All 3 birthdays represent milestone ages. I have tried to do something special for Katie for 16 and 18 so I feel I need to keep up with the precedent I set for myself with the next two. EJ has decided to wait a few more months to upgrade his phone. Chloe elected for money and a trip to the outlet mall to visit the Coach store.
I had a little more trouble with an idea for Chloe until one of my soccer moms suggested the Coach outlet. When I made the suggestion of the outlet store to Chloe, she lit up and I knew we had a winner. And then she could hardly wait until we got there. Wednesday afternoon (8/27!) I had a phone call. "Do you need to go to church?" Now there's a loaded question. Yes, I really do need to go. Friday morning around 11:15 AM I received a text message, "Do you have anything important you need to do the rest of today?" You mean like work? Because we have all become addicted to eating regular meals and like a dry place to sleep; yes, I have something important I need to do. She grudgingly accepted my response that Saturday would be soon enough and I was not going to leave work to check her out of school to go shopping. Especially on a Friday that she was scheduled to march. Not even for birthday shopping.
Chloe was thrilled at the size of the store and all the MANY choices. She had several associates work with her and help her make her selection. After all that build up, I am happy to report we had a successful trip. Chloe was able to purchase 2 bags with her birthday money and still have some left over to put in the bank.
I heard someone ask her if she had a good birthday day. Her response was "Not really." But I think Saturday helped change the tone. Look at that smile.
