Dinner Date

Today we ran some errands and had a late lunch/early dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. Ben had a heck of a time. Clearly, he takes after mom with his enjoyment of a eating out and takes after dad with his enjoyment of food.

While we waited for a table, Dad kept Ben entertained. Who knew pretending to eat a kid's pacifier would be so hilarious? Ben was giggling like a school girl during this "game."

Once we were seated, Ben saddled up to the table to eat. At Cheesecake they give kids a complimentary plate of bread and bananas. Ben enjoyed plenty of both, along with some snacks we'd brought along.

Instead of taking the banana off my finger, Ben decided it would be more efficient to just grab my fingers and shove them into his mouth instead.

We forgot his sippy cup, and a kid's got to wash down a good meal, so he tried a little of Mike's water. I think most of it ended up in his lap.

Between bites, he managed to charm the waitress.

And much to my germaphobe dismay (although I did thoroughly clean the table with wipes), when we weren't quick enough replenishing his food, Ben decided to go ahead and eat the table. Mmmm.

I'd say at least 50% of Ben's food ended up on the floor. Sorry Cheesecake Factory!

Before we headed out for more errands, Ben filled up with a bottle. He likes to do it himself.

With mixed results...

He gets the concept that he needs to tilt back the bottle to get the milk out, but in his haste to do this, apparently he forgot rule #1 -- the bottle should be in your mouth first.

And then it was back to the car and off to Costco.

Ben loved taking in the sites and sounds of Costco. It was a Saturday night, so there was a lot to keep his attention. He's such a happy little guy!