Two Booster Seats, Please

Chris and I recently decided that we should start taking Ryan and Lucie out to eat in restaurants more often. We do it when visiting with family pretty frequently, but rarely do just the four of us go out, especially after our infamous Red Robin incident last fall. Ugh. But, we can't let a little throw-up and some dirty looks stop us. It's good for kids to learn to eat in restaurants. And what better way for them to learn than with practice? (or so I tell myself...)

We ventured out to breakfast this weekend. Breakfast seems to be the best meal to go out as everyone is well rested and the atmosphere tends to be casual and kid friendly. R & L did great. They sat in their booster seats the entire time, with not one attempt to get down or dump salt and pepper shakers. It helped that the restaurant made Mickey Mouse pancakes (with much more symmetrical ears than my own creations) and that we were seated outside on a practically empty patio. We were all so entertained by Ryan's first experience with smoothie "brain freeze" that by the time we knew it, the check had arrived and we were all happily full and satisfied.

It's funny how having kids has made the small details in life seem like such an accomplishment. Things that once were taken for granted - a peaceful car trip, a full night's sleep, a relaxing meal out - are now so cherished and celebrated. It sounds silly, but I never knew I could feel such pride from watching my kids sit nicely and enjoy a meal in a restaurant. These little moments make the tough times blur together into a foggy dream. It's definitely the brain freezes and Mickey pancakes I'll remember instead.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com