Chandler Hill Vineyards

The girls are finally getting to an age where we can take them to restaurants.  Don't be confused - Tim and I aren't kicked back enjoying a meaningful conversation and an adult beverage while our kids eat their food and color quietly on a paper table cloth.  It's a lot of work.  There are coloring books, crayons and stickers strewn all over the table requiring us to sit a table much larger than necessary for a family of five.  The floor surrounding our table is covered with food and it's not uncommon for a cup of water to be spilled.  Tim and I usually eat at separate times while the other is feeding/holding Clara.  I'm sure the servers LOVE us.  We are sure to leave a good tip.

For the longest time we never took the girls to restaurants because it was just such a spectacle and so much work.  But now, my desire to not cook trumps almost everything.

Recently, we ate lunch with the girls at Chandler Hill Vineyards.  They have live music on their patio on the weekends and a small farmer's market on Sundays.

The live music was a lot of fun for the girls.  I love that kids are totally uninhibited in public (except when they're throwing a temper tantrum in public - I don't love that).  Even Clara sat in her stroller and listened to the band.  And I should add that the food is amazing!  

After lunch we walked to the farmer's market which is next to the vineyard.  After bee-lining for the fresh-baked cookie booth, the girls headed to the vineyards and took off running.

It was a really fun afternoon that I highly recommend!  Missouri Wine Country is a great website for searching the wineries near you.