The plan was to walk a few blocks to the trolley stop, ride the trolley for a little over a mile, and then enjoy our dinner at 7:00 at Zea's. But as it usually goes with good and careful planning, things did not go as we had hoped. At 6:30 we were waiting at the trolley stop watching the buses go by and people getting on. At 6:45 we were still waiting for the trolley. Dave asked someone on the street about the trolley only to find that they are not working this week... down for repairs.
This is when the kids also had their first run in with one of the more interesting folks in the South. Just ask them!
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| Waiting for the trolley... BEFORE we knew it was down |
Okay, plan B. We waited for the next bus to pull up which rolled in around 6:55. And it was full! So let the first mile long walk begin. Obviously we didn't make our reservation time of 7:00 and we strolled in around 7:20. As we walked in the restaurant a couple stopped Dave asking if we were with the Lutheran group that was here to help build and fix stuff. He said yes we were and the woman said to him "Oh, bless you for coming!" We were seated and the water began to flow, and flow, and flow, and FLOW. The man walking through our section filling water glasses eventually gave up and left pitchers on all of our tables. Man, is it hot down here!
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| Our waitress, Vanessa! |
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| The hungry boys |
The adventurous teens ordered things like Duck Empanadas and Spinach Dip for appetizers and main entrees of Chicken and Ribs, Casablanca Chicken, Veal (oops ran out of that one), Pork roll, Salmon, Shrimp, Crab Cakes, Corn Grits, Beans and Rice, and the list goes on and on. As the food started coming Caleb announced "Wow, no one feeds me at home. This is like a feast!" Lesson learned... never say "does anyone want to try my ____________" when Caleb is at your table!
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| Duck Empanadas for the girls |
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| Jon's Mega Meal... watch out for Caleb!! |
After stories of great danes breaking legs and laughter that nearly shook down the restaurant it was time to head home.
Instead of walking, we decided to take the bus back as it was now nearly 9:30 PM and we were tired and FULL. The bus pulled up with all the seats full and passengers already standing. But we were DETERMINED. We squeezed and squeezed and somehow all made it on the bus.
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| Standing room only! Shuppy's a giant! |
Once back at the hotel, it was time to make our give aways for the week. We glued THOUSANDS of pennies (just ask your kids, they will tell you) on to our cards to pass out to other youth tomorrow. It took a loooong time, but we are ready!
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| Assembling give aways |
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| Scott, get up and help us! Someone found the complimentary bathrobes. |
Pastor Jami passed out wrist bands, backpacks, and work t-shirts for Saturday and the teens were sent off to bed. Although they didn't have to be sent too hard at 11:30 PM. Everyone is exhausted after our first VERY long day.
Tomorrow's breakfast begins at 7:45 AM.
Good night, Hope!
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