Montana, Part 4: Eating Out

We picked up Grandma Dorothy and headed to breakfast before heading to Bozeman. I LOVE a good diner breakfast. In fact, I compare all breakfasts to Bobo's in Tucson, AZ. Seriously. If you haven't experienced Bobo's, you have not had a true diner breakfast. Apple pancakes... enough said.

Anyway, we hit Joe's Pasty Shop and it was perfect. Just eggs, hashbrowns, toast, and bacon. Little man just hung out in his chair. We invert the old wooden high chair and set the car seat in it. It is stable and he is at the table with everyone. Then of course he dosed off, sideways in his chair. We were able to enjoy our meal and he got in a morning nap, score!

After breakfast, we headed over Homestake Pass in search of more family and the beautiful Bridger mountain range. I dislike driving Homestake. It is curvy and in the winter, a real pain. Luckily, our trip was nice weather. A tad on the windy side for driving but I'll take wind over snow any day.

Our tips for eating out with little folks:

• Choose a child-friendly location. Children's menus and courtesy highchairs indicate that tots are welcome. This being said, I am a parent who loves that there are restaurants that are adult only.
• Avoid busy places and avoid dinner rush. If the wait is too long (or the service too slow) baby may be ready to leave before you even get a table.
• Make sure baby is safe and comfortable, do not rely on availability (or condition) of restaurant high chairs.
• TOYS!!! Bring along some new/interesting table toys. Empty plastic cups, plastic spoons, and jelly packets work too
• Do you like to watch people eat? No, baby probably won't either. Feed the tot too! Pack your own foods in small containers or take a jar/pouch of baby food. Or if done correctly, baby can enjoy some of your food (without risk of choking).
• Don't leave a mess. Don't be that wet-cracker-ground-into-the-table-and-carpet mom. It isn't right for the restaurant to clean up after tot invasion.

If baby keeps busy, you can do more eating and enjoy your time and meal. If it doesn't work out, eh. You tried! You have plenty of time to try again. And one last thing, don't forget to tip. ;)