Etiquette en el Restaurante Favorito

I took Boo to the Mexican place tonight. She probably asks if we can go to El Vaquero (or "Queros" if you ask her) at least 5 times a week. I haven't taken her in like, 3 weeks, so I figured we should go.....especially since she will be with Daddy all weekend and I like the Mommy/Daughter dinner thing alot.

Taking a 3 year old to a restaurant is hard enough, but when there is only one adult accompanying said preschooler, it is a mighty fine trick my friends. There are certain things that occur at any dinner with a young child that must be considered before you embark on this little journey...

1. The child will need activities, several activities, to keep him or her occupied until something messy arrives. This requires a completely separate bag, larger than the gigundo mom handbag you are currently carrying.

2. The child will have to go to the bathroom no less than 2 times while you are there. This endeavor requires you to lug all the gear to the loo. (unless you live in Mayberry and can leave all your personal belongings at the table, thanks Aunt Bea!)

3. The sweetheart will want whatever is on YOUR plate, not their own, even though you have discussed what they will eat 22 times during the 1.2 mile trip to the restaurant. And again when you order. You may as well order what you want for the little one and something else for yourself.

In addition to all of the aforementioned issues arising during this evening's excursion, she also put on a dance performance for the neighboring tables, had a nice chat with the couple next to us, used her fork to "cut" a tortilla chip (the amount of crumbs that resulted was astronomical) and did her best to lick all the salt off my (much needed) margarita glass.

I am posting this through one eye and with two fingers because the rest of me is too tired. Even my hair is tired.

TIP: Plan ahead, pack a Samsonite, and have a LOOOONG nap at your desk before you take the little ones to dinner on a work night.....alone.

ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...............