Guess what, we’re back from one amazing anniversary cruise! We can’t wait to share some of our adventures! But guess what, we had one amazing date the night before we left that we were able to squeeze in before packing all night for the big trip.
On our anniversary’s eve we decided to squeeze in dinner, and really enjoyed our date to Pita Jungle in Chandler. We’ve been before and blogged about it even, but we haven’t been to this location together in a few years. It sits on a lake and they have Christmas lights all over the patio- it’s quite romantic! We kept commenting how everyone seemed to be a date and seemed to be having a really fantastic time together! That’s not the norm, we know, we’re people watchers. You know the scene from Date Night where they ask “What’s Their Story?” We laughed so hard we cried when we saw this, because guess what, we do the same thing.
Anyway, we loved watching everyone around us cuddly, engaged in conversations, and seeming so happy! It was great inspiration! Isn’t it amazing what an atmosphere can do for people?
We probably looked like the awkward couple, but we promise- it was with good reason!
Remember this post about 10 questions to ask on your first anniversary? We printed two copies, and accidentally brought only one pen, and took turns filling in answers and people watching.
Anniversary Questions- Answered!
I can’t choose one! I loved our entire honeymoon, the night we stayed up late cuddling and watching “The Holiday” until 2:00 am, and the day I graduated and Jacob made a big “Proud of my MBA Wife” sign that he wasn’t able to take to the arena, but had on the car when we walked out. It was adorable!
Beyond Dinner and a Movie
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Going on dates really isn't an option for everyone. To go out on a date, we would have to pay a babysitter. So even if we found a completely free date, we're talking $20 minimum (for a decent amount of time). Which we can't afford every week, and not even every month. Trading off with other couples hasn't worked out either. We've tried to be creative with dates at home, but by the time the weekend rolls around and the kids are in bed, we're either exhausted or still have a ton to do. We often find ourselves cleaning, finishing projects, or just wanting to go to bed early. We occasionally do things like make cookies together (thanks for theperfectchocolatechipcookie tip, by the way), but usually we just watch a little TV together and talk. It would be lovely to be able to do fun things together, just us, but at this point in our lives, it's just not really an option. I don't think we have a higher risk of divorce because we can't afford to do fun things together. The memories we have together include our kids, and we're okay with that, actually, we love it. We don't have many specific moments or memories as just a couple, but we do know that we care about each other, respect and support each other, love each other, and even like each other. We work at our marriage and like you said, are intentional about our marriage. One day we will be able to get a babysitter and go out once a week, and when that time comes we will treasure it. For now, though, we just do what we can and that is enough. We have a really, really good marriage- even without “dating”.
I hope you know that this isn't at all resentful. I just wanted to put in my few cents in.
that is such a cool thing to do. and what a fun thing for your kids to read down the road! i love it. and i am a huge advocate of dates every week (or as often as is realistic). thanks for all the fun ideas!
What a fab idea! Hubby and I are coming up on our 12th anniversary, and I think this would be a fun idea.
Thanks!
Oh, and happy anniversary! 🙂