A dinner date with my daughter at the Olive Garden

It is our tradition to go on an overnight date with each daughter every two years from the time they turn eight.  Faith ended up getting her turn a little late.  It seemed like every time we planned to go something would come up prohibiting our departure, but we finally made it work.  We were both so excited to set out…Not that you can tell by my awesome selfie taking skills.  Ha ha.  Seriously, I took about ten shots and this was the best one.  I’m laughing so hard.  Check out my neck.  Zombie mommy!  Ha ha! 

We spent DAYS deciding on the perfect restaurant.  This year the Olive Garden won out!  It is a special place that we don’t often go to with the family.  As we were escorted to the table Faith looked at the table, “Wow it’s so…small!”  Yes, we’re used to people having to push tables and chairs together for us as a family. 

Faith loves soup!  She ordered soup.  I ordered salad, and we shared an entree.  She loves the Zuppa Toscana at the Olive Garden. 

One of my Olive Garden favorites is the Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno, though I hate pronouncing it to the waiter, and I just pray no one around me speaks Italian, because I know I botch the pronunciation badly!  Faith and I spit (uh I meant split lol) the ziti.  I love that they divided the entree in the kitchen and brought us our own dishes–classy! 

We talked nonstop the entire time.  One of my favorite memories of this night is of her retelling to me some of her favorite family moments and outings.  “I love being here just with you and talking to you,” was a sweet comment my daughter made.   You would think that as a stay at home mom there would be ample time for one on one conversations, but the truth is that it is really hard to find that time at home.  When one child comes to talk, the others all pile in and vie for attention

It was a perfect evening dinner and then we headed to our hotel…