You win... by default

This morning I had a few errands all planned out and wanted to get them out of the way and be back in time for lunch. I was going to go to the gym (leaving the kids in the play area there), go to Trader Joe's to pick up a few things, and then hit up Noah's Bagels - Logan's birthday celebration at school is tomorrow, and he requested the special snack be bagels and cream cheese, one of his favorites. So right away I know the only tough part about the plan is the gym. Logan hates going to the play area at the gym. But I had solutions for all his excuses and reasons not to go, so I was all prepared for him. I tell him we are going to the gym, and immediately he gets upset, starts crying, and so I sit him down to talk about it -

• I know you don't like it when the bigger kids are there, but today is Monday so the bigger kids will be at school. You will probably be the biggest kid there!
• I know they don't have Dora videos, but you can watch a Dora video when we come home.
• I know you don't like to be apart from Mommy, but I will be in the room right next door which has a window, so I will peek in on you and you can blow me kisses!

I was set, right? Wrong. He still didn't want to go. So I pulled out the old "We are a family; families do teamwork and help each other. I need you to help me get healthy by going to the gym with me." He had calmed down by this time, but kept repeating to me, "I REALLY don't want to go to the gym, Mommy." Sorry, Buddy, we are going.

Finally, everyone is dressed, has eaten breakfast, gym bag is packed. I run out to the car to load my gym bag in, and what do I notice? Logan's booster seat is not there. It is still in Larry's truck, which is, of course, at work with Larry. I am FUMING now! I walk back inside. "We are not going to the gym, your seat is not in the car."

"Yae! We don't have to go to the gym, just like I wanted!!!"

Grrrrrrrrr.....

(So, Larry brought the seat home during his lunch, and I was able to get to the stores. But not the gym. By that time, I had to hurry back in time for Coley's nap and Logan's quiet time. I am still Grrrrrrrr)