This week was the kids’ actual birthday. First thing in the morning Chloe said she didn’t want to be 3. I tried to tell her that there were good things about being 3, like being able to ride bikes. Her response was, “can I have bubble gum?” (meaning since she is 3, is she now old enough for bubble gum). I think she set me up and the whole sadness about being 3 was a ruse intended to trick me into giving her gum! When we were at the store she decided she wanted a lollipop instead of bubble gum anyway, so I’ve got a while longer to dodge that bullet. I let the kids each pick out one toy at Toys-R-Us on their actual birthday. Alex picked a train, and Chloe picked a book. I couldn’t believe that in a whole store full of toys she’d decide on a book, but she does really like when people read to her. After Toys-R-Us I took the kids to Chick-Fil-A for greasy fast food and playing in their play area. Then I asked them what they wanted to do next. They said they wanted to go to more stores. I understand that most kids don’t like going shopping, but the twins love it. On any given day when we run errands they always ask for “more stores” (except for the grocery store, which they hate). I don’t know if it is because stores have become so kid friendly, because I tend to buy them the occasional treat like soft pretzels or cheeseburgers, or because I’m careful not to stay too long in any one place, but they love shopping. This week we took the kids up to visit our friends who live in top of a mountain near Frederick, MD. We went for a walk through the woods and looked for leaves of various colors and patterns and shapes. I don’t think I’ve done that since I was a kid myself. It is so nice to see everything through new eyes. Chloe pooped on the potty once this week and afterward she looked into the bowl and said “It looks like brownies!”. We couldn’t help laughing. Chloe has said some other cute things like when I was lecturing another driver about his bad driving and Chloe said “Mom, that other man can’t hear you”.
