Trapped Inside & Climbing the Walls

Sunday afternoon we spent a memorable afternoon down in Alderwood.

Our excitement began with our arrival at the Alderwood Mall. As we entered the parking lot, a police vehicle suddenly appeared with flashing lights and its obnoxious horn. Swerving and dodging cars that guy was there and gone in a flash, leaving mayhem and confusion in his wake.

A short while later we passed that officer, now parked at an employee entrance to the mall, and found a nearby parking spot outside JC Pennys where we were to meet Tanya's parents.

Once we were inside the store, an announcement was made that the south parking garage is temporarily closed.

A short while later another announcement was made that we are currently locked-down inside the store for our own safety.

Rumors were started, rumors were spread, people were agitated because they couldn't leave. Subsequently we learned what a gun had been fired in the parking structure and the police, with help from the mall cops were investigating the situation.

But that's not the worst part. The real panic and pandemonium started when we learned that the store had only one pair of wide width shoes in stock.

Eventually we were released from JC Penny's to go in search of some suitable footwear at other retailers.

The kids, Steve and I headed to REI to let the kids show off their skills on the Rock Climbing wall.

Mikayla had a moment where she lost her balance and was dangling by four fingers! She managed to get back in control without assistance and made a fast ascent to the top where she enjoyed the view before rappelling back down.





Alexia made a strong first two steps before having second thoughts about whether this is a smart thing to be doing or not. Ultimately, she decided that she could handle the pressure and continued her delicate and steady ascent. By the time she reached the top, a crowd of on-lookers had gathered on both the first and second floor to watch her progress. Upon ringing the bell she was treated to a round of applause, but I don't think she even noticed.






Rock climbing was followed by more shoe shopping, some toy shopping, a relaxing dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory and then we had to do the Walmart Tour on the way home because even though we were SURE happy... we still weren't SHOE happy.

The search for comfortable shoes continues...

~E