Being an aunt, there are certain duties that are implicit and expected of me. My house is supposed to be the fun house (but since niecey's mommy is actually my BABY sis...she's probably a little more fun than I am); visiting auntie means McDonald's and ice cream; and if we go to the mall, niecey is entitled to come out with a toy.
It was a beautiful May Friday, I had the day off, and I had a coupon to one of my favorite stores. It was the perfect time to head to the mall and see what damage I could do. We jumped in the truck, and off to the mall we went. In one store, out the other. Up one escalator and down another. We replenished our energy at Chic Fil-A, and then went in a few more stores, all along being begged, reminded, asked, and begged some more about the toy I promised if niecey stayed on good behavior. Though "good behavior" is a little of a stretch for how my niece actually acted in the mall, I had to remember she is only five and it's hard being five years old in the mall for two and three hours, all the while minding your p's and q's. So, when I couldn't buy another thing, it was time to fulfill my promise.
We head over to the mall directory and look for children's stores. Children's Place...Gap Kids...Gymboree...Talbot's Kids...Hanna Andersson (whatever the heck that is)...and Build-a-Bear Workshop. Wait...did I overlook the toy stores? Children's Place...Gap Kids...Gymboree...Talbot's Kids...Hanna Andersson...Build-a-Bear Workshop. Are you kidding me??? That's the ONLY TOY STORE in this piece??? As much as I vowed never to get trapped in Build-a-Bear Workshop's shenannigans...here I was with no other alternative. My niece , with her cute self, had those sweet little doe eyes...staring at me...DYING for her toy which she felt she rightfully earned...what on earth was I to do? I dragged her through 20 stores, luring her with the promise of a toy...and there was no other stinkin' toy store in the dang blasted mall aside from the highway robbery known as Build-a-Bear Workshop! So, with no other choice ...off to Build-a-Bear Workshop we went.
Though I paid MUCH MORE than I've EVER paid for a stuffed animal in my life, it actually wasn't THAT bad. I thought I'd spend close to $100 but managed to come out a little shy of $40. The bears, dogs, and dolls themselves were not too bad (about $14 to $22)...where they get you is with the sound chip, beating heart, dog collar, dog dish, brush, tank top, tube top, skirt, ball gown, baseball jersey, football jersey, tennis shoes, mary janes, sparkled pumps, hat, bikini, underwear, overnight bag, tiara, and all that other crap you can add on. I gave niecey a one-outfit, one-accessory limit, and I was able to walk out without losing too much of my going out money.
Even though I will never put myself in that predicament again, the excitement that my niece had once she picked, stuffed, fluffed, groomed, named, and officially adopted Princess was well worth the money. She spent the whole night brushing, hugging, dressing and undressing that puppy. If it makes her happy (and if I made significantly more money) I'd buy her 10 more.
Aaahhh, the joys of being an auntie. I love my sweet sweet niece, she lights up my life...but next time I will be sure to shop a little closer to a dollar store...or at least a Target. No matter how much I love my baby girl...one thing must remain clear...auntie aint rich!
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