my less than brilliant idea

Each Sunday, after church, we have lunch with my parents. We either head to their house or they come to our house. It is always a nice time to hang out as a family.
Today, I suggested to my Dad that we go out for lunch instead of heading to one of our houses. My mom was exhausted from a long week and I hadn't prepared anything. Plus, it had been a while since we had gone out for our Sunday lunch. Dad agreed and we headed to a local diner. After only a few minutes I remembered why it had been a long time since we had last gone out for lunch.
Jem spilled his milk on the floor and talked way too loud. Caia pulled place mats off of the table and dropped silverware on the floor. She also stuck her hands into Sam's cream chipped beef. Tru actually did the best until lunch was over and he realized that we were heading home instead of to Oma's house. That was when he had a meltdown and started crying huge crocodile tears and throwing his head back yelling that we needed to go to Oma's house now. It was not a stress-free pleasant time. Thankfully the service was fast and we were in and out in less than 45 minutes.
When we eat at my parents' house the kids can run around and be loud and we don't have to worry about anyone being disturbed or offended. They don't have to sit at the table while lunch is prepared and they can get down as soon as they finish. It's just so much easier right now to eat at home. And this morning was a lovely reminder of that fact. It will be a long time before I suggest eating out again on a Sunday and I'm sure that my husband, my dad's wallet, and everyone who does like to eat out on Sundays is thanking me right now.

photo by: britl  http://www.flickr.com/photos/truebritl/5192300484/