Unexpected Dinner Guests

Since this Pandemic started, we have stayed at home, of course.  There are occasional runs to the grocery store for pick-up of our online orders.  We discovered Save-A-Lot in Delphi which has wide aisles, small crowds, and most of the items we need, although most are off brands (and they were stocked with yeast a couple of weeks ago!!!).

Because local small town restaurants have lost their dine-in crowds, we have tried to order take out from Stone House at least once a week and occasionally will order from one of the bigger restaurants in Lafayette.

Yesterday was one of those 'big restaurant' times.  We had ordered from Cheddar's a few weeks ago and had taken advantage of their chicken fingers family bundle dinner for $19.99 adding in a large family salad with, of course, honey lime dressing.  When we picked up our order, which was delivered to the Escape, we were shocked at the amount of food we received.  Actually it was enough for the two of us to enjoy for at least three meals.

Ordering the family bundle again was the plan.  The price had risen by $5, but still it was a great deal for us.  Our two Family Sides were cole slaw and carrots, plus the meal came with 6 of the buttery croissants which I love.  We also chose the honey mustard dipping sauce for the 18 tenders.

Soon after we returned home, had unpacked the large tote bag of food, and were sitting at the island, we noticed the black minivan in the drive by the barn.  Landon hopped out to check on the pigs and goats and feed them. Tessa was walking across the grass to the swing. Of course Owen (who was shirtless) grabbed Fin, one of the yellow barn cats, and was carrying him around.  Hilary was helping Landon.

Of course they all drifted to the house.

Tessa was first to come in the door.  As she came to the island, she said "What are you doing?" which led to her paper plate with a croissant.  The rest of the crew joined her in the house soon after that and before we knew it, placemats were on the table, chicken strips were distributed, carrots were shared, mounds of slaw were placed, and drinks were poured. 

Of course Hilary was protesting, saying that they needed to go home, that her plans for to fix a meal for them after the chores were fnished, but no one moved

Soon the buttery croissants had vanished, there was one chicken finger left, and the containers for the carrots and slaw were in the trash, and everyone was full and happy.  Even more of the dirt pudding had disappeared.

After the clean up, the kids blew bubbles.  Landon swatted at bees with the tennis racket.  Hilary and I searched for trampolines online with no success.  And Owen decided it would be a good idea if Daddy built a swimming pool in the yard for all of us to enjoy.  He even called him at work with that suggestion.

Hilary mentioned at one point that she had good memories of sitting on the deck at Grammy and Grampy's house in the summer, just talking and enjoying a beautiful outdoor evening.   In some respects the torch has passed. Landon was a little bored, but we tried to impress on him the importance of making memories with his siblings, his mommy, and us.  Not too sure we were successful with him, but I know that the three adults on the deck were enjoying that moment.

Nine o'clock rolled around and it was time for the munchkins and their mom to return home.

One more time when I was happy that we had moved.  I was thankful for the deck, the red chairs we found at the At Home store too years ago (and have added to in the last two summers), and for the warm summer night.

And I am really thankful that we had ordered the family bundle of chicken fingers last night so we had dinner for everyone!