Two parents vs six growing kids = Mom and Dad are spread rather thin these days. It's easy to lose track of that closeness with each unique personality that makes our family function...or ROAR is really a better word, because that's really what it's like in a large family--- we're not the gentle, whispering, all-obedient and calm type...just ask the neighbors.
Each of the kids wants 'equal time' ...and shhhh... each of them gets that sparkle in their eye when I tell them they're my favorite. Personally, my beloved time of the day is right before bed. Okay, maybe I'm lying just a little- it's right after bedtime. Truly, when my 11 year old BOY demands cuddle-time...it melts my heart. I love it that I get to make the rounds and that everyone wants a piece of me. Goodnight cuddle time isn't just reserved for the little girls in our home...even though they have the corner on the market and try to hog it. And I know that's not gonna last forever so I'll take it while I can!
Back to what this is really about... Going on dates has been a coveted activity for our kids. Dates with us, that is! We go down the line and each of the kids gets a turn to go out with mom, dad or both...and pick the place. The one-on-one time is so vital to our family! It's when we found the time for 'the big talk' with Brayden ...and then McKenzie. Bray won't step foot into Chili's again because of that date. But he'll always remember it! Our dates help us to stay involved and aware of their feelings, expectations, goals... It's a chance for our kids to see that WE really are normal people behind the parent cap and for them to open up (like that's a problem in our house)! It can become tough to maintain that individual closeness with so many children to think about, and this has been the perfect tool for our family. Plus, it gives us a chance to bribe them and who wouldn't want to bribe their kids?
Every year San Elijo Elementary hosts a Father Daughter Dance-Date. McKenzie has looked forward to her yearly dance with dad, complete with flowers and dress-ups. This year I crashed the party! I was asked to take pictures of the Dads & Daughters as an alternative to the paid 'professional' photos ...that's what happens when the PTO activities coordinators are two of my friends who know I have a cool camera even if my skills are sketchy at best.
I guess March is a whole month devoted to Kenz because she had a second dinner date with Curt for our ward's activity days program. Curt and Kenz celebrated St. Patrick's Day and dressed to the nines in their cool green. Too bad I don't have the evidence... I didn't send them with a camera! Or maybe the girly slip cover I just accessorized it with was just too much for my man? Naw... he looks great in pink:
9 comments:
Kenz is such a beautiful girl. I couldn't agree more with the importance of the 1-1 time. I know it meant the world to me when I was growing up, and it's a great thing with our kids as well.
She is so grown up! Lock up her now and keep her all to yourself! Fun pictures!
Finally getting back to blogs... fun to catch up. Jealous but glad you had a wonderful time in Hawaii! a. jan
that girl gets more and more grown up EVERY Time I see her! date nights are the best-I STILL enjoy them with my parents.
Kenz - WOW what a month of fun and celebration for you!!!!!! My first Daddy-Daughter date I didn't get to take my dad. Aunt Jan got to take him (we went to the same Primary Dance) So, I asked our Primary Presidents husband, Reed Benson. His father was later one of our Prophets - Ezra Taft Benson.
Looks like you had a fun time dancing and partying.
Good photos Shay
Great photos Shay. Kenzie looks so pretty. I agree, she looks really grown up.
Curt~Get out the shot gun!
Awww, that is so sweet. I especially loved hearing about Braydon--the snuggles--the "talk". Sounds just like Sid. In fact, one of my favorite Mom moments came when Sid, just turned 10, had the talk with Pie and myself. It ended with him saying "Well, this is upsetting." We still laugh about that one. (me and Pie and everybody else I ever told).
We do these little dates too, although yours sound so much more fun. Usually here it is just me plucking a kid out of the bunch and taking them to the grocery. Sometimes Pie takes a kid to the post office or the dry-cleaners. If they are really lucky, both.
We now do a 1/2 hour Sid date every night while the littles are going to sleep. He gets to watch a Simpson's episode with us. It is the BEST bribe I have ever thought up. All during scriptures he knows not to make a peep. Why does the oldest kid behave like the 3 year old? Hmmm?
You will have to remember thses things later in life and give Brayden a Chili's gift card for a wedding present!
Awww that's so cute to see Kenzie dancin with her dad. She is a lucky girl!!
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