The other night when we went to pick up Dadders from work, Punky was begging to go out for dinner. We just didn't want to spend the money and had been out to eat the night before anyway. After a minor tug-o-wills, brilliancy struck me upside the head.

Me: How 'bout we go to Chez Rachelle's?
Punky: What's Shay Raaaa-sheeeeeells?
Me: A new kind of restaurant we've never been to! I hear it's really fun!
Punky: Okay! Let's go to Shay Raaaaa-shelllllllls!

So, we drove home.

Punky: This is our house.
Me: Nope, it's Chez Rachelle's. I think the chef has something special planned for tonight...!

Everyone came in the house and we started the now-that-we're-home routines of putting things in their places, pottying, etc. I headed straight for the kitchen, got out all the left-overs and hastily made a menu. Aaron got the kids settled in their places at the table and helped me build their excitement. I brought the menu to the table and introduced myself as their waitress. Now Punk was starting to catch on and a little grin was beginning to take over his face. I took their drink orders and gave them some time with the menu.

And, on it went. I was their waitress and served them whatever leftovers they wanted (in some bizarre combinations as it turned out!). We had a lot of fun with it and Punk asks about Chez Rachelle's now almost as much as he asks to go out. What a fun way to deal with left-overs and teach the kids restaurant manners without an audience!