Dating Evolution

My husband and I used to date: restaurants, movies, dancing, hiking, skiing--we did it!  I remember those days, a little.  Dating is more sporadic now.  We do embark on a dating adventure a couple times a year, usually when my parents come to visit.  I know the husband would like to get out a little more.

It's my fault.  Using a babysitter scares me.  I'm not afraid of what she'd do to my children.  I'm worried about what my children would do to her!  I can't even handle my kids, so a teenager???

Last Saturday, I was in and out of the house gardening.  My husband was also working outside.  I sensed my kids were up to no good.  I heard them talking about a tea party and noticed they were lurking around the kitchen.

Dani, the ringleader, finally came up to the two of us, just begging to show us what she, Evie, and Mase had put together.  I dragged my feet a little, afraid of the damage.  Sometimes I have to prepare myself first.

We slowly opened the door to our bedroom.  Dani yelled, "Surprise!" while all of the kids started giddily jumping up and down!  They had planned a date for us.

The food spread was quite extensive: fruit, marshmallows, graham crackers, torn-up bread, and watered-down orange juice.  They had  even filled some salt and pepper shakers with brown sugar to sprinkle in our drinks.  My mommy heart just melted. 

Then my children did something truly touching.  They left, only to the backyard, but it was still so sweet.

I made sure to give my husband a big kiss in front of Evie on their way out.  Apparently we don't do this enough.  She is always fascinated.  "Oh, Dani!!! Did you see that!?!  Mom and Dad kissed!  On the lips!"

It was a wonderful date.  We talked, we laughed, we attempted to drink the "orange juice".   Then, our five minutes of date time were up.  The kids stormed back in, devouring all of the marshmallows, bread, and graham crackers.  The fruit wasn't as big of a hit, so my husband threw it into the blender and made smoothies for the kids, which they also devoured.

With those results, I'm sure we can expect another child-planned date any day now.

Grateful Mom Goal of the Month:  My parents are visiting soon, but I want to plan a night out before then.  Maybe I'll hire two babysitters.