my son and daughter's 1st date... at 5 and 2!!

It's the day after Valentines, and this year we did something completely different. I brought my 2 year old daughter (Julia) on a date, and my wife (Franca) brought my 5 year old son (Andrew) on a date. This was actually Franca's idea, which originally came from a friend who plan's a special family night every Feb. 14th.

It was really cool.

Franca brought Andrew to Calories, a neat little Cafe/Dessert place, while I brought Julia to Chapters/Starbucks.

Julia and I immediately went to the kids section, looked at the toys, the games, and of course the books. She played a little, met some new friends, and we finally sat down for 2 story book readings (Strawberry Shortcake & Clifford the Big Red Dog; a little of Douglas Copeland... just kidding, we stuck to her favorites of course).
We then made our way upstairs to Starbucks for some brownie and chocolate milk... I had my 1st Jones Soda (Black Cherry).
We sat, and talked, and I told her how special she is... and then she told me back. She commented about all the pictures on the magazine rack behind us... and then kept talking....

IT WAS A BLAST!!

Franca and Andrew joined us, and on our way out I bought Julia her 1st red heart jewelery box, to remind of her 1st date with her dad. She immediately put hair elastics and a note pad in it now, but it's already beside her bed on her night table. She must like it. Hope she feels the same at 16!!

I'm thankful for these moments... it reminds how much more intentional I need to be to make them happen.

Life is good tonight.