Better (and cheaper) than the zoo!

Okay, I'm not going to lie.  Taking my child shopping is definitely not my idea of fun.  He doesn't like to sit in the cart, and if you let him walk around, he will not hold your hand (in fact, he's more likely to bite it, lately) and will more than likely go in the opposite direction that you're heading.  So, if it's beyond avoidance, shopping trips are carefully planned and as quickly executed as possible.  

Today's trip, though, was a welcomed change of pace.  Granted, we only went to two stores, and one of the two met the description above (in that the trip was executed as quickly as possible).  In fact, our trip almost ended with one store.  I went back and forth about whether or not we should just head home.  I mean, I'd have to drive across a parking lot AND a road, deal with no left turns, no u turns, and buckle/unbuckle a squirmy toddler one more time.  

Why am I writing about a shopping trip on a blog dedicated to activities I've done with my toddler?  Well, this is one of the easiest, cheapest activities we've done yet, and I'm fairly positive that anyone could handle this one.  

After waffling back and forth, I decided that a trip to PetSmart to see the animals might be in order.  I thought he'd be most excited about the cats up for adoption, but really (as I'm sure his Uncle Matt would be thrilled about) the fish were the biggest hit.  Fortunately, the store was pretty quiet, so I was able to let him "run" around and go back and forth between animal displays without feeling like a nuisance.  Plus, everyone thought he was adorable, so that helped, too.

We visited all the animals...even the giant ones hanging from the ceilings, and even stopped by the grooming place, but ultimately, we always came back to the fish.  He'd say, "Wow!", scream with delight, and even go up to anyone else who came to look at the fish to "tell" them about his favorites.  Forty minutes later, we were finally able to leave.  Perhaps a fish tank is in this boy's future.  Don't get any ideas, Uncle Matt ;).  Don't worry.  We'll consult you when we're ready for an aquatic addition to our family.