Shivers

I'm amazed that we have lived in Salt Lake for 5 years, yet are still discovering hidden treasures in our area. I think it's because we've had to be disciplined on a student's income and haven't spent a lot of money on dining out or children's museums and play areas. We adore the wide array of city parks, Wheeler Farm, and other places that are FREE, and have been grateful for our family pass to Hogle Zoo because let's be honest, it's nice to GET OUT OF THE HOUSE and PLAY! I think we just enjoy it more when we're not spending money doing it.

Last month, we found a true treasure that we're all crazy about. It's this little local restaurant called Shivers, 10 minutes away from our house. There's a huge train in the middle of the restaurant that the kids can play on while I enjoy my $2 fruit smoothie. It's awesome. And because we're pretty heathly eaters and rarely have fried food, we'll go and just get a fruit smoothie to share or a 30 cent kiddy cone. I am especially excited to have found Shivers because my kids don't throw tantrums when we leave like they do at McDonalds. I usually DESPISE McDonald's, but we've gone there several times with friends this winter after storytime at the library so I could have some mommy time while the kiddos played. I always bought a snack wrap for me and one for Emily and Jon to share and spent just $3. With Wade and I both starting new careers this year, we chose to limit our spending as much as we could. During lunch, Jon and Em seemed okay with not getting the happy meal because they love the grilled chicken snack wraps. But each time as we would leave, they would recognize that they never got a happy meal toy like their friends did. And then the tantrums would start. And they were ugly tantrums. I know you've dealt with it, too, so you know what I'm talking about. They're not fun.

So I have this love/hate relationship with McD's because it's nice to have a free, warm place for the kids to play in the winter while I enjoy some mommy time with friends. But I have never liked the food there, the fact that even with the healthier options, I'm still TEMPTED to get a root beer and fries, and then there's the germs on the playplace I don't want to think about, how busy it always is, etc, etc. But now, I can ban McD's from our vocabulary and choose Shivers instead when we want to get out of the house and have a little ice-cream.

Have YOU had some interesting experiences at restaurants? Please share. I would love to hear about it!