We do eat out quite a bit, but why not save while you are doing it?
Since you are already visiting McDonalds, take advantage of uPromise (www.uPromise.com). It is a great program that helps you save up for college with your everyday purchases, including dining out and grocery shopping.
McDonald's, for instance, donates 1% of your purchase when you use an Arch Card that you register on the uPromise website. If you eat $50 a month, that's 50 cents which may not seem like a lot, but trust me - it adds up.
There are local restaurants on uPromise (which I typically earn $5 per visit), online shoppping, even coupons and disount gift cards! And the money can be put into a "529" investment for college.
Check it out!
Also - with "spring" heading our way - don't forget that play dates with a "picnic" at the park will be just as much fun with your little ones helping you pack what they want - fun shaped sandwiches (use cookie cutters), chips/veggies, and fruit snacks.