Saturday, January 31, 2009

Happy 8th Birthday, Rosy!





Today is Rosy's 8th birthday. She is the little girl I have been tutoring since the fall off 2007. Her family had her party last night, so I got to spend some time with her today. When I called her yesterday to make plans, she asked me if I liked chicken wings. "Yes, I guess so." Then she said we could eat them at Hooter's. Wow! Where did she come up with that? I've never been inside a "Hooter's" and most definitely didn't want to go there with an eight year old child.

So this morning I put on my thinking cap and came up with making reservations at the
Rainforest Cafe in the Mall of America. When I picked her up, I told her I thought it might be better to go to a different restaurant and thought she would like this one. What a good decision that turned out to be! She loved the stream with the alligator that opened wide his jaw and scared some of the little kids. She marveled at the beautiful aquariums and chose one of the fish to be her favorite. The kids' menu gave her lots to do while we waited for our lunches. Then, when the thunder rumbled and the lightning flashed, she was startled, and thought it was fun. The big gorilla in another part of the dining room growled and she thought it was amazing, too. She ordered popcorn shrimp and Safari fries and the waiters brought a sundae to her and sang Happy Birthday, which embarrassed her, so she said. Rosy told me over and over how much she liked this restaurant.

After lunch she chose a darling baby chimpanzee in the gift shop that became her birthday gift from me. She named her Daniella and held her like she was a real baby - even through the movie she had chosen, Mall Cop, which by the way, is a good movie. Get this, during this movie, one big scene takes place in a Rainforest Cafe! Rosy leaned over and whispered, "Donna, that's where we ate lunch!"

I sure enjoy spending this special time with Rosy. She's a wonderful little girl.

3 comments:

Pat said...

What a wonderful sccount of your experience with Rosey. Sounds like it was a terrific time. I am glad that you mentioned the Mall Cops was good. I would like to see it because I like Kevin James.

MamaD4 said...

I can't believe you didn't go to Hooter's!

;)

carrster said...

Awwww, that sounds like sweet day! I'm glad you didn't end up at Hooters!! Rainforest Cafe sounds much much better!!