The date.

I had such a delightful morning with Lilly that I wanted to include it in my blog. After dropping Morgan at school and speaking with his teacher, I found that we had no plans for the day – apart from my writing deadlines which I have been notoriously bad at keeping, and a research mission for my sister for a baby walker for Blake – now 6 months old.

I had meant to check out the schools training restaurant, so thought that today was a great day to do so. I’d worked as a lecturer at Portsmouth Tech Uni ( sort of a mix of TAFE and UNI) and they had a full blown restaurant and bar there – so was well prepared for the learnings that the students would be going through to have the confidence to serve us.

I would have to say that I was very impressed at the professional outlook the café had and the seriousness that the students took in serving us. The food was top notch and extremely well priced and I can see that this little outing will become a regular one. I am hoping I can include Morgan as well as it seems so unfair we are out having a lovely time while he is at school. I try not to tell him what we are up to and just tell him we did boring mummy things, rather than “we went to Ikea or to the movies…” I am now really looking forward to visiting it in the evening as a family. Apparently they do cocktails for $4 a pop.. hummmm can’t wait.

Lilly had her handbag with her and had ensured she had brought her bracelets and necklaces as well. ( one cannot go out of the door without these key items) We sat at a table and I thought it a great time to introduce her to table manners in a restaurant and the niceties. I was so proud of my little girl. She delighted and surprised even me with her manners. She drank water from her large red wine glass and dabbed her mouth with a napkin like an old hand. It was almost too much for me as I muffled the giggles and proud tears at the same time.

She ordered scones, lots of cream and chips ( not on the same plate) and we shared an enormous club sandwich. The waitresses were fascinated by Lilly and her composure. Though at times her table talk was a little interesting. ( loudly announcing that she had been to the toilet that morning and showing all and sundry the band aid on her arm.) owever this was sprinkled with “ oh isn’t this a nice thing to be doing mummy? and “Isn’t the weather nice today?” Liza Dolittle, eat your heart out.

I was so proud of Lilly. She really took it all in and practiced using her knife and fork appropriately; used her napkin a lot and remembered to put her cutlery down every time she had a mouthful. She really can be such a delightful little cherub and I just shake my head wondering why she thinks it necessary to be so loud and obnoxious when Morgan is about. I wonder if competitive sibling spirit is an inbred thing as I am so careful not to compare the two. Ahh well, I am sure this is the beginning of a great space for Lilly and I.