Carousels, Freeways, and $8 well spent

Well, I conquered the 435 today. It wasn't that confusing, not like the 35 or whatever freeway I was supposed to take the other day. Anyway, I made it to JC Penny and the Overland Park Mall on the Kansas side. It was the first mall I've been to here and it was really nice. The photo shoot for Haydee's one year pictures (i know, i am 6 weeks late) went without too much drama. As usual, the photographer was slow on the trigger, but I have come to expect that. Then came time to choose the photos. The girls had been really great at this point and I had been daring and only brought the umbroller this time for Haydee, not the double stroller. Payge has been enjoying being tall enough to push the stroller and since it would only be in and out for pictures....
Well, there was one malfunction after another, first time parents with a one week old, and everyone on their lunch break picking up their pictures of precious ones. So, needless to say we were getting the push off and the girls had already gone through the animal cracker stash I had brought with me. It was supposed to be a quick trip, right?
So, we took a walk. Surely after 15 mins I could hop on a computer and make my photo selection, right? Well, that didn't seem to be long enough, so we decide to find the food court. On the way, there was the sound of a carousel. Little did I know what an impression the one time I had let Payge ride on one at the mall in Columbia last summer had made on her. I guess there was one time at the zoo, then a small one at Lil' Biggs. Anyway, she was thrilled and yelled, "eio, eio!" (this is her word for horse). So, I gave in a put out $4 for us to ride on the carousel, of course after we had to search for the elevator to take us down stairs. I was not going to risk a flimsy stroller and an excited 2 year old down the escalator. It was worth it. Payge chose her "eio" and there was a giant rabbit for Haydee to ride on next to her. I managed to pick them both up, place Payge on her's and then safely put Haydee on the rabbit. Somehow, I got both their seat belts on and away we went. What joy!! It is a memory I will have for a long time. For us right now, that $4 grocery money is precious, but it couldn't have been spent a better way. I was so proud of Payge, she of course wanted to go again, but from the beginning I warned her there would only be one ride. Obediently, we went on to find food- I think she was hungry enough to be ok about saying goodbye to the "eio". Thankfully, there was a Sonic and the trusty $1 menu, which even had a fresh banana choice! Again, $4, but I had three very happy girls who really were ready for lunch. Now, you must understand. I have never taken the girls alone to go eat somewhere. I know it sounds ridiculous, but you don't just take my girls anywhere, alone. Both are always trying to get out of their chairs at home, you can imagine the scene I have been fearful of in public. We did it though, very calmly and without calamity. We each got a burger and shared the banana three ways. Haydee would twist and turn in her seat and laugh at her precarious positions. It was funny really, she is so tiny, those things don't hold her in at all. Payge even got a mint afterwards and was quite thrilled with it all. So, was I!! I sat there smiling to myself, thinking of what I had accomplished. No longer do I have to be afraid to take them out by myself. It was fun!
So, finally it was time to see if the portrait studio was ready for us to pick out the pictures. We made it back, though Payge had to be carried back. Of course, I liked too many pictures and spent too much. Thank the Lord for coupons. Even more to my surprise I managed to find the right parking lot where our car was (thank goodness, Payge is closing in on 30 lbs you know!). You see, as a young kid whenever I went to a mall with my grandma she would get lost and we'd spend what seemed like hours trying to figure out where she had parked. So, I have this phobia whenever I go to a new big, confusing mall. You can understand, right?
We did it. Photos, lunch, "eio's", and the freeways. As a bonus the girls went right down for a nap when we got home. Its a sweet life.