Eating out is SO much easier

The Hubs and I used to go out to dinner every weekend when we were dating and when we were first married. So when we had kids, we continued to go out. BUT we did alter our destinations to places that were more acccommodating to children. We didn't go to any "fine" dining establishments. Kid friendly places have been it. The thing is? We still go to kid friendly places. BUT it's SO much easier now.

Why? We know what the kids want to eat. We know the non-busy times to go. We know what distractions to bring (crayons, paper, cards, etc)**. AND we don't have to deal with any diapers. Plus.... since we've always gone out with the kids they have a good idea of what to expect when we go out. How long it's going to take. All that.

What's also great is that we know what places they REALLY enjoy. I can take my son to the local chinese place down the street without any kind of entertainment. Why? It's casual. It's super quick. AND he loves Chinese food. He knows that a meal at that place has NO WAITING involved. So we both are able to enjoy a hot meal. Which we did this Saturday night when he and I were without the Hubs and Princess.

But I have to tell you that it's nice to be able to go out and eat a hot meal. Not having to hover over each one. To be able to eat and talk with my husband with minor interruptions from the kidlings. It's taken a while. But we're all enjoying dining out.

** Having a ziplock with easy-clean crayons, easy-clean markers, and blank paper in my car is key. It's like when the kids were babies and I had a ziplock with an extra outfit with a couple diapers and wipes in it. It's ESSENTIAL to have at all times.