the dating game

We have been trying to be better about dating; not just between J & I (although that is part of the plan) but also with the kids. J took everybody on dates last month. He and AP did glow in the dark mini-golf and he took AJ to the Aquarium. He and D didn't do anything "formal" (they get plenty of alone time since if daddy is around D is attached). This month was my turn. Since AJ did such a great job talking up the aquarium that is where AP chose to go with me. He was so cute, wanted to hold my hand and was so excited to show me everything (I had never been). We were about to leave when he noticed the giftshop. I saw his eyes light up and was about to remind him that we weren't there to buy toys, but before I could he said, "I promised AJ I would bring her something!" So he picked out a little stuffed penguin for her (the penguin exhibit was still in the works when she and J were there so she didn't get to see it) and bought it with his own money. He was so cute trying to pick out something she would love and even called her to make sure he was getting the right thing. It was one of those experiences that makes parenting so satisfying!

Yesterday was my date with AJ. She wanted to go to the mall to ride the train and get some shoes that she had fallen in love with a few weeks ago. She was bursting with excitement and once we got to the mall she ran almost the whole way to the train. After the train ride and shoe shopping we got sundaes from DQ and topped it off with driving through In-n-out to take home for dinner. It was a lot of fun, but just not as great as the Aquarium (which is where she wants to go *again* on her next date; I guess we should just get a membership. AP on the other hand wants to go the mall to ride the train. . . As for D, he and I go on a date every Monday to the allergist. He loves to push the buttons and jump around in the elevator. At the doctors office there is a cute little playroom with a HUGE bucket of Duplos. He has a great time building towers and knocking them over saying, "Oh no! Crash!" They also have a box of dum-dum pops that he likes to choose from. He runs in saying, "pops, pops!" which makes the receptionist laugh everytime.