In post-birthday party letdown, as the sugar highs were dissipating, each of the Bowling Four were lounging rather complacently. Garrett was walking in circles through the living room blowing his party favor and giggling to himself.
"Emily, go sit on your brother", I suggested, in hopes to break his cycle.
Within moments, each of the children were taking turns sitting on each other, an activity that soon devolved into minor league wrestling.
As fan attendance waned, however, Louise realized she needed to ramp up the group energy.
"Daddy," (that is me, sitting on the couch watching) "you are the store, and you sell wedgies".
After a moment of continued wrestling and not much being sold at the store, Louise ran upstairs and returned with a stack of toys. "Daddy, you can sell these toys and people will pay for them with wedgies".
At this point the crowd divided into two distinct parties. Garrett and Eliza tentatively lined up at the store entrance, enticed by the toys, but hesitant about the cost of entry. Emily and Louise served as maitre d on commission, seeking to secure sales.
It took only a moment for Garrett's desire to obtain Buzz Lightyear (it's an action figure, NOT a doll) to overcome his nerves. He about-faced and was lifted off the ground, giggling throughout. Eliza, never one to be outdone, stormed in to take his place. Realizing the humor and the lack of pain, they rushed around their table, toy in one hand, ready to get in line again. They did not want their favorite toys being given to others.
The store's life was short-lived, with its founder and principle inspiration finally entering the doors and earning a toy of her own.