30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 6--Dates

We are NOT very good at getting away from our kids for a routine romantic date. The one thing that ensures that we'll get out at least MONTHLY is that our neighbors watch our kids for free (in exchange for piano lessons for their daughter!). Last night, we had big plans to send Henry, Mae, and Charlotte across the lawn to the Norman's house so we could go out for dinner. But then Chikungunya struck Charlotte, and with her fever and rash and joint pain, we decided we wouldn't be in the running for Parents of the Year if we left her with our neighbors for the evening (though, bless their hearts, they were willing to take her on, Chikungunya and all!)

We decided to try to make a night of it anyway being the go-getters we are. . .so Henry and Mae went next door (they insisted!), I ran out for take-out sushi, and Ruth pumped up the air conditioning in our room (a rarely used luxury!) and set up a little plastic table by the foot of our bed. Charlotte participated as a semi-conscious member of our date as DJ, cueing up The Piano Guys on youtube for some great background music and rolling around in our bed, and Ruth and I were able to enjoy a quietish house, eat food we didn't cook by candlelight, and have a small bit of respite in the midst of a busy week. . .

I'm thankful for dates--for time with my lovely wife Ruth, a time for realigning priorities, and for the chance to eat sushi!

(I'm also thankful Charlotte is doing better today; see pic below)