A Life In Review

Summer is almost here and I am not ready. I was made for fall and winter (the leaves falling, the smell of fresh snow). I love going on dates in the fall and I LOVE my winter cuddles. When spring and summer roll around, I am OUT of date night ideas. I usually just recycle things we did in years past. This year I am wanting to be more intentional with our dates. Time seems to be flying and I don’t want to wake up bored one day, so I’ve complied a list of some summer date night ideas to mix up your routine (also, I need to find a new word for “compiled” because I’ve used it in WAY too many blog posts).

1. Picnic By the Water: This can be done one of two ways. If you live by a body of water (ocean, lake, pond etc.) then you will be picnicking there. For those of you who aren’t near water, but really want to do a “by the water” date, grab a kiddy pool, fill it and set up next to it. If nothing else, it will make you laugh and give you guys something fun to remember. All you need is a blanket, some food (and drinks) and each other. Make it simple and sweet.
   
2. Ice Cream Walk: In the summer we used to have Ice Cream for dinner (we would get bigger sized ice cream to fill us up). So, for this date, you will pick your favorite ice cream shop (sorry if you don’t live near any, you can always get a DQ cone) and find a place to walk and eat. The idea of this date is to get you out into the fresh night air and away from your routine.
   
3. Watch the Sunset: Summer is the perfect time of year for this activity. If you are anything like my husband and I, you never see the sunset (we just notice when it’s gone). Our lives are so incredibly busy, so for this date, you are just going to slow down, hold hands and watch the sun set together (it’s something we did when we were dating, but haven’t done since, it can be very romantic).
   
4. Play Mini Golf: Mini golf is something fun to do that will for sure get you both laughing. Someone is always going to hit the ball into the water and someone else is always going to score a 5+ at one of the holes. It’s just a fun way to spend time together while doing an activity. ^{*This one might be tricky with the current climate, but there are places open, you just need to check ahead of time.*}
   
5. Water Balloons and Pizza: Let’s break free of traditional date nights and do something different! All you need are some water balloons and some pizza (and probably some dry clothes). Who says water balloons are just for the kids? Bring some along on date night and get into a water balloon fight with your S.O. After you’re done dousing each other, dry off, change and share some pizza.
   
6. Play Hooky: This one would take planning obviously (day off from work, childcare etc.), but make a day of it. You can literally do anything you want. Sleep in together, have breakfast in bed, go for a swim, take a walk, go for a drive. Just don’t do any work. Don’t fold laundry, don’t wash the dishes, just be together. Remember how it all began when you were two carefree kids (if you’re still carefree kids, I don’t know why you’re bothering to read this, go be young somewhere else 😂).
   
7. Watch Some Fireworks: This should be an easy task around July 4th. There’s just something so romantic about watching fireworks go off together. Listen to some music, maybe even dance. This is a great date night for those of you that aren’t fans of long talks (it’s way too loud to talk during fireworks shows)
   
8. Bonfire of Love: This is usually a group activity, but nothing is stoping you from having a date around the fire. Heck if it’s a chilly night, you may even get some cuddles. Bring the supplies to make some s’mores and call them dessert. Also, you can put on your favorite playlist (we are currently listening to 2010’s Hits) and spend the night reminiscing on life together.
   
9. Brewery or Wine Tasting: If you are over the age of 21, get dressed up and find a place to go wine tasting. It gives you both the chance to try something new, and something to talk about. If you are not into wine, you can also find a brewery and taste some of their craft beers together.
   
10. Visit a Drive-In: Though there are not many drive-in movie theaters left, I’ve been told they are worth a visit. It has always sounded romantic to me, to cuddle up in the back of a vehicle and watch a movie with someone you love (but like actually watch the movie, don’t be gross). Get some of your favorite movie snacks and cuddle up close on a beautiful summer night.

I know that I didn’t need to go into so much detail, but if you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, you know that I am nothing if not detail oriented. When I plan a date night, I PLAN a date night. I like to talk in great detail and make sure that I am understood. That being said, GO ON A DATE THIS SUMMER. Get to know the person that you are sharing this life with and have some fun.