I knew Brady had a bit of a plan for this morning, but I didn’t know for sure what it was. We were skipping church for it, and he had a timeline in mind, but not a hard, fast one. Also, we were just getting ready and going, without feeding the kids. I put two and two together and figured we were all going out to eat somewhere that wouldn’t take a reservation. And I was right!
Turns out we weren’t the only family trying to get into Cora’s for breakfast, and even though we were there bright and early, Brady ran in and waited for probably a good half hour. We texted back and forth about maybe going somewhere else, but the other location was just as full, and we reeeaaally wanted to eat at that particular restaurant. So we decided to wait it out. Brady was offered two tables for four across the restaurant from each other, which he politely declined, but soon after, a larger group left and they were able to make space for us.
We hauled everyone into the restaurant, past the long line of people waiting. Its always a bit chaotic getting everyone in and settled, but once they were settled, all was smooth. They looked at the menu and chose their breakfasts (waffles for Dekker and Rowan, pancakes for Laela, and banana slices for Solly) and Brady and I briefly glanced at the menus, but we already knew what we wanted, so ordering went quick.
It was a HUGE win that we stayed at the first Cora’s location because the balloon man was there!!! He’s the guy who was at Montanas when we went for Rowan’s birthday celebration, and he was SO good! I wasn’t as on the ball as my mom was with the camera the last time, so you’ll just have to trust me that his creations were, once again, amazing! Laela got a purple fish on a fishing pole, Dekker got a green dinosaur, and Rowan got a monkey on a banana tree. He was SO entertaining, and helped us pass the time quickly! Between joking with the kids, he spoke quietly to us about how he and his wife had four kids together as well, and how life changing it had been, and how he felt so fortunate. It was a nice little moment to connect with another parent who felt so smitten about having their many kids nice and close together. It was nice to relate.
Once the food came, the kids dug right in. They ate great, and tons, and were really relaxed and happy. We ended up sitting next to a family we know from our town, which was a nice surprise. Beyond getting to chat a little with them, we had people come up to us two different times to say how wonderful our kids seemed to be, and that we were a beautiful family. One woman even addressed the “ugh” moment that people sometimes feel when they see a big family coming their way in a restaurant or a similar setting, but that they were so pleased to sit by us and watch how sweet the kids were. My mama heart was bursting, truly, hearing so many wonderful things said about my precious children. Like I had to consciously remember to dial it back, and be thankful to my God who has lead us as parents, and also lead our kids. All glory be to Him!
Laela was finishing up her pancakes when things started to ever so gently break down, and by things, I mean the little boys. Rowan started crying without any real reason,
but it was nothing that a snuggle with me and a tickle of his bellybutton couldn’t solve. He recovered quickly. Meanwhile, Solly was getting twitchy in his high chair, but he chewed on empty creamer cups and was pacified, haha!
But it was definitely reaching go time. But while we had my leftovers boxed up, and everyone had their coats on, our server hadn’t brought our bill. So we waited a bit longer, and I kept reassuring myself that she knew we were ready to go, but it was a big morning, and she would come as soon as she could.
And when she did come, she said someone had paid for us already. All six of us. I was so overwhelmed.
I won’t lie. I am still blown away. That was in no way a small gift. It was huge, and generous, and totally unexpected! We would NEVER expect anyone to foot a bill for our family, ever! I don’t even feel good about it when its my parents wanting to treat us, because I know we cost a decent amount just based on how many of us there are. What an amazing gesture. What a gift of love. I can’t really comprehend it all, still. It was an eye opener, and a reminder to be generous as often as possible, whenever we feel at all lead to be.
This morning has been more amazing than I could have expected. I got to eat a delicious breakfast with my beautiful children and husband. I was given gifts and so many hugs and kisses. Strangers complimented us and showed us very real love. And the kids slept on the drive back home, thanks to a good old fashioned sugar crash. I am thrilled, grateful, and totally overwhelmed by today.
I couldn’t ask for a better Mother’s Day.