The Best Thing About Wal-Mart...The Arcade

If you were to ask my boys what is the best thing about Wal-Mart I'm sure they would tell you that it's the arcade. It doesn't matter which Wal-Mart store we go to our boys can locate the arcade instantly! The electronics section of the store is the next best thing. Tonight we had to go shoe shopping since David out-grew his Sunday shoes about a month ago and we keep planning on getting to the store; we've even made it a couple of times only to discover that the store is out of shoes that are his size. As we walk into the store the arcade must have been calling because the boys made a bee-line there and David planted himself in front of the most expensive game in the arcade. The boys were fascinated with it, even with no money. David is just sure he knows how to drive and loves to practice at any chance he gets. Donovan and Michael aren't quite as sure but they'll take the wheel if you let 'em.

David made the fatal mistake of forsaking his seat to explore the other games and Michael was quick enough to sneak in his own turn at the wheel.
David was back in an instant but didn't dare throw Michael out of his seat with me watching. So he did the next best thing and decided to coach Michael on the fine art of vehicular navigation.

The reason for our Family Home Evening outing was to find David some Sunday shoes. We were fortunate this evening to locate some shoes that fit David. After trying on the entire store selection of (Sunday dress) shoes in his size (both of them) he was able to make his decision. Then, with the drudgery of shopping out of the way, he proceeded to play on the shopping cart. I have to admit to being just a little guilty in encouraging such rowdy behavior as I was the one directing the cart through the isles at top speed!

Poor Michelle was subjected to the emotional scaring of her family tear down the isles having a grand ole time, in public! She walked casually behind, checking prices on various items and spotting a deal on winter boots insisted that we stop horsing around and get serious (okay, I made that part up, but she did stop and we did too). This time there were boots in everyone's size so we got each boy a pair of snow boots so we're almost ready for winter.

Having accomplished the purpose of our trip to the store we quickly exited the store and headed home. It is always fun to drive past the Provo temple en route to our home. The boys get so excited every time we pass the temple. Many times the talk about mom and dad getting married in the temple (even though it was actually a different temple, at least they have the right idea). Tonight they were just excited to spot Moroni coming up over the trees!

Having safely arrived home we quickly got the boys ready for bed, brushed their teeth, said their prayers and got them under the cover...and not a moment too soon! I think it took them all of 30 seconds to be sound asleep! What a glorious outing for our family. While it might not qualify as a typical Family Home Evening (FHE), we had an enjoyable time.

Back to School Shopping

School starts for David on Wednesday! So naturally it is time for the back-to-school shopping. With 4 energetic boys just the thought of shopping can be daunting! But before we went to the store, at the store, and twice in the store we stopped our boys and talked to them about being good boys and behaving while we were shopping. And they we're almost angels. We only lost Michael for 3 minutes (when he wandered to the other side of the store, by accident?)

The highlight of the shopping trip was getting new shoes! The three older boys have successfully worn through their old shoes and needed new ones. Michelle made a thorough inspection of each shoe option to make sure it was appropriately rated for active boys (would crack, tear or wear out). The boys couldn't contain their excitement as they tried on each pair of shoes. The rest of the shopping trip seemed to pale in comparison to the first stop in the shoe isle.

This morning the boys couldn't wait for morning to get here so they could put on their new shoes. On their own initiative they got dressed and put their shoes on even before breakfast, scripture reading or family prayers! I figure if they are that excited about it, you just need to go with the flow. We're excited for the new school year and David going to Kindergarden!