Blessed Family Outing

So, the whole clan went out last Friday night. Daddy had to work straight through last weekend, and we decided we needed a family night out for fun. We packed up the truck including the hitch for the triple stroller. (People don't believe me when I tell them that a one night outing for us is like packing for a real trip for most families). Anyway, we had diapers, sippy cups and an extra change of clothes for all 3 "littles". We felt prepared for anything....except torrential downpours. Yup, as soon as we arrived at the local boardwalk (where we planned to stroll, window shop ONLY, walk around the huge sports shop, get a light snack and a treat for everyone, and then head home...) we were trapped in the alcove wondering what Plan B was. Well, since it was nearing an early dinnertime, my DH ran into the nearest restaurant (famous for it's cheesecake, and one that DH and I have said we will visit on our "next" date), and checked it out. At his signal, we all ran through the rain and slipped into the very nice eatery.

After about a half hour into the experience, I started thinking about the reasons why I hadn't planned to go out to eat with everyone....But, God was with us. Everyone was so helpful and the older children were helping us with the littles, and the littles were overall very cooperative! The waiter brought out plates of fruit and bread to "tide us over," until the meals came. Well, the mac & cheese and pizzas were some of the best the kids ever had. They all raved! DH and I shared a meal which was also superb. Last, but not least was dessert...

My eldest picked out the type of cheesecake, and after ordering one slice, (with many spoons) our waiter came BACK to the table and said we were to pick out 3 MORE pieces of cheesecake "on the house." We were amazed! "Why?" we asked. But no answer came.

Before we left the restaurant, the waiter came to us and said that the elderly couple that had been seated next to our family wanted our children to have "enough cheesecake" but didn't want us to know who had paid! How wonderful. The kids were so thrilled, and DH and I were so blessed to know that we had been a blessing and not a burden to others in the restaurant!

By the time dinner was over, the rain had ceased falling. We strolled through the boardwalk, smiling and answering the usual questions, "Are they ALL yours? Boy, you have your hands full, don't you? You DO KNOW how babies are MADE, don't you?" (Yes, all of those and more were comments that evening...**sigh**) But then, there were so many joyful expressions and comments upon seeing our family together also.

Overall, it was truly a wonderfully blessed evening. For those of you in the trenches of diapers and pacifiers and several other ages, be encouraged. I know it's difficult to get out in public with everyone, to have all the necessities and such, but oh, what joy it is to see the blessings our family can have on others as well as receiving blessing and encouragement from those around us!

I have posted a link to the website that sells our triple stroller. Be aware that it is very pricey. God blessed us with ours second-hand (which is ANOTHER awesome story of God's provision for our family!) That said, it has been a lifesaver for us. All of our "littles" have LOVED the stroller. It is a dream. Note on the website, the strollers are made to seat up to six and even have seats for disabled children.