Cheap Thrills

Money is tight at my house these days. Really tight. So is energy. The longer I remain unemployed, the tougher it seems to pack up the sand toys and tricycle and walk to the park, or to make lunches and head over to Sea World. Still, I'm finding ways to have good times with my daughter, hopefully making memories that she will reflect fondly on.

Violet's pick up time at day care is at the same time they serve snack. It's sometimes tough to get her out the door. I can completely understand. It isn't fair that she has to go home, while everyone else is getting juice and crackers.

We have developed a little mommy/daughter tradition. Our McDonald's sells a huge drink for .89. After I pick Violet up, we hit the drive through and get a lemonade or soda for me, and a small water for Violet. Violet loves getting to have the same kind of cup as her mommy, and to use a big girl straw. After she gets tired of drinking her water, she does back seat experiments with the straw and usually ends up pouring the water all over the place. It's fine because we are headed home, and it's only water. For under a buck we get to share a special experience, and Violet thinks McDonald's only sells drinks.

Do you have a "thing" you do with your child, to make your time with them a little more special?