Date Night Fun

“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6

For Mother's Day, my husband did something a little different. Instead of flowers, cards or a little present (though diamond earrings would have been awesome - LOL), he gave me a date night with each of my kids. One on one time to do something fun  and get dinner.

Nathan and I went a couple weeks ago. We grabbed dinner at Pei Wei, then went to the mall. No big excitement, except... it was just the two of us. At first, it felt a little like any other errand run. But then, without competition from his siblings, Nathan asked me some neat questions about my high school and college years. He asked about my regrets and my favorite memories. He asked about my relationship with God. He shared his feelings about college, the college search (overwhelming), and girls. My man-boy is growing up. This was no errand trip to the mall!

Ben and I went last night. I "need" a new swimsuit (I've had mine a few years, and that fabric is a bit stretched out and saggy). I do not like swimsuit shopping. Not one little bit (does anyone???). I don't know that he knew what he was getting himself into!

Ben and his ultimate sicilian chicken sandwich! He almost ate the whole thing :)

We set off about 4:00 as the rain came down -- HARD! Driving to Knightdale (I found a swimsuit "shoppe" online and thought maybe I'd have more luck there), he asked all sorts of questions about driving in the rain. He spoke freely about so many things. He cracked me up. This quiet boy has quite the sense of humor. At the swimsuit store, he patiently waited. He offered his opinions on each suit I tried. Sometimes his face said more than any words ever would. His input made the whole ordeal much more fun... and his wife will really appreciate him one day!

At dinner, he must have said, "this is the best date..." about 100 times! Okay, at least 20. He spoke confidently to our server. You'd never guess he's our quiet middle child! He laughed. He talked. He reveled in the moment. He was a perfect little gentleman.

Ellie and I haven't had our date yet, but I think we might go to the "girls' spa" (meant for kids and tweens and their moms) in town and get our toes painted :) She'd eat that up. Fancy painted matching toes :) Very girlie!!! Whatever we do, I know I'll see a side of my little girl I don't normally get to see.

I love my kids. I love doing things with my family. But there's nothing like date night!

If you haven't tried it with your kids, I hope you will.

If you already have date nights, would you share your favorites?