Monday, January 2, 2012

Hickory Park

How could you resist a place that smells like hickory wood and sells 5 cent candy from jars. A favorite stop for us on the trek from Nebraska to Minnesota, Hickory Park is an Ames tradition. Ames, Iowa that is.
We had a very unexpected treat this last time though. Our travels put us in Ames right at dinner time with a nasty wind to greet us as we unloaded the rear-end of our van. With a broken down wheelchair we pushed our way into the warm and inviting restaurant. The friendly staff seated us right away and when we asked the kids what they wanted to eat, Eloise replies "I want what smells so good".
We ate BQ pulled pork, grilled cheese, warm applesauce, and buttered corn.
As we were wrapping up with some ice cream orders a manager approached and started with "Don't even try to ask for your bill. A gentleman, who was seated behind you but who is no longer there wanted to get your tab. He was so impressed with your family and how you worked together to help the kids and how well behaved they were during the meal!"
With my cheeks flushed in pink from the huge compliment we said "thank you" We are grateful for the treat at a favorite restaurant but also humbled by the compliment paid to our family.
And someday soon we'll have to pay forward the compliment.

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