2. Robbie’s Birthday Spending

3. “Hi, my name is Robbie and I just turned 7 years old.” “For my birthday last week I got $22!” “Today, mommy is taking me to the toy store so I can spend my birthday money.”

4. “ This is my baby brother, Bryan. I want to make sure that I save $4 so I can buy him a new stuffed animal.” “His birthday is next week. He will be 3 years old. He loves monkeys, maybe I can find him one!” “His birthday is next week. He will be 3 years old. He loves monkeys, maybe I can find him one!”

5. “Robbie, are you ready yet?” calls mom from the front door. “Oh yeah, we better get going,” says Robbie.

6. “Mommy, I’m going to buy a lot of toys,” says Robbie on the way to the store. “I want a new army man, and new crafts, and a new...”. “Make sure you keep track of how much money you are spending,” Robbie’s mom interrupts. “Oh, I will because I have to remember to save $4 to buy Bryan a new stuffed animal,” Robbie responds.

7. “Oh! We’re here, I’m so excited!” Robbie screams. “There are so many toys.” “There is the craft isle. I want to go there.” “Maybe they will have a some paint by number books. Those are my favorite!”

8. “This is the best set ever. I get 5 books with brushes.” “ This paint by numbers set costs $4,” exclaims Robbie. He put the painting set in his basket.

9. “Oooo, mommy look over there! I see the isle with the action figures.” “I love army men! I don’t have one like this. Wow, I’m so excited,” yells Robbie. “This army man costs $4.”

10. “Let’s see how much money I am spending.” $4 for the painting set + $4 for the army man $8 that I am spending all together “Ok, so I can still buy more things because $8 is a lot less than $22.”

11. “Hmm, What else should I buy?” “I love cars. Maybe I can find a car to go with my army man!” “This car is awesome! It has a remote control too.” “This car costs $5.” “Do I have enough money?”

12. So, I already spent: $8 for the painting set and army man + $5 if I buy this car $13 for all three things “I do have enough to buy the car! And, I still have some money to spend because $13 is less than $22.”

13. “Robbie, remember to save $4 for the stuffed animal you promised your brother,” mom warns. “I will,” responds Robbie with a smile. Oooo, look at this basketball! I could really use a new basketball. “It is on sale for $3.” “Let’s see how much I will spend if I buy all these things in the cart.”

14. Together, everything will cost: $13 for the painting kit, army man, and car + $3 for the basketball $16 for all four things “Yes! I do have enough money. And I still have some money left over because $16 is less than $22. I’m getting close to $22, so I better be careful!”

15. “Let’s see, I need to find a stuffed animal before I forget.” Robbie remembers. “There is the stuffed animal isle. And, I see monkeys!” “Here is one for $4.” “I think Bryan will like it a lot. I better hide it so he does not see it!” “I think Bryan will like it a lot. I better hide it so he does not see it!”

16. “Oooo, look at that puzzle. I love puzzles! This one has Elmo on it,” exclaims Robbie. “The Elmo puzzle costs $3.” “Oooo, there is another puzzle with bunnies on it!” “The bunny puzzle costs $2.”

17. “Which puzzle can I buy and still have enough money for Bryan’s monkey?” “The $3 puzzle or the $2 puzzle?” “Remember, I only have $22.”

18. Let’s see how much everything will cost if I buy the $3 Elmo puzzle: $16 for the paint set, army man, car, and basketball + $4 for the monkey for Bryan + $3 for the Elmo puzzle $23 for everything and the puzzle “Hmmm, I don’t have $23. Can I buy the other puzzle instead?”

19. If I buy the $2 bunny puzzle, I will spend: $16 for the painting kit, army man, car, and basketball + $4 for the monkey for Bryan + $2 for the bunny puzzle $22 dollars for everything “Yay, I do have enough to buy the bunny puzzle and the monkey! Now I just have to pay the cashier and I can go home and play.”

20. “I would like to buy all of these toys,” said Robbie to the cashier. “Sure young man, I will be right with you,” the cashier responded. After she rung everything up, she said, “That will be $22.” “I knew that already. I added it up,” said Robbie with a smile.

21. “This has been one exhausting day! Shopping makes me tired, and my little brother too!” “Look at him fast asleep.”

22. “Thank you so much mom! I’m really glad we went shopping today,” Robbie said as they left the store. “Me too,” responded mom, “and that was very nice of you to buy your brother a monkey.”

24. Pictures My nephew (Robbie): Robert Hurst My nephew (Robbie): Robert Hurst My sister (Mom): Melissa Hurst My sister (Mom): Melissa Hurst Photographs: Joel Hurst Photographs: Joel Hurst