Date nights!

Typically, when Tyler or I have an errand or 2 to run we switch off taking a single child with us. That way they each get to spend individual time with us (especially Tyler) and it makes them feel special.

Over the summer I decided to take these lovely ladies out on a "date" and we sure enjoyed it. We went and got ice cream. Whatever kind they wanted, except bubble gum because I don't let my kids eat gum. I know, I'm mean. But, they have such lovely hair, and I want to keep it that way ;)

Since Kate does everything her sister does, they both chose cotton candy

I took them outside to eat on the benches and I let them go hog wild

By the end, they looked like this...

I sure love these girls. I'm so glad they like to be with me and that we get to do things together. I had fun just watching and talking with them.

If you have children, then you must know that date time is limited. I think we actually leave the house for dates about once a year, maybe twice. Our typical date night involves cuddling up to a movie and sometimes a snack. I love it, though. I don't have to worry about the kids, or what to wear and we have fun together.

So, when the opportunity came up to go on our yearly date, we decided to make it worthwhile. Part of that involved these lovely people...

Meet Jon & Becky Tolman!

They are our good friends out here in Independence and perhaps the only people that would go on a date that involved looking ridiculous in public.

All 4 of us went to Salvation Army and picked out our spouses outfit. It was so fun looking at the clothing and then trying it all on in the dressing room together. I had tears of laughter for most of the night, and it was so worth it!

One of my favorite moments of the nights is depicted in the next picture. Let me explain a little bit...

We were running late to our reservation. So, we grabbed our bags of clothing and hopped into the Tolman's minivan. Jon was driving, and Tyler was in the front seat. Becky and I quickly got dressed in the very back seat, while Tyler decided to change in the front seat. Since the 3 of us were ready to go, the guys switched spots at the next red light. Jon finally gets changed into his too small boots (sorry, Jon, I feel terrible about that). We soon realize that a lady is driving right next to us and is staring at the guys. She had no idea that Becky & I were in the back seat because the windows were tinted. Jon put his boot on the dash and did a nice pose for her and I snapped this picture...

We went to eat at Cinzetti's, which is an Italian buffet. Which means we had to keep getting up and walking around in our ridiculous clothing the whole night.

We took these pictures when we got to the restaurant.

Becky sported a one piece suit/jumper thing with a pink scarf, purple slippers, and her hair pulled through little girls tights on her head.

I got to wear a shirt that said "eternity fraternity" with a cheerleading skirt. The skirt ended up being too short, so I had to wear a slip underneath. I got pink slippers and girls leggings to wear on my head.

Oh the guys, they looked incredible. Let's start with Jon...

Jon is wearing pleather pants with a broken zipper. So, Becky decided to get him a long enough top to cover that. The top is an extra large women's lingerie piece, complete with gold sequins at the plunging neckline. He has on some black army type boots and a Miami Ink hat.

Tyler was the lucky recipient of a 2 piece women's suit. I came across both pieces in different parts of the store before I realized they went together. The print is an assortment of jewelry, ya know, gold chains and rubies and such. I got him a blue undershirt to cover his plunging neckline along with a green cab driver type hat. To finish the look, I added long Christmas socks and some foam slip on sandals in a brown color.

Becky and I couldn't decide who looked best, Tyler or Jon? What do you think?

I am so very grateful for the friends I have made here and for the many opportunities we have been given in Missouri.