Saturday, February 26, 2011

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.

8 comments:

Angel said...

I LOVE this idea. What a perfect, precious gift!

Diane Tohline said...

What a great idea - and it makes memory not only for your husband, but each child - one that they will always remember. I can see this could even be a tradition that they carry on into adulthood with their dad. I LOVE IT!!!!

Jill said...

What a great idea! And love that picture of P!

Amy said...

I love, love, love this idea! My husband and I are a couple of few "wants" as far as things go. We really enjoy being together and doing things together. I am most definitely going to file this idea away for Christmas this year if you don't mind. With him being in the military and deploying so often, it is really special when he gets time alone with each kiddo. What a wonderful gift for both the giver and the receiver. Thanks so much for sharing your ideas!

Emmy said...

Cutest thing I have ever heard! :)

~April~ said...

What a great idea! These are precious memories that they will cherish for a lifetime.

Mindy said...

I agree ---What an amazing idea! =)

storey said...

SO COOL!!! quality time...the best! miss you guys!