#173

When we lived in Fort Smith

we had a huge bedroom,

even after Tyler & the kids surprised me

with a bathroom and walk-in closet.

For awhile,

we had a little table set up in there

which was perfect

for an impromptu game of rummy or backgammon

and some coffee with a couple of double fudge Milanos.

We'd just tell the kids we were going on a date

and the big ones would watch the littles

for 1/2 hour to an hour.

(thank, guys!!)

We don't have that here.

Shocker, 

I know.

It's hard to get away from everyone

and have a few moments to ourselves.

For some reason,

telling little people, "No. You may not have a drink of my coffee."

fifteen times

isn't fun to me.

Enter:

Van Dates.

We tell the big boys

-  but say nothing to the little kids -            

and sneak out to the van

and drive

all of 15 feet

to the play field 

and park.

Alone. Together.

Number 173 of my 1,000 gifts:

van dates.