Date Night with Our Children

Once a year, our town's YMCA puts on a special dinner and dance for fathers and daughters. This was the first year Payton was old enough to attend and she was so excited for her special date with her daddy. She meticulously planned her outfit and took most of the day getting ready and thinking about what all she would do that night. I helped her get dressed in her room and we had daddy knock on the door to "pick her up." 

Her daddy surprised her with a rose and she was so excited for this small gift. We waved at them as they left and it hit me hard that these years are going so quickly. It won't be long before we are preparing for school dances, dates, and outings with friends. I wish I could slow time down. Or keep my kids from growing. But, I can't. For now I just thank God for this time with our kids and the chance to be their #1 priority for a bit.

On the flip side, I am looking forward to seeing all the great things my children choose to do in life. It's one of life's great blessings being able to watch your own children grow.

With Payton and her daddy gone and my mother-in-law visiting for the weekend, I decided to take Riley on a date with me and my mother-in-law would watch Jayden.

We had a blast together. While Payton and daddy danced the night away, we chose to get drive-thru and eat at the park. To make this plan work, we had to eat in our vehicle as it was too cold to get out. Riley didn't mind. After eating, we walked down to see and feed the ducks. Then Riley decided we needed some dessert so we went on another quick trip for ice cream. He thought it was the greatest night. And he's right, it was a beautiful night.

Jayden slept the entire time grandma had him. She was okay with that. He chose to wake up when mom came home, which worked out really well.

We woke up this morning to snow on the ground and are spending the day lounging and baking for the week. Both Payton and Riley keep telling stories about their dates last night and plan to have more date nights soon. 

We couldn't agree more.

Have a great Sunday!