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If you take a toddler to a restaurant…

What do you bring for baby and toddler?

We used to pack heavy – trundling in seats, toys, snacks, diaper bags, special placemats to cover the of-course-its-got-bubonic-plague-all-over-it-tables. I’m sure the waitstaff was thrilled to see us coming in like pack mules.

Last night, we went out to celebrate hubby’s birthday. Pizza, of course, as that is hubby’s favorite!

I was surprised to find how light I’m packing for a night out. Even with TWO kids! I simply took my son’s new backpack – added a change of diapers for each boy, plus wipes. Change of clothes for the baby. And off we went. Throwing caution and a few dozen pounds of gear to the wind!

Oh – and I packed an Earth’s Best Organic Apple Juice Box – because most pizza restaurants (yes, they are officially called “Pizza restaurants” in Connecticut) don’t usually carry juice or milk (and certainly not organic if they do!). We often pack our own food for our son because often restaurants don’t have healthy kid choices.

Our son loves to sneak sips of our sodas, but we prefer him to drink something healthier. He doesn’t get juice a lot, or it’s highly watered down. So a toddler-sized juice box is still a real treat for him! As is drinking from a bendy straw!

Psst – Earth’s Best organic juice boxes have Vitamin C and are fortified with calcium too!

But… as I was saying… packing light for a restaurant. Didn’t used to happen. Does this mean I’m becoming a more proficient mom? Or just willing to risk spills and potty training accidents more than usual? Ha!

We had a great time – and actually fit into the booth without taking all that gear for a ride! Our newborn slept right through most of it, but did get a little cranky to be fed (for this I did wish for my nursing cover, as a blanket over a flailing baby is not fun!).

Watching our son eat salad (yes! Salad – almost the whole bowl – isn’t that amazing!) and clam pizza (!) with his daddy was so endearing! He was quiet and well-behaved too, for which we were unendingly grateful! 🙂 We’ve worked hard on restaurant behavior since he was born!

I highly recommend The Fireplace in Southington, Connecticut – they have incredible, unique pizzas, like my Mashed Potato – white pizza, mashed potato instead of red sauce, then cheese, bacon, chives, tomatoes and sour cream on top. DELISH! Unique wings too! Mmm…

Sorry for the lack of photos – I decided that for ONCE I was not dragging my camera around – I was just going to enjoy the moment without thinking about blogging… uh – well I enjoyed the moment at least! Clearly, I must have had blogging on my mind because here I am writing about our night!

What do you pack for a dinner out? Light or heavy?

Earth's Best Blogger ProgramThis post was written as part of the Earth’s Best Blogger program. I was provided product samples to facilitate this post, and may be eligible for additional blogger rewards. All opinions are 100% my own.

T Rex Mom

Sunday 28th of October 2012

For outings we have the "standard bag". It consists of cheese, some kind of sauce (apple or carrot or apple berry) in a pouch, plus often some turkey cold cuts. Then I usually throw in some fruit snacks for dessert. Always their water bottles, too. Sushi is different as we pack a little differently because our daughter LOVES sushi and our son does not. We generally keep a change of clothes in the car and leave it there so we don't have to carry it in with us. Our bag usually fits in a standard cold lunch sack. Oh, we also pack our own crayons and playdough for entertainment while waiting for food.

We love our little point n shoot camgeras. They are small and we can take photos any time. I am finding my new phone does a good job, too, but not so great with lighting.

Happy birthday to hubby and so glad you guys had a great time. Soon your little one will be joining in on the pizza fun.

T Rex Mom

Sunday 28th of October 2012

For outings we have the "standard bag". It consists of cheese, some kind of sauce (apple or carrot or apple berry) in a pouch, plus often some turkey cold cuts. Then I usually throw in some fruit snacks for dessert. Always their water bottles, too. Sushi is different as we pack a little differently because our daughter LOVES sushi and our son does not. We generally keep a change of clothes in the car and leave it there so we don't have to carry it in with us. Our bag usually fits in a standard cold lunch sack. Oh, we also pack our own crayons and playdough for entertainment while waiting for food.

We love our little point n shoot camgeras. They are small and we can take photos any time. I am finding my new phone does a good job, too, but not so great with lighting.

Happy birthday to hubby and so glad you guys had a great time. Soon your little one will be joining in on the pizza fun.

Crunchy Beach Mama

Sunday 28th of October 2012

One of my favorite local pizzas is a red potato one! Oh it is sooo good! :)

PS. That is what camera phones are for ;)

Crunchy Beach Mama

Sunday 28th of October 2012

One of my favorite local pizzas is a red potato one! Oh it is sooo good! :)

PS. That is what camera phones are for ;)

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