A few weeks ago, I saw a clip on Good Morning Arizona about an oasis in this here desert called Sweeties in AZ. Apparently, this little gem is the second largest candy store in the U.S., and it carries quite a bit of retro candy.

Did I think twice about the idea of taking my 5 children there?

Yes, I did.

And then I did it anyway.

So that when 3:00 rolls around, and they begin complaining about boredom and the notion that we never do anything fun — even though we just spent the morning at the second largest candy store in the U.S. — I can remind them that we just spent the morning at the second largest candy store in the U.S.

“Let’s go guys!” I enthusiastically encouraged as they trudged down the stairs this morning.

Naturally, they wondered two things: Where? and Why?

“It’s a surprise. Just eat, get dressed, brush your teeth, and let’s go.”

“Mom, I am NOT going to Target,” whined Henry.

“And the drive-thru bank isn’t as fun as it used to be,” announced Jack.

“Well, I still like it,” countered George.

“We’re going neither of those places,” I reassured them. “This is for you, not me.”

Henry perked up.

“OH MOM, ARE WE GOING TO IKEA?” he asked hopefully.

No.

“Oh great,” lamented Jack, “Are we going on Good Morning Arizona?”

What? No.

We drove (and drove…and drove) for a bit over an hour until we reached our destination. I advised the kids to look out the left side of the car to see the surprise destination.

“Do you mean to tell me you drove us ALL THIS WAY to go to a WELLS FARGO BANK?” asked Jack, totally disgusted.

I didn’t realize that the bank was hiding their view of the candy store.

Henry’s first words upon seeing what was just behind Wells Fargo: “OH MY LORD THIS IS WHERE WILLY WONKA LIVES!”

Needless to say, the trip was a real hit. To be clear, however, I don’t ever want to hear the following 3 words again: “Can I get…”

I did lose myself for a few moments in the aisle with fun nostalgic candy such as Nerds, Mary Janes, and Sugar Daddys, but was swiftly brought back to reality by a 5-year-old who was literally hanging off of my arm and begging, “Pleeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaase can I get this ginormous jawbreaker? Pleeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaase?”

You’d think he’d already inhaled half the store.

So, the cost of gas? $10. The cost of 7 boxes of Mike & Ike’s, Gobstoppers, Nerds, Bazooka gum (the kind with the cartoon inside which George accidentally tore upon opening it, resulting in a 6-minute meltdown), 3 Lindt truffles, 2 packs of Airhead Whistle Pops, and some interesting Pez dispensers? $19.

The following: priceless.

“You’re the best mom in the entire world,” praised Henry, as we exited the parking lot.

“Yeah, Mom,” agreed George. “In fact, I want YOU to put me to bed tonight!”

Well what an honor. But after that it’s just me, my comfy PJs, America’s Got Talent, and a package of old-fashioned whistle pops.

***

What candy do you most remember enjoying in your youth? (And please don’t tell me it was those wax mustaches or the liquid in the bottles. Those were both just gross.)