I Scream! Sure, Ice Cream.

Going out to dinner as a family (Drive- thru does not count and neither do places with a playland) has not been successful since Ryana was Born, then add Kenyon to the mix and you have a whole different animal. But then I am asking them to sit still in an overstimulating situation and then I want them to be quiet as well. We don't eat dinner around a table at home why do I keep trying it out in public? I must have inhaled some fumes or 2nd hand crack because after having Kenyon home sick for almost 3 weeks I decided tonight was the night to try it again.

Did I mentioned I had to wake Kenyon up early from a nap to run Bryn to a Dr. Apt. before heading to dinner.

Well, I at least picked a very casual place Applebeas, we had gotten a gift card from some friends as part of a date night Christmas present, and they were able to give us the huge booth in the corner so we could spread out and still block Kenyon's escape routes. Here is where one of my crazy genius moments takes place. Kenyon asked for ice cream first and I said "YES" while the rest of us were ordering our beverages we ordered him vanilla ice cream.

Right about now is where Ryana should start to feel overwhelmed by her surroundings and then realize that I did not order her ice cream as well and have one of her overstimulated tantrums. It never came. Not sure why, I can not take credit for it.

By the time The real food came Kenyon was done with his ice cream and had: tried to escape 4 times, pointed at every thing he could see, asked the same question 30 times (no exaggeration) and was ready to eat some nuggets and apple sauce. Ryana had been coloring the kids menu and was happy as could be. Yes they were both a little on the noisy side but I will take loud giggles and chatter over fits and tantrums.

We did have a problem at the end because everyone else wanted their ice cream and when Randall went to share his with Kenyon it was not the right kind of chocolate. (It did not look exactly like the picture in the menu)

This was an amazing night. I can not wait to share the success with the kids Occupational Therapist tomorrow morning.

I waited until we were in the car and driving away before I would even comment on it to Randall and he still was very sheepish about talking about because that might make it never happen again. Even if it never goes as smooth again it was worth it.