outings with the boys Yesterday we went to Greenville, briefly to go to Sam's and to stop by Ms. Lynn's house. Outings are never spontaneous these days, as I have found there is an art to leaving the house. First, I have to make sure to pack the diaper bag with enough diapers to last all day, plenty of wipes, an extra outfit, mini vanilla wafers (or other snack food item), nooby cup full of water, bottled water (for mom and as back up if I forget the nooby), the cellphone (hopefully charged), and the car keys. Oh wait, depending on where we are going, sometimes it is necessary to pack a few of their toys to keep them occupied. In restaurants, I usually bring their bead maze or mirror that has suction cups on the bottom to secure them to the table. This usually keeps them occupied, but I've quickly learned the best toy at a restaurant is kids cups and spoons. In stores, I've learned how to push the stroller and pull a shopping cart with great ease. Sometimes rounding corners can be challenging, but I've found with lots of practice that there is nothing to fear. For outings with their stroller, I have snap on toys to entertain them. However, Cooper would rather pull at clothing and tags as we go by. Elliott loves to look for mirrors and make silly faces at himself. In crowded malls, some people can be quite rude and walk towards you forcing you to move either left of right quite abruptly. Early on, I learned that if I am looking away as I walk towards them, that they get out of the way for fear I will run over them. It is a walking version of "chicken", one in which the stroller wins every time. Of course there is the occasional bump to which I exclaim "Oh, I am so sorry" and clearly serves as reminder to move out of the way when they see a stroller in the future :) Today, we went to Barnes and Nobles with Ms. Lynn. Elliott attempted to take his nap and Cooper cried out "cook-cook" for vanilla wafers while she and I enjoyed frappacinos. I opted for the non-caffienated version, chocolate-chocolate chip. Before today, neither of the boys has shown an interest in sweets, much less chocolate. Which is odd, knowing what a sweet tooth I have. But today, Cooper decided he just had to have a sip of my frappacino. And thus, his sweet tooth was born. Elliott waking from his nap, did not want part of sipping the straw (he is still learning this new found skill). For the most part they were very well behaved, attracting several onlookers and the constant remark "Are they twins?". With twins, I have found that where ever we go that I have to allow for one to two 15 minute long chats with total strangers. Twins seem to be drawn to other twins. And I've learned there are more twins in this world now then ever before. People stop and tell me, they are a twin, or they have twins in their family, or a friend has twins. It's exciting for me to hear their stories, compare them with my own and for me to share our adventures. After, Barnes and Nobles I left to go to Hallmark. I've learned quite handedly how to manipulate doorways to get both myself and the double stroller through. There are "many-a-do-good" samaritans that come to my rescue and open doors allowing me to stroll right in. They often comment on "boy you have your hands full" and look at me as if I must struggle from place to place. I don't mind the looks, as long as they are opening the door, for it's one less door I have to open :) When actually, it is rather easy to get in most stores than people suspect. Especially when they are handicapped accessible, then all I have to do is just push a button. I prefer doors that open automatically, but when those aren't available, it is easier to enter doors that I have to push open rather than pull. I just enter the doorways backwards, pushing the door with my rear and then swivel the stroller clockwise until I reach the direction I want to go. It's an art form, and I am quite proud of it :) I've learned how to pop wheelies and jump curbs where there is no ramp provided. Some stores do not have wide enough walkways between their racks that allow for the double stroller, I learned this when I was on bed rest and would shop riding on one of those motorized carts. For those stores who aren't willing to provide wider aisles....I merely press through leaving the aftermath of "me, the twins, and a double stroller" can cause. Sooner or later, they'll get the hint..haha! So, as far as shopping goes.....with planning and a lot of finesse.....I've learned that there is no store that is off limits!!