Small victories.

Tonight some friends were visiting from out of town with their kids and everyone was meeting at a local dive bar that daylights as a family friendly restaurant. It’s a place we generally avoid, but we’re trying hard to navigate social situations with food.  It’s becoming a bad habit to avoid them.

So, I picked big brother up from afterschool care, popped in at home to pack little sister’s Yumbox and grab colouring books, and walked over to the restaurant, anticipating meltdowns, or reactions, or confrontations with servers.

But…it all just worked. The kids coloured and little sister ate her food. Grownups talked loudly over the kids and drank mediocre beer.  It was all very civilized.  There was a moment of tension when big brother’s food arrived and sis wanted some chicken fingers and fries, but she accepted the explanation that they would make her sick pretty graciously.

It was a good night, a nice night, and one we no longer take for granted.  Thanks universe!