no such thing as a free cone

After the terrible winter storm we had here at the beginning of the week (i.e., 6 inches of snow) , it was quite a relief to have the temperature in the 70s yesterday and today.  Micah and I decided to celebrate in grand fashion by heading to the Golden Arches for an ice cream cone.  It just so happens we had a coupon for a free small ice cream cone at McDonalds, so we planned our boy’s afternoon on the town.

It doesn’t take too much to get Micah excited about ice cream, but I played it up, mostly to emphasize to him what a great dad I am.  We arrived at our local McDonalds, hopped out of the car, and headed in.  I proudly ordered, only to be told I couldn’t order an ice cream cone.  Their ice cream machine was broken, meaning no shakes, cones, McFlurries, etc.  I pointed out the disappointed toddler at my side, but was determined to get Micah what I had promised.  We got back in the car and headed down the street to the next closest McDonalds.

I was prepared to present the sob story upon ordering, thinking we’d maybe get an extra twist of that high-quality McDonalds ice cream on top of the cone.  I repeated the order at the second store … only to be told I couldn’t order ice cream.  They were all out of the ice cream mix.  I once again pointed out the disappointed toddler, and the cashier assured me their machine was working– it was just the mix they were missing.  Not helpful.  (For the record, Micah handled it like a champ.  He just wanted to know why the machine at the first store was broken.)

Wash.  Rinse.  Repeat.  We headed to the third McDonalds, and finally got that “free” ice cream cone.  Sure, we drove by multiple ice cream establishments along the way (including our favorite), but then I couldn’t have used the coupon.  Surely you understand.