#11 November date / New Year's Eve

Again, a little behind schedule, we managed to eke out this date just before the end of the year.  New Year's Eve we enjoyed November's date night of Chinese food and games.  We weren't sure if we would make it to midnight since we usually go to bed much earlier, but we ended up playing both video and card games long enough to watch the ball drop (in bed so that we could turn off the TV immediately and go to sleep in anticipation of Ephraim waking up for his feeding).  Even though we were tired, it was nice to enjoy some couple time after Bubs went to bed, instead of just going to bed ourselves.  It was a very successful year of dates, and I'm glad that I created it so that we had an excuse to enjoy some new and old activities together.

#12 December date

December's date was a day trip out to Skaneateles to enjoy the Dickens Christmas Festival.  We went last year for the first time when I had already planned this date as part of his Christmas present and Col surprised me with spending the day there for my birthday.  We were excited to bring Ephraim along this time and he happily snoozed in the Bjorn while we walked around.  It was busy but we enjoyed the shops and festivities, along with a stop at Mirbeau for the free cookies and cocoa.  A fantastic date to finish off the year!

#10 October date

October's date was celebrated a month late, but for good reason ;) The date was dinner at Yianni's, an Italian restaurant near our college where we celebrated our one month dating anniversary and our graduation.  They have great early bird specials, and while we are usually the youngest ones there, we love it!  We hadn't been there in years, so it was great to re-visit, not to mention it was our first date night since Ephraim joined our family!

#9 September date

September's date was playing disc golf!  We checked it out once a few years ago because a local park has a course, and even though we didn't know what we were doing, we had fun.  Since we hadn't returned, I thought it would be fun to try it out again, especially since we had recently acquired some free golf discs (which worked much better than a regular Frisbee ;))!  The weather warmed up, so the day we picked was perfect!  We both played much better, and Col even got used to a new type of disc golf throw.

 

#8 August date

For our August date, we took a mini road trip out to Watkins Glen for the day.  The weather was perfect, and we hiked all the way up from the bottom to the top, then took a side trail, and headed back down again.  It was really busy, but we were able to enjoy our picnic lunch and the view near the top in a quieter spot.  It was fun, and I'm thankful the weather was so beautiful!  I'm glad we could enjoy the last of summer on a good note and get in some fun exercise.

#7 July date

July's date was enjoying an outdoor movie.  We walked right down the street to the town hall, equipped with movie candy and lawn chairs.  The farmer's market is also on Thursday nights, so we got a bag of kettle corn and settled in for Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2.  We might have looked a little weird being the only ones there who didn't have children or who were 70+, but for once it wasn't raining and we had a good time.  I forgot to get a picture though!

#6 June date

Squeezing them both in, we completed our June date on the second-to-last day of June.  #6 was getting ice cream at Pittsford Farms Dairy.  We went once and got chocolate milk in a glass bottle, but I have been wanting to go back for their ice cream.  It was down pouring when we went, but the place was still packed!  And so worth the trip, the ice cream was delicious!  Col got dirt, and I got cookie monster.  Yum!

#5 May date {that happened in June}

Date #5 was to play tennis!  We actually completed this date at the end of June, because May and June got away from us.  Col played in high school and enjoys the game while I, on the other hand, have a difficult time being able to actually play pretty much all sports.  We played once years back when we were dating, and Col got a little frustrated with my lack of contact with the ball.  This year however, we were able to keep a good volley going for a little bit!  And I got some pointers from the expert. ;) There may or may not have been some young girls nearby who were making fun of a few of my missed swings.  Regardless, it was fun to be outside and try!

#4 April date

Date #4 was heading out to the original Jitter's near our college campus.  We aren't out that way often, but they have the best breakfast sandwiches and chai that I've ever had.  I made sure the gift card was the perfect amount and we enjoyed our sandwiches, Col a milkshake, and I a chai smoothie.  Delish!

#3 March date

Date #3 was to the Waterloo Outlet Mall!  We usually just enjoy looking around, but this time we found a ton of great deals!  Col made out like a bandit and got a new coat, a few shirts, and new sneakers.  I got a shirt, sneakers, and a few odds and ends.  The best part was that almost everything we got wasn't just at the outlet but in the clearance sections.  We love a good deal, and it was a fun day out together :)

#2 February date

For Christmas this year I gave Col 12 dates, one for each month of the coming year.  Each envelope had a date coupon in it along with a small gift, cash, or gift card depending on what that month's date is.  The idea is that we will have a date set aside each month and have almost everything needed for it so that we don't have to use a separate part of our budget.

January was an in-home movie night.  I forgot to take a picture (no surprise), but we watched The Internship, had popcorn in popcorn containers, drinks, and movie theater candy.  The date required us to dress comfy and put away cell phones, computer, etc.  

This month, our date was to go to Mendon Ponds Park in honor of our engagement (February 2010).  Even though I originally put that we would go to Birdsong Trail specifically, we decided to take Mendon and hiked a new trail.  It was a good workout, hiking on the frozen trails for an hour, and we had fun.  I think the best part for Col was when I fell on my butt in the parking-lot-turned-ice-rink. ;) No pictures, but I'll try to do better on the rest of our dates this year.  Can't wait!