A la (shopping) cart.

Parenthood has taught us many valuable lessons ... like it's better to grocery shop alone (even if it that means going at 6 a.m.) than to have to try and keep 2 antsy boys confined within a shopping cart. Alas, there are some instances -- while few and far between -- when it's 1 parent vs. 2 monkeys cruising the grocery aisles. The beloved Car Cart is usually a favorite of the boys at the grocery store because they can drive ... but prefer to practice their Dukes of Hazzard moves getting in and out of the cart everytime it stops. However, our Wal-Mart does not feature this Car Cart. Instead it features THIS, which Jami has lovingly termed "the bus." Don't let its sleek design fool you. It is impossible to maneuver.

The boys have never shown an interest in this cart, until yesterday. Mom needed 3 items, but they NEEDED to ride in this cart. Okay. Fine. Luke sat nicely strapped into the contoured seats. Reid on the other hand wanted nothing to do with this luxury ride. SCREEEAMING as we entered the store, he wanted no part of it. Visual: Mom now carries screeching not-yet-2-year-old while pushing bus with other child seated. After about 10 minutes, Reid decided he would "ride" in the bus, but his interpretation of "ride" is hanging from the handlebar. Wait, more accurately, swinging from the handlebar with glee and shouts of "whee." Why? Because sitting quietly in one's designated seat is too much to ask! After the 5 minute trip turned into 20 long drawn out moments, we finally rounded up the items and hit the checkout stand. Nice Wal-Mart employee comments, "Oh, what busy boys!" So true. Mom smiles with courtesy and scurries (wait, as much as one can scurry while pushing the mammoth bus cart along) out the door while Reid dangles from the handle.

Lesson Learned: Just because the grocery cart has designated seating for small children, that doesn't necessarily make the shopping journey any easier ... but it does provide for good laughs after the frustration wears off!