Little boys' backup plan saves parents' anniversary

When a canceled getaway derailed their parents' anniversary plans, a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old helped turn things around.

Erin Bailey and her husband, Parker, were set to babysit their nephews in Denver while the boys' parents, Mianna and Stephen Ponder, enjoyed an overnight trip to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary.

But when their youngest got sick, the Ponders had to cancel their trip, along with the boys' planned sleepover with Aunt Erin and Uncle Parker.

But Erin wasn't ready to let the wedding milestone pass without a celebration.

"The night before their anniversary, my husband and I stayed up to make a plan of how we could help them still have a special day," Erin said.

That's when they dreamed up a one-night-only private dining experience for the couple, staffed by two very eager little waiters.

"We made an invitation inviting [Mianna and Stephen] to a formal dinner at the 'Ponder Boys Restaurant' in their backyard," Erin said.

When she shared the plan with her nephews, the boys were thrilled and immediately got to work.

"Together we made drink, main course, and dessert menus, and the boys practiced being waiters and serving. We took them shopping and let them pick out their parents' favorite drinks, groceries for the meal and dessert, and snacks for appetizers," Erin said.

The boys even joined Uncle Parker on a bike ride to pick out flowers for the table.

"They loved that they got to be involved in everything and include their ideas to help create the experience," Erin said.

On the night of their "reservation," Mianna and Stephen took their seats as their sons enthusiastically stepped into their roles as waiters for the evening.

Mianna's favorite part was watching her oldest son, Baylor, embrace his role as lead waiter.

"He was so proud to dress up, learn the proper serving etiquette, and play the role so seriously. He waited so patiently as we took our first bites, eager to make sure everything was just right. Although, he couldn't resist sneaking a few appetizers along the way!" Mianna said. "This will be a hard anniversary to top, and it’s one I’ll treasure and remember forever."

Watch the video above to see the Ponder boys serve up a memorable anniversary dinner for their parents.

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