Savvy Abby

Every so often I catch a look or comment that so clearly encapsulates my kid's personality it gives me pause.  Sometimes the moment even gives me a glimpse of the teenager they will inevitably become. This morning, my girls and I had a conversation in the car that did both.

There is a Tim Horton's drive-thru bakery under construction nearby.  Chris has been teasing Katie that since she's now allowed to ride her bike alone in the neighborhood, he's going to get a basket and two cup holders to attach to her bike's handlebars so she can make coffee/doughnut runs on Sunday mornings.  It's been one of those silly little things that has evolved into a family joke that gets more laughs than it desrves.

So this morning we were driving past the construction site when Katie asked, "Do you know when the Tim Horton's is going to be finished?"

"Don't worry," I replied, "we'll get your bike basket before it does."

"Aw," she smiled. "I don't want to buy doughnuts for you guys.  Besides, the coffee will spill."

"No it won't," I assured her, "Tim Horton's coffee lids peel back, so they're sealed tight until you open them.  You'll be fine."

"But what if they don't let me go through the drive-thru on  my bike?"

"We'll work it our with the manager.  No problem."

"Hey, Katie," 9-year old Abby offers matter-of-factly from the back seat, "The first time they send you, just don't get anything they ask for.  Buy all the stuff they don't like and then they won't make you go anymore."

"That won't work," I smiled.  "We'll just make you clean toilets when you come home."

"Well," Katie says sheepishly, still smiling, but blushing, "can I at least keep the change?"

"Of course not," I replied.  Katie fakes a sulk.

Then I catch Abby shaking her head in the rear view mirror.  In a tone of voice that says, You've got to be kidding me!, she leaned forward and whispered in her older sister's ear,

"C'mon Katie, you tell them there is no change."