Our adventure at the toy store on Tuesday actually went pretty smoothly. We got there before 10 am and there was hardly any line for returns–although it had started to stack up by the time we left around 12 pm. And to avoid disaster and total melt down, we let the kids take some of their spending money with them to buy something. It helped keep everyone in a good mood.

Um, yes, that's Thor at my dining room table.

Each one of them put their own purchases up there and I gave them their money envelope to pay by themselves. (The Ladybug used her new wallet!) Then they each took their change and their receipt and put it back in their envelopes. I had to plead for patience from the cashier, but she was so good about it! She even said that she thought it was a great way to teach them. I think the people behind us in line were a little irritated–but I just smiled and then ignored them.

Did you know that the "nectar of the Gods" is actually Lays potato chips and pb & j?

And how cool is it that my boys always want to be the good guys? Granted, I do my best to encourage them in that direction too–but hey, the world could always use a few more Superheroes and John Waynes!

With the occasional chocolate chip cookie thrown in for good measure.

Is it a little disconcerting to turn around and find Thor asking me for more juice? Perhaps. Is it a little disruptive to my mother-heart to have to kiss Optimus Prime goodnight? Occasionally. Does it get a little tiresome to have every utensil in the kitchen turned into a sword, or shield, or gun? Maybe.

But I’m convinced that a good imagination is a special blessing from God. How often do we not even try because we can’t imagine succeeding? I pray daily for their little minds to be bright with adventures and possibilities and superheroes!