Dinner by the fire

While wondering what to do earlier this evening when Toben and the girls headed to the hot tub at the clubhouse, I decided to build a fire in the chiminea and light all the candles outside. I planned to read out there for a while and then thought, We should have dinner outside! 

And why not? It's a little bit chilly, so we all just put on an extra hoodie and put our plates piled high with a steaming pasta dish in our laps and made it work.

Such a small thing--a change of scenery--made dinner seem adventurous and fun. The conversation wasn't much different, the food wasn't anything out of the ordinary, but the whole experience felt different.

After we finished, the girls begged for another chapter in the book we started this week for school, and Toben cleaned up the kitchen while I read out loud.

When I was a kid, we'd put the dog in the garage on Sunday nights, lay out the big green Army blanket, light a fire, and roast hot dogs in the fireplace while watching The Wonderful World of Disney. We'd eat baked beans and potato chips and roast marshmallows for dessert.

I don't remember how often we did it--I doubt it was every Sunday night, but it was often enough to have it be one of those memories I cherish and will never forget. 

I'm thinking that dinner and reading outside just may need to become a regular feature around here.

Comments

[Allison Talamantez]

What a great night. I love your childhood memory. That may have to become a tradition for the Three T's too!

[Denise]

I remember the "wonderful world of disney" sunday night movies. too bad those are not on still. I remember looking forward to them. now, we have hannah montana. lovely.

[angie]

We have somewhat regular Friday night carpet picnics. Neat sheets are wonderful for protecting the carpet. We take turns choosing a movie, usually something from the library. Kids love it and we linger todether long after dinner.