Lazy Dog evening

 It was high time for another family dinner with Juliana, Daryl, Maya and Natalia. But with Thanksgiving just two days before, no one felt like cooking.

It seemed the perfect time to use one of the $100 Lazy Dog gift cards I'd won at Stephanie's Hope boutique two weeks before, and enjoy a great meal out together.

The only thing that might have made it better would have been having Melanie as our server, but she'd worked a lunch shift.

On another weekend, a nice lunch out would have worked, but on this particular weekend, Stace was working like a dog himself,  trenching our yard for a new irrigation system.

He cleaned himself up very nicely, and enjoyed his well-earned dinner.

It was nice to walk around the Patios area of the mall after dinner, as Juliana and Daryl hadn't seen all the shops open.

Juliana and I did a little Christmas shopping while the dads watched the children play at the outdoor play area.

 The meal also served as a mini pre-birthday celebration for Juliana, who has her special day this next week. I'm so thankful for this dear friend!

Since we had a gift card, we enjoyed some starters and a dessert, the salted caramel creme brulee. YUM.

On a sidenote, it's delightful being at the stage where meals out in restaurants are easy with the girls! Their kids' menu activities and coloring areas kept them happy until their food arrived.