Meltdown of the Century

I had a very nice Saturday afternoon planned for the girls: lunch at McDonald's to be followed by playtime at the park (finally, sunshine!) and then the new show at the circus. Well, en route to McDonald's, Audrey decided she had different plans. As I parked the car, Audrey announced "I don't want to go to McDonald's. I'm tired. I just want to stay in the car and sleep." Yeah, right. I tried coaxing her out of the notion but she would have none of it, all the while Ava is whining about how HUNGRY she is, and can't we just go inside. Finally, I just had to wrestle Audrey out of the car and carry her, screaming, into McDonald's.

I try to get in line to order, but Audrey is trying to run out the door and as I grab her, she flails her body to get loose, manages to kick off her rain boots and prostrate herself right smack in front of the door, blocking the patrons who are ready to leave. Meanwhile, Charlotte is having the time of her life as she heads over to climb the staircase (how many McDonald's have staircases?), and Ava continues her cries for food.

Luckily, there are always lots of helpful folks who come to tend my children when I obviously cannot. "De ce plungi?" (Why are you crying?) Although the question is addressed to Audrey, the questioner is usually looking at me. (If I knew and could fix it, would she be crying?)

I know that it is just a matter of time and this storm will blow over. So I let the Romanians try and figure her out while I grab Charlotte and place the order. A group of 20-somethings interrupted their lunch to snap photos of Audrey on the floor. Two of the young men even came over to our table once we were seated to check on Audrey.

But the crowning moment was when the food was ready and the helpful employee carrying our tray also decided that she needed to hold Charlotte's hand (no one can resist Rockstar) and . . . you guessed it . . . dumped the tray with the drinks spilling all over the floor. Ava went into hysterics, fearing that she wouldn't get another apple juice (because when she spills at home she often doesn't). Somehow, I got them all seated in the back corner booth, where Audrey continued to cry, but with less force, and I consoled Ava that she would get a replacement juice.

After Ava, Charlotte and I finished eating, Audrey decided she really did want a happy meal after all. See, storm over. We almost had a relapse though when we tried to order dessert and there was no chocolate soft serve. Out came Audrey's bottom lip and she started to stamp off, but I pointed out the chocolate muffins and she graciously decided that was a suitable alternative.

Daddy, you missed a good one.

Charlotte enjoying her lunch.

At the park after McDonald's. The girls made a friend. I pulled them away from playing to walk over to the circus only to be informed by the box office attendants that the show wasn't starting for another month! (That would have been a really useful piece of information on the posters, huh?)