Belly Dancing at the Olive Oil

So we decided to try out a new restaurant with friends.  We new it was Greek, we knew there would be good music and belly dancing, but we didn't know WE'd be dancing.  Katja and the girls in our party were some of the first volunteers.  Each girl was given a wrap-around skirt with jiggling coins sewn to it to borrow so they could get into the spirit of the dance.  They did.

The actual belly dancer danced on top of a table and around the restaurant.

At this point in the evening, Robbie and his friend (George) were enjoying each other's company laughing at the girls as they watched them dancing, and blushing with embarrassment when the belly dancer got too close to their table.  They were most definitely NOT impressed by her charms.  Girls are not on their radar for a long while yet.  For that, I am presently thankful.  They did think it cool that patrons were encouraged to break plates by smashing them on the floor (at $3 a plate).  Needless to say they each got to enjoy that particular treat first hand.

However, soon enough they gave up being only spectators and joined in the fun.  This was a surprise to me.  I guess the fact that two of the dancers were VERY talented (performing manly dances with acrobatics) and rather good-looking helped convince them that they would not look too "sissy" if they participated.

The boys were slow to start, 

but they quickly got into the fun

(Stacey, please forgive me for posting your picture below but I just couldn't help myself!)

Jack was an angel all night.  He loved the music (best part of the entertainment) and the dancing.  He would dance in the aisles at times.  At others, he would grab my hand and take me away from the table saying, "come on, mama" so he could get a better view of the dancing.  He lasted until 10p.m. without ever fussing.  God knew I needed a low maintenance child after raising Robbie (whom I love and adore and would not change for the world), so he gave me Jack.  It is amazing to me how I can have three children and they are all so vastly unique.

  

Sophia, Caitlin, and Katja pose with their little skirts on.  They were bummed that they did not get to keep them.

Jack was recharging his batteries.  My friend Olga and her husband Kenny discovered the little restaurant.  Thank you Olga for making all the reservations for our large party and calling everybody.  It was nice to just show up, catch up with old friends and enjoy the evening.  I like alternating "girls only outing" with "family night out".  Great idea!

Too bad we can't go bowling for a family night out.  I still can't believe I'm such good friends with two (Stacey & Olga) "germ-o-phobics".  What if we buy you your own personal bowling balls that no one else's grubby fingers will touch?  Can we bowl then?