Howdy and I went to the symphony/ballet theatre production of "Peter and the Wolf" this afternoon.  We enjoyed it so much!  These types of events mean a certain "routine" to Howdy, so we followed the usual "protocol."

First, we went to the library.  We're were excited to find some great books at the Friends of the Library book sale while we were there.  Howdy found a "Peanuts" dictionary, a couple of horse training manuals for Sis, and a "Bugs Bunny" book for Posie.  He passed on the pronghorn book for Bubba and the personal finance book for Scooter.  "Maybe next time," he said.    I found an old Hebrew/English Dictionary!  It is a nice, blue hardback in very good condition with that wonderful old book smell.  We left after checking out a medical handbook for cattle and a gourmet gardening book.

Then, we went antiquing for a bit before heading to the college auditorium.  We met some homeschooling friends at the door and were able to sit together for the performance.  The kind lady at the door mentioned that there would be about 800 school children in attendance!  Yes, it was noisy during the "anticipatory set." 

Howdy's favorite part was the introduction of each musical instrument.  His favorite was the violin.  We can all picture him playing it, so I was pleasantly surprised when he mentioned his interest.  We'll see....

After the performance, we had our usual "date" at Olive Garden.  Howdy ALWAYS gets the chicken alfredo.  He insisted that I not order the gnocchi soup and opt for the chicken and gnocchi instead.  Heh!  We shared.  YUM!  He so enjoys eating at a "fancy restaurant."  It's such a treat.  And, he politely visited with our waitress which was a lot of fun to watch.  He did mention more than once that women SHOULD NOT wear ties.    When we left, we both decided that from now on we will both order the gnocchi soup and salad.  Hee hee hee.  It is hands down our favorite.

Next, we headed to Academy and purchased his hunting license as dove season opens this weekend.  The woman at the checkout asked if he could shoot pigeons.  He said, "of course."  DING!  It finally dawned on me they were talking about clay pigeons at some point.  I'm used to them being called "skeet."

A trip to Hobby Lobby before we picked up the crew was a must!  We found some fall cupcake liners for the breakfast meeting I'll host in October.  I also bought some beautiful monarch butterflies to add to our nature themed Christmas tree this year.  I grabbed a few freebie patterns for knitting/crocheting and we were out the door.

After picking up the kids, we came home and he helped Bubba with the yardwork.  But, he came in for a few hugs here and there.  What a sweetie!  I love days like today! 

It'll be a few years before Posie gets to go to the symphony.  I know she'll enjoy it as much as Howdy did today.  He'll give her the same "talk" that his big brothers and sister gave him before he started his ballet and symphony adventure days.  They all encouraged him by saying he just HAD to go or he would miss out on so much fun with Mama.  I'm glad they remember these events as fun with me.  Our days at home can be long, boring, and sometimes stressful like cabin fever.  Bright spots like this are so special.

Now all I have to do is find a "secret" recipe for those Olive Garden breadsticks that he wants me to make.  Glee!  At one point in the meal he said, "Mom, these are SO GOOD!  You just have to make them at home.  Did you notice how our waitress called them 'bread' instead of 'breadsticks?'  I guess that's because this isn't a fast food place."