We did it! We actually went to a restaurant with our children (that wasn't McDonald's or Chuck-E-Cheese) and had an enjoyable meal as a family!

It has been a while since we have been able to do that. My favorite boy is now five, so he manages his behavior well. My best girl, like most two-year-olds, continues to have a difficult time sitting still for extended periods of time. However, Dad has been out-of-town for most of the last two weeks, and I was ready to go do something. Going out to eat was extra appealing to me because it meant no cooking, and even more importantly, no cleaning. Although Dad thought I was insanely optimistic about how things would turn out, he agreed (perhaps he realized Mom needed a change of scenery).

So...we went to Logan's. Even though we had to wait for a table, the kids were great. My favorite boy loves bread, so he was very pleased with the rolls. My best girl was so excited to know that she could throw her food on the floor with Mom's approval that she spent most of the evening cracking open peanuts just so she could throw the shells on the ground. I enjoyed my big, juicy cheeseburger; and Dad, once we were headed to the car, admitted that things went very well.

On the way out, the lady at the table next to ours said, "Your children were so well behaved!" Now, I certainly know that they are not this way all the time, and I know every outing from now on will be perfectly smooth; but the compliment made me enjoy the outing as a family even more (we truly never realize how much a compliment can mean to someone).

I guess my kiddos are growing up! Sometimes that realization makes me sad, but tonight it just made me thankful for the opportunity I have to be their Mom!

Labels: Family and Friends, Fun