There is one thing I always wanted to do when I was a mom.
Dates.
I wanted to make sure I got a date with each kid regularly. Individually.
My undivided attention just on him or her.
No phone calls.
No checking email.
No other children saying, “Mama, Mama, Mama….”
Here’s some snapshots of our latest round of dates that have all fallen this past week. Everybody was begging for a date with Mama this past week; I think the realization that the end of summer is days away and long days of school are a’comin’ made them what some special time.
Ashlyn’s was first:
We started with her fave–Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream with chocolate sprinkles. Mmmmm….
Then, for dessert, we headed to Candy Kitchen, one of Ashlyn’s favorite stores. She’s a big spender there–always spends $2.40 for a 1/4 lb of candy. Without fail, she picks a candy necklace first and then a gummy butterfly. She always picks some other random candies for herself and then a handful for Drew and Evan. Then, we spent some time browsing at the bookstore right next door and talked about all the books we’d love to read.
The perfect date.
Drew was next:
Have you ever been to a Fractured Prune donut shop? Check out these flavors! I mean, seriously, people. Drew’s date was an early morning breakfast date–we threw on some clothes. Drew still had his jammie shorts on. And, we headed out for breakfast. Turned out to be a bit more like dessert. Who am I kidding? Why am I acting shocked? I did take him for donuts. I’m acting like a normal ole chocolate frosting donut would be a healthy breakfast while these exotic flavors are too much.
An observer may have thought Drew’s favorite part was that they gave out Pirates of the Caribbean playing cards as your “ticket” while you waited. We had the 9 of hearts. When our order was ready, they just shouted “9 of hearts!” and we gathered our dessert breakfast.
At least they warn you on the box.
Check these donuts out, people! You will notice that there are 6…and only 2 of us on our date. We brought back some goodies for the rest of the fam. Drew got an orange creamsicle one; I got O.C. Sand (honey glaze with cinnamon and sugar). We brought Ashlyn a peppermint patty (of course), Evan an oreo cookie one, and Mark a french toast one. The bonus one was peanut butter and chocolate chips. No, Lydia didn’t get it. The kids shared it later.
Drew loved it (clearly) and didn’t even mind the messy orange goo on his hands.
He’s so fun to be with when I’m just alone with him.
The perfect date.
Then, it was Evan’s turn.
Ice cream again at a local joint.
Loved this sign above their drink case…until I realized that I’ve had way too much ice cream, candy, donuts, and more ice cream on these dates. Perhaps I need to establish fun dates doing something besides eating pure sugar.
Well, not yet. We split a big vat of cookies and cream (he loves Oreos) with fudge. We sat outside and talked about starting 3rd grade and that we can tell each other everything. And, we walked hand in hand. And, I thought to myself, “I wonder how long he’ll still walk with me like this? I wonder when this won’t be cool anymore?”
The perfect date.
Three perfect dates.
And, then, I got a rare treat. A really rare treat.
A date with Mark on Friday night.
A really good meal at P. F. Changs. Yummy food and good conversation. Really any conversation would have sufficed since dinner at home consists of the two of us saying a lot of “No, you aren’t done yet.” “Keep eating.” “Lower your voice; we’re right here.” “Wait, he was talking first.” etc. etc. But, Friday, we just sat fairly quietly and just talked about stuff, nothing too life changing, just stuff like what we’re excited about, what we’ve been learning…good stuff.
All while we sat with this little monkey.
She actually managed to sit there for 2 whole hours. Through an appetizer, a long wait for our entrees, dessert, and even a decaf coffee. Does anyone else know a 17 1/2 month old capable of such wonderfulness? I should say not.
Truly, the perfect date.
And, while we were on our date, the three other kids had dates of their own.
Our friends, the Hopples, pretty much rule. They kept the kids until Saturday morning. Yup, 6 kids under the age of 8. And, she’s prego.
Don’t feel too too bad for her though. We’ll be keeping them all next.
4 perfect dates. All in one week. I’m so spoiled.
Wow, what fun you had and this happened all pretty quick, you go girl…managing your time so well! I WANT the name to that donut place! I will be going there, our middle man will love that! FIELD TRIP to Donut shoppe!
hugs
Donna
Love this snapshot…..FUN!
What an amazing week! I am so jealous!!
I want some of those donuts! LOL
Jumped over here from W.A.G.I. (-: What a great blog! I only have one word……YUM!
Cheers,
Roberta!
I love “date days!” Though I’m pretty sure I’ve never managed one with each of my kids AND my hubby in one week…
I’m headed to google the Fractured Prune and see if there is one anywhere near me because a morning buzz is calling my name!
Just prior to reading your post, I read a recipe post for cupcakes with Oreo cookies. So, when you mentioned that Evan loves oreos I figured I would pass it along…just to add to all the sweets you’ve already had! Evan just might love these, too! http://picky-palate.com/2010/08/23/fluffer-oreo-birthday-boy-cupcakes/
I love the date idea! I always think about doing that with the kids and then somehow it doesn’t happen! I should try to squeeze some in before school starts!
Wonderful idea!!!!! I am going to schedule a date with each of the kiddos!!
School started this morning so back to the old routine around here!!
I am glad all is well with you guy’s. Lydia is soooo precious!
Nicole
It’s great to have that one – on – one time with *all* the members of your family! Looks like you had a lot of fun!
Your kids pick great dates! Ice cream and fractured prune! YUMMMM!!!! I’d like a date please. HA! Glad you and Mark got to go out too!!!
Sounds perfect! The memories of these dates will always be treasured by both you and the kiddos, I just know it! You are definitely up for the “Mom of the Year” award!!!!
You’re a great mom…..I can just tell it! :) I’m gearing up for some dates of my own this week! I just hope they are successful as yours!
p.s.- how do you stay so skinny????? :)
Oh my… what FUN you’ve had! So cool that you brought your camera along to capture the joy on your kids’ faces :)
LOVED this, Kelly!!