Date Night

Ian and I went on our first date night since moving to Elizabeth City. I sent Annette a message this afternoon to see if they would be interested in trading childcare with us this week for a date night. She said yes! And it just so worked out that tonight was mine and Ian's date night, and tomorrow night is their date night. I planned it all this afternoon while Ian was working, so it was a complete surprise to him, which was fun! Poor Cayman though - we learned that he is definitely not good about keeping secrets! He was SO EXCITED to be going to his friend's house that he just wanted to tell his daddy as soon as Ian walked in the door! But of course it was all a surprise to Ian, so I had to keep telling Cayman not to tell him. And keep telling him. And keep telling him. He was very. Very. Excited.

Ian and I have a favorite restaurant in town called Montero's. We ate there when Chick-fil-A sent us here on a site visit before he was selected as the operator. It was yummy!! Tonight I went back and forth about whether to go back there or try out a new restaurant on the waterfront. I'm so glad I chose the latter! We had the best seats in the house - a beautiful view of the water - inside though because it's still quite smoky outside due to the wildfire at the Great Dismal Swamp. The food was so delicious! I chose one of the best dishes I've had in quite some time - Shrimp and Chicken Carbonara. Mmm! After our dinner, we walked down the docks to another part of the Mariner's Wharf Park where there was live music being played by the water. We sat for a while and listened - still a little smoky, but it was great when the wind blew! :) I believe we'll go next Tuesday night for the concert and take the kids and some friends along with us!

On the way to pick up the kids, I made Ian stop at this little business center because one of the shops has a HUGE adirondack chair in front of its doors. (I've always wanted a picture in one of those!) So Ian humored me tonight. I laughed so hard I had tears running down my face because the chair was so huge, and when I started sliding backwards, it was much bigger than I realized and I slid so fast I banged my head and back on the seat back! Then I got even more tickled when I talked Ian into sitting down in on it so I could videotape him doing the same thing! I know this probably doesn't make any sense to you, but it does to me, and I still laugh about it, just remembering it.

We finally made it to the Tate's house after our little pitstop at the big chair, and of course the kids weren't ready to leave. So we stayed and talked and played a little longer. It is sure to be one crazy evening tomorrow night when we have all 5 kids over here! :) But they all have so much fun together, and I cannot wait!!