stop Stop STOP!

My birthday was a couple of days ago, and my sweet and generous daughter took us (her, me, and her 2 kids) to Outback for dinner. Nice place, high prices (2 adults and 1 kids meal, a bit over $64!). Dark in there. Cloth napkins.

Anyway...

By the time we got there, almost 2-year-old Z was sound asleep. He gave up daytime naps about a month or so ago, and whenever we go anywhere in the car, it's a sure bet he'll soon be zzzzz-ing. Not why he's called Z, altho it could be. He's at the stage where he's chattering all day long, and saying lots of real words in with his chatter, but still lots of gibberish, too. He'll also surprise you, and pop out with a perfectly articulated short sentence or several words every now and then, appropriate to what's going on. He can generally make himself understood. He didn't stir until we ordered dessert.

I had the baby back ribs (waiter talked me into the full order, altho I really only wanted the half order), sweet potato with some butter and brown sugar, and that was IT. The ribs really were "fall off the bone" tender, and the sweet potato was perfect. No soup, no salad, altho of course, those could be added for more money. I didn't need soup or salad, I couldn't eat all I had as it was, it's just the thought. I also had a Diet Coke.

Krystal had the prime rib (I think she asked for 8 oz), and baked potato. Hers came with salad, I think. She had French and Ranch dressings. The French was their house dressing, and she liked it a lot. It was pretty good. The croutons were good, too, I had one of them. :) Her steak, tho, was a little underdone and not very tender.

Krystal also ordered a Bloomin' Onion. Outback gives them free to active duty soldiers when they come in to eat, but unfortunately not to spouses/families even if the soldier is deployed. Yep, we asked. :)

Alhena had some of Krystal's salad, and ordered grilled chicken and brocolli from the kids' menu. Good selections on that and plenty to feed both kids. It's on the back of a thin coloring book they give the kids, along with one of those small packs of colors (holds 2 or 3). Z slept on.

Dinner took a long time to come, but the service was good. I didn't have to ask for a drink refill except once. They also serve a little loaf of dark bread, which was very good, except it would be better if they served it with a sharper knife. It squashed a little in the cutting, which you have to do yourself. I didn't mind, I like cutting little loaves of bread. :)

Dinner was very pleasant and we all enjoyed it very much. Then, dessert. Mine was free, a scoop of ice cream with chocolate sauce, topped with whipped cream and a cherry. I gave Alhena my cherry, altho I like 'em, too. That's just what Grandmas do. Krystal ordered the brownie topped with ice cream, topped with whipped cream and chocolate curls. There were hints of nuts in the brownie. Hers was way better than mine, but mine was free.

Anyway, as I said, Z waited until dessert came to wake up, and then he was hungry! Krystal's sharing her dessert with the kids, and I'm sharing mine with Alhena. So, we're just eating away, and talking, and Krystal gives Z a bite. Then, Krystal takes a bite. Krystal takes another bite, and Z is watching intently. His brow furrows. Krystal takes another bite, and Z frowns. As Krystal goes to take another bite, Z suddenly bursts out with "stop Stop STOP!" We realize at the same time exactly what he means, and we both crack up laughing. Krystal gave Z the bite, and we laughed til we cried.

We cried inwardly when the bill came!