Middendorf's vs. Metairie Parades

~Joy~

Ahhhhhhhhh . . . The first Sunday in a long time that we could actually choose to do nothing.  We usually don't choose that valid option, but it was very nice to know that the prospect of laziness existed.

The weather was a little chilly in the morning as we packed up to go to the early service.  We noticed clouds, rain drops, and as the kids say, "It was a little ominous."  - They got that from Martha Speaks.  I had to look it up.

Gary and I decided that it may be time to actually start taking them out to eat in public . . . at a restaurant . . . one that doesn't have filthy play areas and frazzled parents.  We chose to go to Middendorf's, which is about a 30 minute drive from our home.  We packed up their distractions, snacks, and crossed our fingers.  What would it be like to eat a meal in public with two well-behaved children?  We can't even manage to do it in our own home on most evenings, so what possessed us to think we could do it now?

As soon as we got there, I noticed we were at an advantage:
1.  It was already loud in there.
2.  We were at a corner table, and Brady could technically be "trapped" in by Gary's chair.
3.  We found some things they would eat on the menu.

Gluttony prevailed.  Gary and I had gumbo, Italian oysters, and he ate a fried catfish plate (their specialty), and I had a lot of broiled salmon.  Reese effortlessly tackled 1/2 lb. of shrimp, french fries, and ate all the shrimp out of our gumbo.  It was a little harder for Brady to focus on food, but he did eat a few french fries and sipped on some pink lemonade.  We escaped the building without tears, blood, screams, or ugly looks.  Victory was ours!  It had nothing to do with me and Gary and our parenting "expertise."  God just blessed us with enough grace to accept the age-appropriate things they did that was a little embarrassing and delighted us with sweet gestures like hugging the waitress when we left. 

That was all pleasant and worth the drive, but the real fun started outside.  It was like a mini beach on the lake!  There was a lot of sand, buckets, a hammock, precious beach decor, a dock . . . The sun came out, and we just enjoyed flipping each other over in the hammock and watching the kids immerse themselves in sand.  I felt a little bad for the other kids watching whose parents didn't want their car filled with sand.  It was worth every grain (that I still have not cleaned out yet)!

Middendorf's was definitely the right choice for us!

The Discovery

The View

Peace



                            Cooperation

             

                  Trust