We recently had the opportunity to take a night off from being parents. The Misses went for their first sleepover with some friends and we had the chance to finish a conversation, or two! It was quite an experience and made quite an impression.
This all came about when a friend from church asked me about trading some babysitting time. Neither of us have family in the immediate area, nor do we have regular babysitters. Besides, who can afford babysitters these days? It seemed like a perfect set-up. We both have 2 girls, and they are all close in age. The girls know each other well, and our families get a long well.
It was FANTASTIC! The girls all had a blast, and are ready for the next sleepover. This time it will be at our house in order to give the other family a night off.
A very interesting thing came from our night off. We were reminded of how much we enjoy talking to each other, and of how pleasant it is to finish a conversation. The challenge came when we tried to come up with an idea of how to get the same feeling on a regular basis. We don't like to leave the Misses with a babysitter during the week, and it is hard to schedule a babysitter for every weekend. Besides, having a babysitter means going out somewhere and spending money. We needed a better idea.
This is what we came up with: Date Night at home! The Misses will go to bed a little early (and have the chance to read before going to sleep) while Hubby and I have a late dinner alone.
Time alone, no babysitter, the budget stays in tact. It is a win-win.
At least it is on paper! Tonight is the maiden voyage of the SS Date Night. I'll have to let you know how it goes. :)
2 comments:
Keith and I often have date nights like this where the kids are in bed early. We enjoy special food and conversation...sometimes even a movie. It's a great way to have time together without the cost of going out and getting a babysitter.
It sounds wonderful. I hope you have fun. It's funny, I've been thinking a lot lately about how much Mark and I need to find time to be alone. It is hard.
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