

Thing is, I enjoyed myself.

I use to stress because I wanted the kids to behave a certain way.  I use to worry about how other people saw us.  Maybe I sounded too strict or mean?  Then one day I just realized that I didn't CARE what they thought.  Yes my kids are active and talkative.  I enjoy every minute of it.

The store is such a great learning experience and even if it does create a bit of anxiety, they learned so much today.  They said new words, met new people, used their manners and got out of the house.

Rushing through the tasks of the day and hurrying them along just makes everyone frustrated.  I try to stay calm and enjoy the teachable life lessons.  It makes me appreciate them so much as I watch them grow and learn.

AND - I SURVIVED SHOPPING WITH 3 KIDS AGES 5 & under!