My husband and I used to book a sitter — or ask our parents — nearly every month for a date night. While once a month was a far cry from our newlywed years, when we used to go out to dinner every Wednesday and Saturday night, it was better than not going out once a month!
We haven’t had a sitter watch the kids for a date night since February. While my parents lived with us while I recovered from foot surgery, most of that time coincided with the pandemic. Therefore, it wasn’t until they came back for a week in August that we had our first dinner out as a couple. It was lovely! We love our kids, but feeding just ourselves and not listening to any whining at dinnertime was great. Therefore, my parents encouraged us to go out again when they visited for a few days in September.
I was convinced our September date would be the last one until the springtime, but we lucked out last night. We visited my in-laws in Connecticut over the long weekend. The weather was warm for an early fall night in New England and they were up for watching our kids so we went out! We dined al fresco at Bartaco, which is located along the Saugatuck River. The tables were more than six feet apart, there were heat lamps to add warmth, and we stayed safer with contactless ordering/payment. After dinner, we drove to Saugatuck Sweets, where I ordered a small cup of rum raisin ice cream, which is quickly becoming a new favorite flavor. (Note: I tried rum raisin for the first time in August!)
As I reflected on our bonus dinner out, it left me wondering if we’ll manage to eek in one more dinner out in November on an unseasonably warm autumn evening. Or are we finished eating out until springtime… or once there’s a vaccine? (Whichever comes first!)
Raising Literate Humans 
Here’s to a whine free dinner! It feels so good to leave the mom hat at home for just a wee bit! AND…you were right down the street from our school!!! We are so lucky to have views of the Saugatuck River from our building! Hope you enjoyed Bar Taco!
That’s right! You’re so close to my in-laws.
Congratulations on getting a date night! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
How fun! I love it when you share these happy moments and invite us into a fun night!
Life is full when you find the simple pleasures of being alone so I am glad that you were able to enjoy a wonderful night out, Stacey.
Me too!
How I love image of the image of the al fresco dinner by the river, with heat lamps adding light and warmth to the early autumn evening … so lovely to have those moments. I have never tried rum raisin ice cream but think I must, now. The photo is great! Here’s to more (very important) date nights 🙂
It’s a fabulous flavor if it’s done right. Give it a try!
Those smiles are so bright! It’s clear you both had a great time. By the way, I, also, have never tried rum raisin ice cream but I might just have to do so now and branch out a little bit.
How far are you from Kennebunkport or Ogunquit? Rococo makes banana rum raisin, which is divine!
Sounds delightful! We have never loved leaving our kids with babysitters, but it’s time to start having date night again. I wish we had grandparents closer so we could do this more often.
I get it. My parents are closest, but that’s over 2 hours away.
Sounds so wonderful to have a night without the kids! I can’t remember the last time we had a childfree moment. Maybe in 2012?? Yes, that sounds about right…before we had kids. Hope you get another night before year’s end.
Me too, but it’s doubtful!