Daddy Dates

It is very difficult to buy gifts for my husband. One of his favorite pastimes is researching a purchase, so trying to buy something for him takes most of his fun away.

In years past I have taken the children to the dollar store and let them pick out gifts for him. While entertaining, the gifts themselves have not necessarily proved useful. This year, I asked them each to think of a one-on-one date they would enjoy with their Daddy. They each designed a certificate to wrap up, revealing their plan to their Dad--and I took care of making the arrangements. It was so much fun to watch them give these gifts on Christmas morning.

R chose to take his Daddy to an Atlanta Braves game. K chose an afternoon of golf with Daddy "18 whole holes." P chose a Monster Jam event (that was rescheduled to coincide with our ski trip when the Falcons made the playoffs this year). Tonight he & his Dad went to a comparable motorcross event instead.

By all accounts, he was wowed by the noise and pageantry of the event. He also clearly reveled in 4 hours of time alone with his father. But the memory I know he will hold most dear if tonight's post-event report is any indication was the fact that in order to stay up past his bedtime he needed "a LOT of caffeine," (normally a no no for kids in our family).

I will always remember this picture my husband texted me during the eventand seeing P's beaming bespectacled face when he walked in still clutching the cup tonight.

I will also never forget the text I received from my husband that simply read: "One of the best gifts I have EVER received. Thanks."

I think we may have a new Christmas gift tradition.