Date night

after another busy week gone by, it was nice to say hello to saturday and take it easy.

we had wanted to go to the polynesian dance performance at olbrich gardens, but we missed the morning show. the dance began at 10:30, and we had finally settled everyone in the car at 10:25.

we were all dressed up ready to go somewhere, so, sam and i decided it would be a good time to gather our packed up bags of donations for the homeless shelter. we had a great morning drive, and a great talk with the kids about what we were doing with some of their toys and clothes.

we had to be back home by noon, because sam had a photo shoot that afternoon.

it was the perfect time to get the paints out.

isaiah was in an abstract sort of mood. beautiful, creative job, isaiah.

we are all huge fans of eric carle, and makayah wanted to pay tribute to the very hungry caterpillar. i think she did a fantastic job.

samiyah wanted to join the party, too. i stripped her down, and let her have at it. i didn't even bother giving her a piece of paper.

who needs paper when you have a perfectly round belly to use as your canvas?

and of course, at some point, it turned into finger painting.

the paints were a hit. i figured since it was bath day today, we'd just start a little earlier than planned, and have fun with the mess.

it had been a very hectic and stressful week for us all. school, studying, coughing and stuffy noses, and backed-up housework - sam and i desperately needed a break from it all to reboot and reconnect. at the carnival last night, he had won one of the raffle prizes: a $50 gift certificate to cafe cilantro (if i remember correctly). that was a pretty sweet surprise!

i fed the kids pb&j with applesauce and carrots, and sam and i headed out for our romantic night out.

my hot date.

sam and i are such critics when it comes to food. there is very little selection when it comes to really great mexican/south american food here in madison. but, i think we hit the jackpot tonight, because cilantro was amazing.

las carnitas...

peppery mango deliciousness.

carne asada, complete with cactus.

the uninterrupted conversation and yummy food was exactly what we needed. we talked, we laughed, we joked, we apologized for all the week's grumpiness. date nights sans kids are extremely important to keep the magic alive and thriving. we laughed as we headed back home, realizing that not one thing was said about the kids. in a world where our lives revolve around our children, that was unexpected and almost unheard of...but a very healthy break, nonetheless. it was nice to catch up with one another - person to person - even if we have the cutest kids ever.

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today i am grateful for:

*the chance to donate some of our belongings to a good cause.

*fun activities with my babies.

*date night.