the car czar

We took one demanding little tyrant shopping with us tonight. David's on a quest for hiking boots for his upcoming trip, and he did his first trying on tonight. We were at Bass Pro Shop, and while David was trying on different types (and realizing that the more expensive boots are actually very wonderful), Dennis was stalking us with a pop-gun rifle. He would jump out from behind displays and shoot us, laughing maniacally as he did so. He ran off and came back with 2 more pop-rifles (so we could shoot back) and was so disappointed when David didn't participate in the battle. He just didn't understand how important it is for his dad to get the boots ASAP, and we were working against store-closing times! He was pretty good in the store (after announcing in the car before we went in that he and I would be looking at the toys first and THEN I could go to the bathroom and THEN we could go to the shoes as long as he got to try on shoes too), but he had a meltdown as we were leaving. He was tired and cranky and still isn't feeling well. And the crying sure didn't help with his already stuffy head and runny nose. He was a little more able to control himself in Academy, but he had told us in the car that we were NOT going there--we were going to Toys R Us in Montgomery instead. He managed to suffer through. David bought a pair of boots that cost $100 less than the ones he really loved, but we plan to shop again in Birmingham just to be sure he gets some that will carry him safely and comfortably on his journey. We are not planning for Dennis to go on the next boot shopping trip! He did score a new pair of red soccer type shorts that he's been wanting, and he tried them on as soon as we got home (though it was 11 pm) and begged to sleep in them. He's been given his allergy meds and is sound asleep now, and I certainly hope he feels a bit better tomorrow!