Knights Becoming and a Lady in Waiting

Save the Date

This year my family started a new tradition.  With four kids (yes, yes, I know some of you think that's a very small number.  Hush, now.  I'm trying to make a point) and only two parents, we don't feel we're getting much one-on-one time with the littles.  This last Christmas, I made up date coupons for each kid.

Basically, they work like this.  In January, Berryboy had a date with me and Dannyboy had a date with DH.  In February, Derryboy had a date with me and Princess Moo had a date with DH.  For their dates, they get $10 to use in any way they want (plus access to the entertainment book of coupons we purchased) and two hours to spend ALONE with a parent.  No chores, errands, griping, whining, lecturing, etc. are allowed on dates (although we do sometimes run a few errands before we start the date).

Today was my second date of the year with Prince Berryboy (1DS6).  Being his mother's clone in all but gender, he immediately wrote out a list of everything he wanted to do.  After consulting with his date (moi), he edited said list down to something doable.  We then ran by the post office (my errand) and then on to our date.  He took me out to lunch at Rally's (the parent rule is that we order exactly what the kids order).  We had Big Buford burgers, shared a large fry, and each had a shake and an apple pie for dessert.

Thoroughly stuffed, we went to the park and climbed rocks (ack! that's high!), swung on the swings (once I got my hips into kid-sized swings), and played tag.  It's only going to be another year or two before he catches me easily, but this time around I managed to stay out of reach.

After the park, we went to the bookstore (droooool) and looked at books.  And that was it.  Great fun, great bonding, and all for $10.

Date with Berryboy: $10

A day to remember: Priceless 

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6:41 PM, May. 21, 2006 .. Posted by chickadee

what a great idea! that sounds so sweet. i may have to try that. i ony have 3 but my oldest daughter is always wanting my undivided attention.

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6:35 PM, May. 23, 2006 .. Posted by JenIG

we love having one on one dates with our kids. SO special!

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12:04 AM, May. 24, 2006 .. Posted by 3menandalittlelady

I have often wanted to go on dates with my kids. The few times I have been alone with my 8yr old have been great! It is so nice to bond one on one, and I think we need to do more of that around here! Glad you had a good time!
Blessings,
Beth

Great Idea

11:15 PM, May. 27, 2006 .. Posted by keldaris

What a wonderful idea. I like that its just one date a month. I had this idea, but felt like I should do it weekly, but didn't do it because I simply don't have the time to do it each week. I enjoyed reading your blog!

Darlene