Friday Night

Friday night was just one of those PERFECT NIGHTS that I don't ever want to forget.  Dad had a meeting that we knew would last well into the evening, so we knew we didn't have him to play with (and trust me, he is the "fun one" in the family!)

I picked the kids up from school, and they had some extra chores to take care of because they didn't make their beds nor pick up their rooms before they left for school.  Instead of telling them, I just handed them a note when they got in the car and told them I wouldn't listen to any grumbling, they just needed to go home and take care of their chores.

Doesn't sound like a great start, does it?

They finished their chores within a half hour and I took a break and took a shower.  Both older kids needed new swim goggles, but since they both lost theirs, they had to use their Christmas money to buy new ones ... but they really wanted to go get them.  SO, we got in the car and headed out to a couple of stores to get the goggles, caps, beachgirl picked out a new suit ... and beachtoddler insisted to using some of his money at the Disney Store.

We got back in the car and discussed where we would get our Friday Night Pizza.  The older kids asked if we could please go to Applebee's for dinner and they would like to "treat" mom to a night out.  WE DID, and it was so much fun.  The three of them and I sat in a booth for 2 hours just eating, laughing, talking & having a wonderful time.  A gentleman at the next table stopped and commended "me" for such a wonderful family and said he was sure Daddy was sorry he was missing out on this great dinner out.

Everyone behaved, was civil with one another, had lively topics to discuss...I think the neatest part was that the older two were under the assumption they were paying for dinner so they were very careful with what they ordered, BUT, it was a full 4 course meal with appetizers to share, salads, entrees from the adult menu & dessert.  I have not eaten that much food out in a long long time, but boy did they feel like they were kings!

(No, I didn't make them pay, but I would have if they fought through the evening!!)