Monday, August 25, 2008

Who knew Montana Mike's was so much fun?

Ok, so first off, we don't go out to eat a whole lot because A) I am a cheapskate and every penny counts at my house B) Trying to contain a rambunctious 2 1/2 year old and a 1 1/2 year old for the entire dining process is not my idea of a good time and C) Dining out should be enjoyable and less stressful than cooking and cleaning at home (see reason B.) On the rare occasion we do go out to eat, it is usually with family that is visiting or with another couple - - thus more people to help round up the rowdies = ) However, in light of all this, Corey and I decided to be brave and venture out for supper on Saturday evening after a full afternoon of errands - - with no backup help. I know, crazy right?

This all came about as we were driving along during our errands and saw the big sign that said "Juicy Steaks and $3.00 Margaritas!" Ok, really, how can you argue with that? So, we tentatively entered and after seeing where the hostess had planned on seating us (right smack dab in the middle of the restaurant,) we quickly, yet politely, asked to be moved to a booth in a back corner. She was young and obviously didn't have kids, because she kind of looked at us like we were crazy. We assured her it was for the good of the restaurant and our own sanity and she obliged our request.

So, we sit down and break out the cute little 4 color crayon boxes and kids menu they provided and let the kids exhibit their inner artist for a bit. When the waitress came over to get our drink order, we asked if she could please put in an order for French Fries right away as Gage was already starting to the eat the crayons. Yuck! That boy will eat anything - which is a blessing and a curse. Anyhow, she brought out the fries ASAP much to Riley and Gage's delight. They both dug right in with Gage saying "ry ry" - his version of French Fry - and Riley attesting that the fries were "Good Stuff." Ha! = )

Next our appetizer of fried mushrooms came out. The kids, of course, wanted to try them because they always want to eat whatever mommy and daddy are having. We figured they wouldn't like them at all, but instead, they LOVED them! Especially if they got to dip them in some Ranch dressing by themselves. Go figure, they both again love something that Grandma Soukup loves = )

Ok, so here came the time for our meals to be delivered. This is usually when the meltdowns start to happen because they are now bored and want/need to go run off some energy and neither Corey nor I really get to enjoy our meal. However, much to our pleasant surprise, when our meals came, both boys were far less interested in running around -- or their own grilled cheeses for that matter -- than they were in mommy and daddy's steak, catfish, sweet potato and baked potato. They wanted to eat all the grown-up food and they did quite well. Riley especially like the steak. The boy definitely has good taste! So we all got to enjoy a great meal and no fuss. We even got some great commentary along the way from Riley pointing out all of the fun items on the walls. He particularly liked the deer, no surprise there! Actually, as far as he was concerned, most of the animals were deer (antelope, elk, moose - yep, all deer.) Gage, on the other hand, really got a kick out of the racoon pelt that was on the wall next to our table. He kept saying "Hi kitty kitty" - that really made us laugh!

So, after having such a lovely evening, maybe we'll be daring enough to have some more of these fun family dinners out on the town. Not too many, though, as the pennypincher in me is still alive and well!

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