Having 5 kids makes it pretty hard to spend one-on-one time with any of them. We've tried in the past to take them out on one-on-one dates but then things would get crazy and we'd stop doing them. This summer we scheduled a date just every other Saturday, Tyler and I trading off. We had to set some parameters so no one broke the bank. They get to pick some (free) activity (park, raquetball, swimming, etc.) followed by their choice of treat.
So far we have played raquetball followed by cheese curds and custard at Culver's with Grant, Garrett and Shayla. Ty decided to mix things up a bit and chose to go running at Willow River State Park followed by cheese curds and custard at Culver's. It has been such a great thing.
Grant and I played raquetball this past Saturday and then chatted over our lunch. I asked him how he liked sharing a room with Shayla, and he confided in me that he liked sharing with Shayla but he didn't like his bed. Who wouldda thought? Yes, it turns out that he really doesn't care for his blue sheets. He wants red, lots of red. And not just the blankets. He wants to paint the whole bed red. Now, would I ever have known this if I hadn't been out on a date with him? Probably not. Now I have to figure out how to break it to him that I'm not going to paint his bunk bed red, but that we could try and get him a red blanket for his bed.
7 comments:
Such a great idea! I remember dates with mom when I was little. Great for our relationship. We will need to start that soon too....
that's awesome, leilani. you guys are an inspiration. we are actually planning the one-on-one date thing with the kids on their half birthday. thanks for reminding me that as of 2011 we are starting this!
That's so great Lani. I am amazed at what you guys do. I am sure it means the world to your kids that you take the time out to do that. I don't think you ever would've know about the red bed thing otherwise. Tell Grant that red is my favorite color too, and that I painted my whole dining room red. Maybe when he grows up, he will too. :)
So fun! I love what comes out of little mouths when they feel comfortable and are alone with you.
You guys are great parents.
Your family is awesome. I love that little Grant adores red. It was so great to see you at TOFW! I am glad we live in a small world:)
I lover this idea! How fun and the things you learned! I am so impressed!
Cool blog and nice post! Check these out:
White Gloves: http://thestoriesofwhitegloves.blogspot.com/
A Great Idea: http://ourgreatidea.blogspot.com/p/about.html
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