For dinner the other night, we opted for a rare dinner out at a local restaurant. We have never been to the Colonial near our house, and I was pleasantly surprised when Hubby suggested it.

The Three Ring Circus arrived at Colonial and were seated right away. The hostess was in the lead with Daddy, Punkin and I following behind. Punkin looked around at the people already seated and smiled as we made our way to the table. We requested a booster seat, and Punkin picked which chair she would be seated in. Our waitress, Mary Beth appeared shortly after that and admired the crayons that Punkin was given when we sat down.

Mary Beth: Some drinks here?
Hubby and I nod yes and request root beers.
Mary Beth: And for the little one?
Punkin said "I'll have milk."
The Parents were impressed that she just ordered her own beverage.

Hubby and I smiled and discussed what to order for Punkin. There were the standard choices. Grilled cheese, cheeseburger, "hangaburger" (it actually said that on the menu), spaghetti, chicken nuggets and hot dogs. We discussed it for about thirty seconds until we decided to go with the chicken nuggets.

Mary Beth then returned to collect our orders. She asked if we were ready, we said yes, and Punkin piped up, "I have hot dogs." Hubby and I laughed while Mary Beth confirmed Punkin's order with us.

She is just growing up so fast. I mean, here she is at 2-1/2 years old and she's ordering her own meals now. Hubby told me she would have to move out next week. I mentioned that she should have a job first, and he said "Let her work that out. She's a big girl." I just laughed.

I had taken the hot dog out of the bun, and cut it up as requested by Punkin. The bun became "her" roll, just as I had a roll with my dinner, and Hubby had his cornbread. After The Parents were done with their meals, Punkin was still working on her hot dog and fries. Hubby asked if he could have some of her french fries. She just raised her hand in response and clearly stated "No, Daddy. Me eat a-l-l dees fries right here. Ask more when lady comes." In other words, get your own Pops. He raised his eyebrows and smiled while I struggled to suppress a giggle.

Moments later, Punkin had finished her hot dogs when Mary Beth cruised past our table. As she did so, Punkin pointed to the spot on her plate where her "entrée" was and said "hot dogs." The Parents were stunned. Not only did she order her own food and beverage, she knew who to ask to get more. She also knew what the main dessert selection was "i keem," but didn't bawk when we opted to skip it.

Mary Beth was busy, but never failed to treat Punkin with respect. I appreciate that. We paid the check and Punkin fairly strutted out of the restaurant, clearly confident in her own abilities to handle herself. She even waved to Mary Beth as we left.

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