This evening Markus was home for dinner, which doesn’t happen every night. I made a chicken, rice and broccoli and we all had fun eating together.
Annie was complaining about the chicken (she would rather just eat the skin), so Markus made her close her eyes, open her mouth and he put some food in, which she ate. Then she asked to play this game more. Mystery Food is a game that Markus and Rebecca used to play, and it is fun seeing it all come around again.
Annie had a grape, a radish, some balsamic vinegar and a candy. For Markus’ turn Annie and I gave him a slice of lemon, an alcohol-filled chocolate, and raisins. I’m the wimp of the family, so they were nice to me with only an orange slice and a spoonful of Nutella.
As an adult, when she thinks back to being a child, I’m sure it is these simple times and experiences that Annie will always remember. And that makes me very, very happy.
my friend’s very best terrible dinner memory. she had 3 kids. one night she made a spaghetti dinner that turned out ok, but not great. the kids were all in off moods too and there was a lot of resistance and complaining and things were not going well. Instead of insisting everyone eat and get through it, she cancelled dinner, everyone put on coats (it was autumn) and grabbed flashlights and they all went out for a walk-in-the-dark. Kids and flashlights are a great combination. They had a wonderful time and when they came home hungry, she made them all breakfast for dinner. i have taken a page from her book many times when mine were younger and they still say “remember that time when…”
I love this idea! I’m totally going to do that with Annie…she is a bit wary of the dark still, but is addicted to flashlights, so I think that will win out as long as I’m nearby. Thanks Beth!