Code Adam!

Well, we had a new experience today - one that I really don't carry to do over! After a morning of playing at the mall playcenter, and then eating lunch at the food court, I stopped off at JC Penney's to look at Easter shirts for the boys. I'm trying to get on the ball early this year! Anyway, I had Austin trying on a shirt, with Gretchen standing next to us, and I thought - thought - Daniel was right there too. After only about a minute of trying on the shirt, I looked up to find Daniel gone. I searched immediately around us, and he was nowhere. I yelled his name several times, and no answer. I was starting to panic. The store clerks noticed right away that I was searching, and they got on their walkie-talkies and declared a "code Adam". This put into place clerks at all doorways, with a description of Daniel immediately out to them. A couple other moms near me helped me search for Daniel, and we finally found him - totally engrossed in the display of super hero underwear! Yikes! My heart was beating so fast! He said he heard me yelling for him, but was too busy looking to answer me. But I have to say - I was very impressed by how quickly the store and clerks jumped into action to help me out. And I had a good talk with not just Daniel, but all three kids, right afterward, stressing the importance of staying near me and answering me when I call out.

By the way, we did manage to find one boys shirt that will work for Easter. And Daniel did not get to leave the store with any super hero underwear! And every time I see that shirt, I'll probably remember our little experience!