Shopping F-U-N

We were in Branson the other day, and after a fun outing at Silver Dollar City had a little extra time to kill. I hinted to Dan that I had received a 30% off coupon for Kohls in the mail just recently. (Of course I had forgotten it at home...) And after almost 12 years of marriage Dan's getting better about figuring out hints and immediately turned the car towards Kohls. Luckily for me there is a big sport's store in the same shopping center which keeps the boys busy for awhile. Dan dropped Rylie and I off to go shopping and headed down to the more manly store. We were happy, just the two of us without the boys to tell us they were bored, or to hurry up. I really love shopping with my daughter! The only thing that put a damper on the moment was the fact that I was shopping for a swimsuit.

This used to be a joyful occasion for me....before I turned 35 and changed shapes..... Now, not only is the challenge to find a decent swimsuit that is not ugly, but one that the size isn't mismarked!  My sister insists that it's not the swimsuit company that is mismarking their sizes, but I'm sure it has to be! They can't get it right! And every year it gets worse. My sweet daughter loves to help though, and since I was trying to make this a good experience for her I didn't fuss about mismarking swimsuit companies too much as I pulled 3 different sizes off the rack.

"Why THREE?" you ask. I'll tell you - The first one is the size I used to wear, the second is the size I think I wear, and the third is the size I actually wear.

After trying on several that I wouldn't wear to a private pool party in my own backyard, I finally found one that I was happy with. The swimsuit company even got the size right!! It was in the second category - the one I think I wear, which at this point in my life I'll take any day. I was standing in the dressing room, happily admiring my suit in the mirror when Rylie came up behind me.

"What do you think, Rylie?" I asked. She loves to be included in the deciding process no matter who the clothes are for. I thought she would be thrilled I asked her opinion. "Ummm, Mom," she started slowly. "I like the suit, but you look a little F-A-T in it." she spelled out in a low voice. "Rylie!" I said a little startled. "I know how to spell!!" "I know," she replied. "You know, it just doesn't sound so mean when I spell it."

I came home and ordered size number three online. The swimsuit company wins again.