dinner was awesome!

I admit it--I have an evil streak. I LOVE seeing people proved wrong. Especially when they make judgments on my family based on the size of the group or the age of the children.

Sunday night we took all 5 kids who are home out to dinner. We went across the valley to a very nice restaurant on the water. They serve delicious seafood. We're talking dress up type place, with reservations and the whole thing. Anyway, we walked in and the hostess seated us, no problem. But when it became apparent to the foursome at the next table that we were going to sit down next to them, I got "the look." You know, the one that says "I can't believe I have to sit at MY dinner out next to your children." The displeasure was obvious. I just smiled nicely and helped Logan into his chair. And you know what? It's a good thing my back was to the foursome, because it wouldn't have been nice of me to gloat over my preschoolers' behavior! Logan and Ryan sat quietly and colored while waiting for their dinner. They ate with the appropriate utensils and drank out of water goblets and soda glasses without spilling. They ate their dinner (fish and chips) neatly without fussing. They put their napkins on their laps and used them when necessary. They tried bites of other people's food and were appropriately polite about it (yes please, no thank you, may I have another bite please). They sat patiently while the rest of the family finished dinner. They didn't fuss when they had to share dessert with those who ordered some. They participated in conversations around the table using inside voices. They charmed the socks off our waitress. In short, they were pretty close to perfect.

When we left, both boys smiled nicely at the foursome behind us. They pushed in their chairs and walked quietly out of the dining room, holding a big person's hand so they didn't get hurt by someone not expecting short people. It was a wonderful evening, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It's such fun to have children you WANT to spend time with! And a great way to celebrate.

Next weekend, I get to celebrate with Jim--just the two of us. We're headed to the fair! After many years of spending our anniversary at the fair because it was "Fair Day" at school, we're going there by choice. MY choice! We'll do the fair, then see Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman in concert. I can't wait!!