Before my husband I had children we had these preconceived ideas that when we became parents we would still lead the same lives we did before kids. We figured we'd go on dates every week, we'd still go to Paris (like we promised each other we would before we had children). We figured nothing was going to change....my how we were wrong.
Going out without the kiddos is a lot harder than we thought. When the kiddos were first born we discovered they have so many needs only a mom can fulfill. At age 2 1/2 they're able to tell you all their needs, or what has gone on with the babysitter while you're gone, so it gives me a bit more peace of mind then. Our children turned 5 and 2 this year, so we were hoping to get out of the house more, and spend some time without the sippy cups, diaper bags, wipes, extra outfits and all the other things you have to take with you to help with a little one.
So when I made my 30th journal full of big dreams for the year, I decided to see if Juan & I could actually go on 30 dates! On Friday September 28th 2012 we actually went on our 30th date! It's not even November 16 and we made the goal!
1. Nov 16 - Birthday Date to PF Changs, shopping and then Portifino
2. Nov 17 - Movie Date
3. Dec 12 - Lunch at Olive Garden Olive Garden $25 Gift Card - Corporate Gifts (Google Affiliate Ad)
4. Dec 26 - Movie & shopping
5. Dec 29 - Anniversary Dinner
6. Jan 17 - Shopping & lunch at Chili's Chili's $25 Gift Card - Food Gift Cards (Google Affiliate Ad)
7. Feb 14 - Dinner & Fireworks at Polynesian at Disney World
8. March 8 - Parasailing
9. March 8 - Double date with friends
10. April 18 - Starbucks & movie date
11. April 27 - Jordan Valley Restaurant, shopping, Starbucks and cruising through the VW dealership
12. May 21 - Movie, TJMaxx and going grocery shopping (big treat to do without kiddos)
13. May 25 - dinner
14. June 4 - Movie date
15. June 11 - lunch at olive garden
16. June 29 - Caraba's coffee & shopping
17. July 9 - Movie Date
18. July 27 - Movie Date
19. August 14 - Lunch on the cruise boat
20. August 15 - Dinner on the Cruise boat
21. Aug 16 - Dinner on the Cruise Boat
22. Aug 17 - Afternoon in Nassau
23. Aug 18 - Dinner on the Cruise Boat
24. Aug 19 - morning date walking around the cruise boat
25. Aug 20 - Bingo & won a free cruise while cruising on the cruise boat
26. Aug 21 - Dinner on the cruise boat
27. Aug 31 - Movie Date
28. Sept 11 - Date Night out
29. Sept 21 - Dinner at Chili's & shopping
30. Sept 28 - Ichiban & Starbucks with friends
It's not even November 16 yet and we've already reached our 30 dates! Of course we go out for dinner all the time, and do fun things as a family but this is just a listing of the times we got away just the two of us. I have to say not only has this been great for our marriage, but for our family. It's so easy to get caught up in the responsibilities of life, that I have to admit that in the past we haven't always put each other first. We've let the business of life sometimes take over. The dishes need to get done, work, bills, taxes, dinner, living healthier, bathing the kiddos, packing lunch etc. etc. etc. You get the point...
This past year was a great example to us that we can take the time to put each other first. This is definitely going to be something we'll continue to do each year!
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