The kids are off because of an in-service so instead of sticking in the house and worrying about the possibility of going stir crazy before lunchtime even arrives, I decide its time for a little field trip. Chris is spending the day with Garth again and Pam's son is leaving today for Europe, so that leaves one more choice for a partner-in-crime.

And when I ask the kids if they can figure out who we're going to hang out with today, Lily is first to guess correctly when she shouts out "Daddy!"

Daddy indeed. He's just finishing up his job with Reed Security; he has one week left but they really haven't been giving him any time intensive jobs for obvious reasons. So when I called to see if he'd be able to sneak away after lunch, he was more than eager.

Pulling up in front of the building, we only have to wait a few minutes until he's strolling out the main door to the car. He opens the back door to give the kids a hug and a kiss, then slides into the passenger seat, immediately reaching for his seatbelt. Glancing back over his shoulder as he says hello to me, he asks, "Okay, where are we going?"

Connor claps his hands together and answers, "We going to the store!"

Joe seems a little surprised at that answer. "The store?" He frowns in my direction.

But Lily explains, "Mommy says we need some new stuff and she said you'd like to help pick it out."

"Oh I would, huh?"

"Yup, you and me can buy boy clothes, Daddy," Connor sounds thrilled at that prospect.

When Joe looks at me again, I give him an apologetic look. "Sorry, I really did think you wouldn't mind." Now I feel pretty sheepish. The man was probably hoping for some kind of adventure but instead he gets a trip to the mall.

But he's a good sport about it. "Hmmm, clothes huh? I think there might even be a toy store at the mall and if we're making an afternoon of it, how about we stop at the ice cream store too!"

Its my turn to groan as the kids start clapping and laughing and shouting back at Joe. They don't need sugar to get all hopped up and full of energy.