A few weekends ago, Ian professed that we would never be eating with our kiddos in restaurants again ... at least for several years.
As you can imagine, this statement came right on the heels of the lunch from you know where. It was one thing after another that day -- a tipped-over cup that spilled milk all under our table, crayons being thrown, a meal that arrived with everything except for Camille's lunch, me and Ian staring quietly at our salads while we waited foreverrrr for C's macaroni to be ladled out into a bowl, mounting frustrations from everyone, and then the two-year-old tantrum that ensued in a BIG way. Takeout boxes, cash thrown on the table, you are probably wincing now as you are imagining it.
Ian gets a lot more mortified about these type of things than I do. It's not ideal, for sure, but I also try to be realistic about our expectations with the girls. The meal above was sort of the perfect storm and it doesn't always go THAT badly.
But this past Friday night, we figured that we would give the local fish fry at the Country Corner gas station a shot because it was a casual atmosphere and it would be a quick dinner. It was PERFECT and the girls were both angels.
The food came out quickly which was key ... and Camille had a nice big ear of corn to work on!
Ian and I shared our entrees since we both wanted to try the brisket and the salt and pepper catfish. He got slaw, I ordered green beans, and we both couldn't resist the fried okra calling our names from the menu.
Back at home that evening, we got the girls down for bed and watched some of the Olympics.
The rest of the weekend was filled with more fun family adventures -- antique shopping, a trip for Camille to go see some horses, lots of coloring, a family Walmart shopping trip, and guess what ... another successful lunch out as a family. :)
Good for you for trying again. We just kept plugging through with going out and our kids figured it out. We also timed it well and had plenty of toys and snacks to entertain when things got ugly. I think it is worth it and you get a break from cooking and they learn how to act in a restaurant.
ReplyDeleteI think Ian and Aaron would be great friends ;) so glad you guys managed to have such a yummy and fun dinner and a great weekend :) it's all about the small victories!! :)
ReplyDeleteWe need to get our little ones together the next time you're in Boone! Ian's mortification rivals my husbands!
ReplyDeleteI so remember those days. Got to the point I'd only take Ben to Fat Daddy's, because it was full of other screaming little kids and exhausted parents who could appreciate the chaos without being judgmental. What Ben wanted to do was go visit people at other tables while they were trying to enjoy their meals. He was just a bit too social. The tantrums started when I sat him down...firmly sometimes...got in his face, and, in one of those mom stage whispers, threatened to haul him out to the car if he didn't stay in his seat. I guess I was more like Ian. I was easily mortified and had a quick tipping point into total frustration.
ReplyDeleteOh girl..I nodded in agreement. I think we have all been there. Good for you guys to keep trying! We used to order our little ones meal with our drink order that way it would come out quickly. Plus lots of stuff to play at the table! :)
ReplyDeleteMy brother is so nervous about my little nephew making scenes - I think it must be a dad thing. :) That catfish looks amazing - what a fun time!
ReplyDeleteOh man. Been there, done that. I feel your pain. There's this "ick" stage right there between 2 & 3 where they just don't understand 5 mins or 5 hours. We used to sit down & immediately order emmy's food & ask them to bring it out ASAP (like before our drinks) it wasn't ideal, but worked... Occasionally. Sometimes we'd look a menu up online before we went out & we'd all order immediately. I swear men are more frazzled by it than women. I feel your pain, friend!
ReplyDeleteLook at Camille with that corn! I love it! And I sooooooooo know that meal. I'd say at least 88% of all restaurant meals start with "this will be different this time" and end with "never again!!!" Haha.
ReplyDeleteSome of my biggest advice for brand new parents is to go out to eat as much as budget and time allows! When they're tiny little babies, it is SO much easier than when they start to become toddlers. I feel for ya Mama, that does sound like the perfect storm!
ReplyDeleteErin, Attention to Darling
www.attentiontodarling.com
Same here... Some meals out are great & some are pure you know what! I feel like, for us, it's all about timing & being prepared if we know we're going to be out past bedtime. If that's the case we are sure to take the nighttime sippy cup with us filled with milk. 7pm is that witching hour that homeboy wants his milk!! Lol... Then all is right in the world.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way.. Sometimes it is hard when we go out to eat and the food dose not come fast enough and you have angry toddlers. I am glad it went well :)
ReplyDeletePeaceful meals with young ones is always good. I'm glad that they both had two good outings for you. :)
ReplyDeletePS - that fish looks delish!
aww now that looks perfect!!! i totally think finding what works for everyone is key!!!
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