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Parenting - Romantic
Getaways
Real Families, Real FUN: Just For Parents
Romantic Getaways on the Cheap
By Elizabeth Kauffman for Real Families, Real Fun
Don't despair if you're on a budget--"away" can
be a state of mind. Remember when you first dated? It seemed
like all kinds of places could be romantic just because
you were together. Looking back now, you might agree that
the setting or the cost didn't reflect the world's ideal
of a romantic experience, but the memories were made and
the romance was obvious.
When my husband and I were dating in college, one June night,
we spent a wonderfully fun romantic evening at the semi-lit
playground of a local elementary school. I remember how
hard we laughed as we pushed each other on the swings and
challenged each other to small-scale athletic feats. Believe
it or not, we weren't the only adults there! When a couple
from Omaha decided to try it, they left the oldest of their
three children in charge and headed to a nearby playground
that they enjoy as a family. They loved the peaceful rhythm
of conversation that usually can't be theirs when the children
are along.
Depending on where you live, one fun idea is to stop by
the local airport, check in to short-term parking, and rush
to gates with current arrival flights. Amidst all the joyful
hugging, kissing, and reuniting going on, throw your arms
around each other and say, "I'm so glad to see you!"
"You look great!" On the walk back to the car
(you're among the lucky who can skip the baggage claim),
fill each other in on little details that get overlooked
in the everyday chaos. Chances are you'll have as much to
talk about as the travelers. And your only expense is the
parking ticket!
Another getaway that can bring back sweet memories is stopping
by the newborn nursery window at a hospital. You'll be hard
pressed to find a place more quiet in which to whisper together.
And you know how close you have to be to whisper...
For a couple from Cincinnati with two small children, daily
romance usually means heart-shaped Post-It notes left around,
but they also book Date Days. On these Fridays, they take
a vacation day from work and relish a local daytime date.
The kids spend the day at the normal day-care provider while
the parents reconnect. We were amazed at how great a round
of golf was for getting them reconnected! According to this
husband, nothing is as romantic as a wife who golfs. After
a long giggly lunch for two, he reciprocated the romantic
gesture by shopping with his wife. Note: They compromised
on 9 holes of golf and less than 3 hours of shopping.
For the less athletically inclined, try tucking into a quiet
corner in your local library or bookstore, and taking turns
sharing romantic poems you find for each other. Or try dipping
those summer strawberries and fruits into some romantic
chocolate sauce or fondue--and feed it to each other! Ordering
luxury or gourmet items through Internet sites can add to
the anticipation. If you aren't shopping together, leave
intriguing notes around the house about the special mood-setter
that will be arriving.
With a little imagination, you can create a romantic getaway
in your own home, without any special accoutrements. Try
cooking up a midnight pancake supper for two. Light some
candles and eat in your jammies while the household sleeps.
All it takes a little sense of adventure!
TAKE IT FROM ME:
Swap child care with other couples for more opportunities
to get a break.
© Studio
One Networks
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