Dinners Out

Last night, we went out for pizza with all the kids. We met, who we lovingly refer to as, "The Other Svobodas". All in all, the kids were really good. Amber and I scored it an 8 out of 10. This is not to say that Jack's favorite part of the evening was showing everyone his awesome burping ability. Abbey spent much of the time shaking the Parmesan cheese out of the shaker onto the table (hey, it kept her quiet!) Maddy wanted me to cut her pizza very specifically - first piece had to have the pepperoni pulled off but keep the cheese, the second had to have the pepperonis still intact, and the third piece (yes, she ate 3!) was not to be cut at all.
We got in the car and Amber asked if The Other Svobodas really want to meet us for pizza or do they feel obligated to do so? We worry that what we accept as a normal level of noise and craziness from the kids, may make others cringe with annoyance. There is an element of truth to the fact that we can tune out much of the noise our brood produces. It often becomes apparent to us that getting take out and eating at home is less stressful than worrying about who will have a meltdown, who will we disturb at another table, who will Pa have to take outside for a walk. Knowing all these possibilities exist, now and then, we still take them out for dinner. There are several reasons. One, they do need to learn to behave in a restaurant. Another reason is that we are a family and families eat together. We come together and eat, drink, laugh & share. We hide our smiles behind a napkin when Jack practices his burping. We also teach them manners and respect. We listen to their stories.
We will continue taking them out for dinner in restaurants. Well, we will until Jack learns how to do arm farts!