Awww thanks Annie and Mike M ~ my kids and I would be glad to dine with you! But I would never be so presumptious as to assume that others would want to dine with our young family. I think I would be mortified if a couple asked to be removed from our table.
My kids, honestly, are very well behaved, and although shy at first, will engage in conversation with other adults. I can't imagine them offending anyone; and yes, the have good table manners too!
We often have people come up to us in a restaurant and compliment us on our kids, which is one of the best compliments a stranger could give us. It makes me beam with pride. And they know [we go out often enough for dinner] that if they were not to behave, that it would be the end of restaurants for them!]
I do agree on the gaming devices/dvd; because the child is focussed 100% on that device, and fully disengaged socially. I guess that is the nice thing about colouring; the kids can still actively participate in the conversation.