On Winter Solstice I gave Pete a dozen coupons. For a dozen dates. One per month for the whole year. That's about eleven more dates than we normally take, so we were both pretty jazzed.
It's April and to be honest, we've been a little slow to start, but I think that's because we've never made a habit of hiring a babysitter and just can't seem to get the hang of both leaving the house at the same time. We'll get it eventually. The kids might be moved out by then, but whatever. We're happy regardless. A date simply gives us time to swear, use inappropriate humor, and hike really fast. Without bringing snacks even.
Oh, and also talk without interruption and remember what this family is built on to begin with.
This weekend my mom came to visit, and Pete and I dashed off on our belated February (skiing) date for a March wander in the woods. It was glorious. This time of year is nothing short of magical to me. Captivated by the minutia of it all, I find that my left eye always loses it's ability to focus a couple of hours into any outdoor time in spring from being squeezed shut most of the time as I take photo after photo.
So here you go. A window into our date. In the most magical forest ever.
My DD will be three next month and i think we’ve left her with a babysitter (aside from daycare)about 3 or 4 times her whole life. it took about 2 years for my MIL to stop asking when she can take DD overnight so we can have a night to ourselves. there will be plenty of time for that when DD is older and craving her own time away from us…until then i’m savoring all of her i can. besides, i am now completely incapable of sleeping without her next to me, lol.
I love your photos and the date. It is important to remember why you started a family in the first place with that first love of yours. I have to admit that when I don’t bring a long snack for adult hikes I most often regret it!
Beautiful photos! “Dates” are the best!
So beautiful.
This is so wonderful. I remember seeing your idea for “dates” and thought it would be such a great gift. 🙂 Glad you’re actually using them. That’s the hardest part always. Making it happen.
Magical indeed, thanks for sharing your date with us, it looks like it was beautiful!
I was totally inspired by your date idea and gifted 12 to my husband as an anniversary gift(on Christmas Eve) We booked them in our diary, some during the day when my boys are at school, some with a “baby”sitter (as my big boy is now a foot taller than me I’m not sure that a baby sitter is the right word for it!) and so far we have made every one…next is a trip in our canoe and a picnic and I can’t wait! Thank you so much for sharing the idea! 😀
Hooray! So glad you ran with it. Weve so far had dinner out and our hike and our March Date (which well cash in this month) is for a sauna at a friends house. So many fun days together on the list. Enjoy yours. (A gift for both of you.)
Rachel
I love your photos. Your date coupons is a great idea. My boyfriend and I have not been on a date with just the 2 of us for 5 years (our son is 5). We do family dates. However, as you said, we need to remember what our family is built on. Thanks for sharing your great idea.
Tameka
Such an adorable photos, thanks for sharing. Hiking with kids is surely fun. Kids will loved it, for toddlers 2.5 y/o + up to 60lbs, try Piggyback Rider – a standing child carrier and you’ll surely enjoy outside with them. 🙂