I’ve posted before about our dates we have with the kids, or guys and girls night. (Read past posts here, here, and here.) They continue to be some wonderful memories with the kids. They look forward to these nights and we so enjoy the one-on-one time with them.
In June, Kenny and Anna attended the annual Daddy-Daughter night at Chick-fil-A. This year they had a gal doing all of the girls’ nails. So fun. Anna has grown up so much – I remember when she wouldn’t even look at the Chick-fil-A cows. Now she’s posing for pictures with them!
Months ago James and I went to dinner together at Gunther Toody’s and then wandered the toy aisles at Walmart. He had a bit of money he had saved for something so we went shopping. I even found something for myself!
Then a few weeks ago on Guys/Girls night, after a quick dinner at home, Anna and I headed to the mall. We walked through Bath & Body Works, purchased a cute Mother/Daughter necklace for each of us at Claires, and then had ice cream together. I love that Anna wanted us to get matching necklaces. So sweet.
When we girls go out, we document everything with a photo. Just makes it more fun. The boys rarely take pictures. That same night, Kenny and James walked around a car dealership looking at the sporty cars James loves right now and even test drove a few! So fun! I believe their night ended with ice cream too.
This past Friday we stayed home together and had Family Night. Kenny created our own drive in movie theater in the garage! He was going to try it in the backyard but it had just finished raining and everything was pretty soaked. So, he set up the screen, projector, and camp chairs in the garage, and we watched Paddington 2, complete with lights and popcorn.
Sometimes in the midst of everything else going on, planning these nights feels like one more thing to do. But as I look back through these photos, I’m reminded how important this time with the kids is. I’m very aware that one day hanging out with mom and dad will not be at the top of their list. So in the meantime, we fill up our memory banks with lots of intentional one-on-one time with them and soak it up. We are so thankful for the time God has loaned these wonderful children to us.