It was one crazy, late January day. A day where A and I had a free Saturday in our schedule. I didn't get my little brothers any Christmas presents-- and birthday presents-- last year so I surprised them with a shopping trip. Originally, A and I were going to let them loose in Toy Kingdom, the biggest toy store I know that's geographically acceptable but my mom tipped me that their favorite toy store is Toytown in Eastwood City. Perfect! Cuz we were planning to take them to watch Cheaper by The Dozen 2.

I gave them a four digit budget each and explained that they could get as much toys as they want provided that it fit the budget. It's amazing how their spending abilites can also define their personalities. Dominic, the middle child, had lots of toys but only because the ones he got were inexpensive. Julian, the eldest, had 3 toys only because his toys were expensive. Xavier, the youngest, who, of course, had no concept yet of money or any amount for that matter, always chose the biggest toy, which sadly, didn't fit the budget.

After an hour in the toy store, we went to McDonalds. I only ordered McNuggets even though I was famished. I knew it was the right thing to do because after living with kids for the entirety of my life, I knew that there would be lots of leftovers and I would end up finishing them.

From there, we went to the cinemas where I bought popcorn and drinks for everybody. While buying, I instructed them to go to the restrooms already so they don't have to go during the movie. We were still early for the movie so we waited outside the cinemas and no amount of "stop running!", "don't be magulo!" and "will you please sit down?!" made them listen to me. Only "we'll give you to the guard! The guard is Yaya Letty's brother!" did the trick for Xavier, who is scared of our other nanny.

When we finally got to our seats, I thought I could finally relax. The trailers ran too long that Xavier was starting to get bored and restless and even wanted to leave. When the movie started, my brothers kept sinking in their seats and to balance themselves, they'd end up kicking the chair in front of them while trying to prop themselves up. Xavier, one too many times, wanted to leave because he was getting sleepy and he even looked for his milk bottle which we left in the car. Dominic had to go to the bathroom. Xavier wanted to take off his shoes because he felt something was in his socks. Ahhh! It was crazy. I was more stressed when I got out. Thankfully, that was the last of our plans and we headed home.

When I entered the house, my dad greeted me with a "So did you survive?" and they asked who was the most behaved and the most magulo. To which I answered, "Don" and "Judo and Xavier" respectively. My stepmom replied with a "Typical. What else is new?"

A and I always end up getting so tired after a day out with the boys but we do it anyway... as long as the day outs are months apart! A monthly day out with them would definitely decrease my life span by a few years. Hmmm, I guess that means no kids for me yet!