Pt 2 of them (continued ver)

Chapter 231

It was another mall day for the family, a routine they had grown accustomed to but which always brought its fair share of challenges. The outing started smoothly, with Colby carefully packing the essentials: Carter's stroller, his favorite dinosaur bottle, extra clothes, a few toys, and snacks. Malia ensured that Caitlyn and Colleen had their matching outfits ready, while Liam, stubborn as ever, insisted on wearing his dinosaur shirt for the fifth time that week.

Arriving at the Mall

As they arrived, Carter sat snugly in his stroller, sipping from his bottle and nibbling on a teething ring. For once, he seemed content, his big eyes darting around to take in the sights and sounds of the bustling mall. Caitlyn and Colleen walked hand in hand beside Malia, giggling as they planned to visit the toy store.

Liam, however, quickly began to tire. "I don't want to walk anymore!" he whined, tugging at Colby's pant leg.

"Liam, we just got here," Colby replied, balancing patience with the need to keep the group moving.

"Carry me!" Liam demanded, lifting his arms.

Colby sighed, knowing resistance was futile. "Alright, come here," he said, picking up Liam.

Juggling Act

With Liam in one arm, Colby pushed Carter's stroller with the other. At first, it seemed manageable, but Carter quickly grew restless. He began squirming in his stroller, trying to wiggle free of the harness.

"Carter, sit still, buddy," Colby said, pausing to adjust the straps.

Carter let out a frustrated cry, kicking his legs and throwing his teething ring to the ground. Malia, seeing Colby's struggle, came to the rescue. "Here, let me take Liam," she offered, but Liam clung tightly to Colby, refusing to let go.

"No! Daddy carry me!" Liam shouted, burying his face in Colby's shoulder.

Colby sighed, juggling the squirming Carter and the clinging Liam. "This is what I get for having two stubborn boys," he muttered with a chuckle.

Toy Store Chaos

At the toy store, Caitlyn and Colleen excitedly browsed the aisles while Malia helped them pick out a doll. Carter, still strapped in his stroller, finally calmed down when Colby handed him a small toy car to hold. He rolled it back and forth on the tray attached to his stroller, his earlier frustration forgotten.

Liam, meanwhile, spotted a dinosaur toy he desperately wanted. "Can I have it, Daddy? Please?" he begged, his eyes wide.

"Only if you behave," Colby replied, handing the toy to Liam, who grinned triumphantly.

The Trip Back

After an hour of navigating the mall, everyone was ready to head home. Carter had dozed off in his stroller, his little hand still clutching the toy car, while Liam clung to Colby, his head resting on his dad's shoulder.

Back at the car, Colby carefully transferred Carter from the stroller to his car seat, ensuring he didn't wake him. Malia helped the girls buckle in, and Liam, still holding his dinosaur toy, reluctantly let Colby strap him into his seat.

As they drove home, Colby glanced in the rearview mirror at his family. Despite the chaos, he couldn't help but smile. Another mall day had passed, filled with laughter, tears, and plenty of love.