I’m Beautiful Like Me.

Yesterday, I found a great deal while Stumbling around. Restaurant.com had an 80% discount, so Husband and I bought $225 of gift certificates for $16! The only clincher is that we were unfamiliar with all the local restaurants that participate with Restaurant.com, so we had to browse their very slow site to make our selections. Husband immediately gravitated to Bountiful Bread, a deli-slash-bakery reminiscent of Panera.

With today being T’s last full day here with us, I suggested we use the gift certificate to dine at one of the restaurants. We chose Bountiful Breads. The five of us packed up in our little truck and drove across town.

The place is located in a little plaza which seems relatively new (or perhaps just very well-maintained). It’s tucked away on a corner near a gym and a few other restaurants. Inside is very large with plenty of seating, but it was quiet - maybe one or two other tables. We walked up to the counter to browse the menu and the entire staff stood there looking at us, at the ready to whip up whatever we ordered. Likely looking as uncomfortable as we felt, the cashier offered us a menu to hold and we found a table in the back by the unlit fireplace while we made our choices.

After Husband and I placed our order, I went outside to have a cigarette and decided the whole lot of us needed to be out there, as it was such a pretty day. T and Joy complained at first, but later agreed that being outdoors was rather nice.

We goofed off and took pictures while we waited for our food, then took pictures of the food before eating. Then took more pictures, in an effort to remember today as well as possible.

Waiting…

Joy

tata

T got the Hot Brown. I daresay it is better than KT’s!

Joy got Tuna on Semolina bread. Not very adventurous.

She also wanted the soup. I ordered the largest size, which is served in a bread bowl and we all shared. It was absolutely amazing. They even give you the innards for dunking!

Husband ordered The Underhill. Roast beef, Muenster, Thousand Island dressing and cole slaw served on German rye bread. VERY adventurous!

I ordered the Classic Club, but asked for the Pepper Jack bread instead of the Semolina. Oh my word, it was divine! Piled high with yummy tomatoes, too.

For dessert, we shared this insanely sweet, deliciously warm Cinnamon Stick. It’s like a Cinnabon cinnamon roll on crack.

My family.

You’d never believe a demon would have a face like this, huh?!

I really love this picture of Husband and I.

Boys making silly faces.

T and Husband checking out their silly shots.

The girls.

T and tata

Whenever you miss me, T, remember this picture

I’m really gonna miss this kid. I don’t just mean the dish-washing and the zucchini bread and preparation of meals I’d otherwise hafta make (although I’d be lying if I said I won’t miss that, too!). I don’t just mean picking on her for the way she says certain things or making her flinch for the fun of it or licking her face just ’cause it icks her out so much (heeheeheeeheee!!!) I mean the trips to Wal*Mart, the knitting and crocheting we’ve done together, learning signs, the long talks, going to the park, just kickin’ it… I fuckin’ hate to see you go, kid. But I’m holding you to the promises you made to me and your mama (don’t disappoint us!) and wish you the very best upon your return home. I love you.

Godspeed.