I am Tamiya…

This weekend, we got to spend some quality time together. This does not mean that we are entirely broke and *had* to sit at home staring at each other, but rather that we got to do some things that we all enjoyed and we got to do them together.

On Saturday morning, we decided to go see a movie. An animation that Boobah could watch with us (because otherwise what would be the point of quality-family-time without the WHOLE family?), and the only animations/kid movies playing currently is Planet 51 and Alvin and the Chipmunks. Needless to say, we settled on Planet 51. We went to Greenstone, our local mall and wanted to have a quick bite for breakfast before the morning movie starts. As we drive in at the boom gates to collect our parking ticket, a very nice gentleman hands us a pamphlet for the new Maxi’s restaurant that has opened. The breakfast image looks quite delish and we decide that maybe we should try them. We did, and I can honestly say that our experience there have been one of the best dining out experiences we’ve had in a veeerrrryyyy long time. Service was prompt, our order was spot on and best of all, they are very kid friendly. We ordered a Cheese Griller and Chips breakfast for Boobah, almost as soon as we sat down, thanks to the prompting from our waitress. When his food came, it was Ready-to-Eat hot, not burn-your-mouth-so-hot-mummy-has-to-blow-it-cold-until-she-feels-dizzy hot, which is fantastic, as little kids often lose interest in food really quickly…

That being said, when our food came, it was piping hot, just as you would expect adult food to be. Their portions are generous, service was great and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. #Superbrandplus Maxi’s Greenstone!

The movie we watched was pretty awesome too, as far as animations go. The official description of Planet 51 goes something like this:

“American astronaut Captain Charles “Chuck” Baker, lands on Planet 51 thinking he’s the first person to step foot on it. To his surprise, he finds that this planet is inhabited by little green people who are happily living in a white picket fence world reminiscent of a cheerfully innocent 1950s America, and whose only fear is that it will be overrun by alien invaders–like Chuck! With the help of his robot companion “Rover” and his new friend Lem, Chuck must navigate his way through the dazzling, but bewildering, landscape of Planet 51 in order to escape becoming a permanent part of the Planet 51 Alien Invaders Space Museum.”

I had too much popcorn during the movie so shortly after having had breakfast, making me feel quite uncomfortable, but that’s my own fault. After the movie, we went hom where Boobah and I had a terrific 3 hour long nap. Those are just the best.

On Sunday, the Outlaws invited us out to lunch with them That very rarely happens and when it does, it’s not always a very splendid occasion. However, the Outlaws, and specially my FIL, were nice company for a change. We went to Fahrenheit, just up the road from where we live, because they have a wonderful kiddies playground area. Boobah always enjoys it when we go there. Anyhoodle, the food was good, the company was good, the atmosphere was great and then….

…Then there was a playground bully. Two actually, but the one boy really irked me A LOT! He must’ve been about 4 and a half, judging by his size and vocabulary. Compared against my 2 and a half year old, he’s a big kid and should know better. This snotnosed kid not only shouted at Boobah, bossed him around and was generally just rude to my kid, he pushed him off the Pilot’s seat in the airplane because he wanted a go. He didn’t ask politely, he didn’t even ask, he just shoved Boobah off the seat, so that my kid went flying and smacked his head against the side of the plane! I was absolutely LIVID! If I hadn’t had a crying Boobah in my arms, I would have grabbed that kid out the plane, marched to where the tables were and demanded to know who his mother was! My legs were actually trembling from anger. The mother was nowhere to be seen. Not once did we even see her take a stroll on the playground to check whether her child was still okay.

On a later occassion, when the child again terrorised my boy, The Dad had had enough and went up to the kid to ask him what his problem is and where his mother is. Only then did a woman come running along to find out why a man was admonishing her child. In his fury, The Dad explained in the least amount of words required what a snot her child is and that he has no manners nor respect for other children. She told us that she would deal with her child, and a while later they came to our table so the kid could apologise to Boobah. I felt sorry for the mother, not for the kid, he didn’t feel one ounce of sorry or regret…

Yes, I realize he is also still a small boy, being only 4, but this is where I’d like to blame the parents for their child’s behavior. Surely when at a restaurant or public place, you keep an eye on your kid. Even if the play area is secure. You check to make sure they’re there/fine/not hurt/behaving/sharing/not doing dangerous stunts… You don’t just sit on your ass, drink wine and socialize with *your* friends. Surely you teach your child manners and acceptable behavior, public or not, and wrong from right? You teach them this from a young age, don’t you? You show them that it is important to care about others feelings and to be nice? To ask and not demand?

Or is it just me…?

Much love x 2.25