The Pre-Supper Cookie Heist

Oliver keeps watch.

At four, he could be trusted to listen for Mom coming down the hall, but lacked the required dexterity for the real task at hand.

Carly is the mastermind behind the plan, taking advantage of their snoring father on the couch behind them.

The brand new cookie jar stands tantalizingly on the counter next to the toaster, the colorful head of a beloved cartoon character hiding the treasure inside.

Mom said no cookies until after supper, which was an eternity away. If they could be quick and silent, Carly is confident a few cookies could be swiped undetected.

Scaling the counters is a skill that Carly is both excellent at, but also forbidden from doing. But with Mom in the other room and Dad fast asleep, nobody has to know…

Oliver giggles in anticipation, and Carly shushes him as she reaches for the lid of the cookie jar. She has half a moment to appreciate the treats inside before she discovers in horror that it is a singing jar, which now screeches a tune so loudly even their Dad won’t be able to sleep through it.

The children's faces go white as footsteps around the corner…

Busted.