The kids table is pretty much always guaranteed to be a hot mess. Crumbs literally everywhere. When you merely enter the table vicinity you somehow end up sticky from some unknown source. Plain and simple, it's a disaster scene. There was no better feeling than the kid table graduation growing up. Getting the nod to come and sit with the grown ups at the formal dining table during family gatherings is an American rite of passage. I fully plan on making that moment memorable for J, once he earns that privilege.

How I imagine things going down: (Johnathan, pre-teen, solemnly collects his fixings on his plate and once again makes his way to the kiddos table.) "Son...." (Booming Dad voice) (J slowly turns around and sees Dad at the end of the table warmly looking at him.) J: "Yes?" "Sit." All of a sudden a glowing empty chair magically slides back from the family table, as angels sing in harmony in the background. Wide Eyed, J takes a deep breath, exhales and begins to break his bread at the Adult table.

How it will probably go: "Dad, can I sit here." "sure."