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Family Dinner Out

         Tomorrow is my father's 87th birthday. One of his granddaughters was in town tonight only. So we gathered tonight at one of his favorite restaurants--8 adults, 4 children, and a newborn. I was very happy they put us in a separate room. I know how the kids in my family are. The other diners were saved from us.

         The two year old did a screaming number just as the food was served. Her mother had to taker her outside, while her food got cold. The others wanted to carry the booster seats around, but not sit in them at the table. The waitress was patient; the food was good, as always. I was anticipating the striped bass again, but it wasn't on the menu tonight, so I had salmon and crispy asparagus.

         The newborn was the most contented and best behaved child. The parents saw someone they knew at the bar on the way out and stopped to show off the baby. My dad was following them, and started playing with their 3 year old. I tried to stop him, but he plowed in oblivious to others. I finally grabbed him and pointed to the front door which he had passed. So the three year old came with him and played loudly in the entrance. Most of my crew was already outside. I'm sure the restaurant workers were glad to see us leave.

         Then we all came back to my house for ice cream and cake. It was way past the kids' bedtimes, but everyone had to hold the new baby. I have plenty of toys, so they kept a racket going. We all sang, while the kids and grandpa/great-grandpa blew out the candles. Only two adults and the six year old declined dessert. They still sat around and talked and took pictures.

         I gave away excess yellow squash, home grown tomatoes, and green peppers. I made them take things left from previous visits. Grandpa paid the entire bill for the steak and seafood dinner, as well as the ice cream. (Someone else bought the cake.) But the best present he got was having all his kids, grand-kids, and great-grand-kids together at one time. The little ones showed him their boo-boos, and told him about school or daycare. Amazingly, all the little ones gathered around him and posed for a photo. They usually won't stand still that long.

         So I think he was happy. He was surrounded by people he loves and who love him. That's a pretty good day after 87 years. And he took care of all of us.