Girly Shopping!

18th June 2012


So Abbie wanted to go ‘girly shopping’ with her birthday money, so on one of the wettest days of half-term we set off together to Meadowhall. Fortunately Rob was at home so the others all stayed with him. It’s much easier in a shopping centre without four kids who all walk in different directions to look at different things and Georgia wandering off constantly and climbing on every railing, bench and feature that she sees. As it was Abbie’s day, I let her choose where we went. On arrival we duly headed straight for Build-a-Bear. Abbie was in her element, she couldn’t quite believe that we were in her favourite shop and she had money in her purse! I tried to take a step back and not influence what she bought and I was pleasantly surprised, she actually chose sensibly, all those years of nagging her about wasting money on things she didn’t need must have paid off. When she got to the till the lady told her that she’d spent enough to get a free towel – well, she couldn’t hide the excitement on her face! She turned to me and whispered, “Mummy, I saw that offer, but I NEVER thought I’d spend enough to get it!” We looked round a few more shops and she purchased some Moshi Monster items, and in Primark she bought herself a pack of two shorts and a pack of two vests. She then asked if we could go for a hot chocolate. So we found a cafe and she sat at a table. By the time I returned with the drinks and cake (of course) she had opened various toys and packets and they were spread around her on the table! She was having a fantastic time and so was I. It was really nice to be spending time, just the two of us. I should make sure I make more effort to do something individual with all of the girls, although of course that’s a lot easier said than done. When we nipped to the toilets later she asked if she could change into her new vest and shorts (she was so excited, she couldn’t wait until we got home!) She stripped out of her trackies and t-shirt and emerged from the toilets in a blue vest and a pair of pink shorts. As we began to head for home she sighed “I wish I had some flip flops” so we decided to nip back to Primark while we were still there and take advantage of their bargain prices. She left Primark with a new pair of flip flops (£1.50 can’t beat it!), sunglasses and a new swimming bag. Once outside the shop she took off her trainers and changed into the flip flops, she put her sunglasses on her head. She wouldn’t have looked out of place on the beach! As we stepped outside the doors into the car park she realised that it was ABSOLUTELY chucking it down with rain – with much giggling and shrieking we made it to the car and we headed home with presents for all the others. I am looking forward to many more happy shopping days with my girls.....