For reference, this is the driveway/alley where car was parked, and the route LR took to the front of the store.
This really makes no sense IMO. I was under the impression then that the front of the store was just around the edge of the driveway.
If this was their normal routine, why not call the store from the driveway and say "I'm here" without lugging an 18-month old (or strolling her) that distance not to mention leaving a 5 year old little boy alone and out of your sight ...
Thanks to AngelWhoCares and Columbo without whose links to photos, I'd still be in the dark on this.