Date Day . . .With the Kids!

When I was little and it was my birthday, my mom and dad would take me out to dinner without any other siblings. I got to choose the restaurant and have mom and dad all to myself. I loved it and felt so special. We have continued this tradition with our own children and they enjoy it just as much. And then it kind of hit me -- why do we really only do one on one activities with the kids when its their birthday? They are growing up so fast and I love any one on one time I can get with them. It's nice that there aren't other kids cutting into conversations, having melt downs or fighting with each other. So one of my goals for this year is do more of this with them -- even if it's just grabbing one of them to go on an errand with me. Hence . . . date day with the kids last week.

We had told the kids about this a few weeks ahead of time so they were super excited for the big day. (And it made for great bribery too!) They could choose their activity. Brent and Blake took the morning shift. They left at 9:00 am to go fishing. Blake has been wanting to do this since he got his fishing pole for his birthday. They headed over to Power Ranch and after a little while of seeing no fish, they decided to go to another location over off of Riggs. When Blake was just 2, he caught a huge fish and we have the picture of it. So I think he thought it would be like that every time he went. Even though they didn't catch anything, they still had a lot of fun. I think Blake is wanting to try real worms next time.


After the hard work fishing, they headed over to Sonic for lunch and a little ice cream treat.
The last part of their date included going to Walgreens. Blake had saved up his money to buy yet another webkinz.

Once they boys got home around 2, Hayley & I took off.

I told her the first stop was a surprise. She is always begging to go and get a pedicure with me (um, I don't think I even got my first one until college!). There was a new salon that was doing 50% off pedicures and they painted Hayley's toes for just $2.50 -- flowers & all. Deal!



Then we were off to her next activity. She was dying to see Beverly Hills Chihuahua -- not a movie I had been excited to see, but it was at the dollar movie, and it was her choice, so we went. And I actually liked it! I know my other kids would enjoy it, so I think I'll be buying this one.

Afterwards we headed to the mall. She had been saving her allowance for weeks now and wanted to get the pop star outfit for her webkinz, but then decided on a bed for them all from Build a Bear. It was so fun to shop at the mall with her. Usually I have a stroller filled with kiddos and it's not very relaxing, but this was great. Her favorite store is Claire's and she is counting the days until she gets her ears pierced (her 8th birthday in April). She wanted to look through every pair of earrings, every accessory and every purse. I literally had to drag her out.

We shared a sundae from Dairy Queen. At one point while we were eating, I thought I had left my cell phone at the salon and she said, "You know, mom. . . I'm kind of glad you lost your phone because this is supposed to be a fun day with just you and me and I like that just you and me are talking!" And that made the whole date worth it. Also makes me realize that I talk way too much on the phone and it probably drives my kids crazy. I loved talking with Hayley & I'm realizing how grown up she's getting. We talked about her friends, how school was going, what she likes about her teacher, and her new favorite movie (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants -- of all movies). We had such a fun time together.
Chloe still needs her one on one time and then the next time we go out, I'll do an activity with Blake, and Hayley will go out with Brent. Can't wait! Oh yes, and by the way, I think I'd actually be a very calm, non-yelling mom if I only had one child. Amazing how easy things are when you don't have a sibling around fighting and teasing! And now I'm ready for a date . . . .with no kids, just Brent.