Another Date with Dad

So, it again has been awhile since my last post, but life continues and is busy at that.  Things are finally slowing down now that Andy's swim team is done for the season and Olivia's swim season as well.  Last Friday, was a night the girls look forward to every year, the Date with Dad held at the Doyle Community Center.  They got dressed up in a dress of their choosing with great anticipation for a night of excitement.  What little girl doesn't look forward to getting all gussied up and having her daddy's undivided attention for one night?  Of course a date night is never complete without dinner before hand.  They were nice enough to let me tag along for dinner since I have no social life.  We were treated to a nice dinner at Iannarelli's in Howe.  After we returned home from dinner, I snapped the photos below and they took off for their night of adventure and life long memories.

Olivia striking a pose

Mia was less forth coming for pictures, but Olivia was dancing with her helping me scheme to get some pictures.

Andy's choice of pose was shaking their tooshies for the camera.

A decent picture of all three before the big event.

Time for silly faces!

I had a realization the night before this big event, that I was going to be child and husband free for a night.  What could I possibly do with my time?  There's always my incessant cleaning, but what fun is that?  I decided some girl time was in order.  Who could I hang out with and maybe enjoy a nice glass of wine?  It sounds like something sophisticated adults do.  I knew lots of other moms who had daughters going, but they all made similar plans with their friends.  All my coworkers had family plans, except for one who was willing to let me come hang out, but had been feeling under the weather, so I thought I'd let her just recoup at home.  Tina, my usual go to friend, now is in South Carolina.  A few others I tried had sons they were taking out since their daughters were out with their dads.  Well, if this wasn't the slap in the face that I have no social life, I don't know what it would be.  

Back story: Earlier in the week, we were the only school in the surrounding counties that had school when a snow storm hit.  I managed to get my car stuck at a busy intersection in town when I slid into a corner.  Thankfully, Roger Ringenberg pulled up at that exact moment.  He had a tow strap and pulled me out within minutes.  I remembered his wife Karen liked Moscato wine, so I grabbed a bottle and headed over to the Ringenberg's to thank them.  Of course, Karen and I both such novice drinkers, she wasn't sure she had a corkscrew, and when we found one, we were surprised we could figure out how to use it.  All three of us enjoyed a glass and each other's company.  It was nice catching up and they are always so welcoming.  Their home has always been like a second home for me.  I just knock and walk right in and announce my presence.  Karen told me to get stuck again soon, so Roger can pull me out again, and then I can show up with another bottle of wine.  

After I returned home, I was pretty sure my family would be waiting.  Mia was a little uncertain about going, and likes her bedtime.  They weren't even home yet when I returned.  They pulled in about five minutes later full of chatter about all the fun they had.  Andy describes the event as a middle school dance.  All the dads line the perimeter of the dance floor, while the girls are all running around getting their moves on, out on the dance floor.  Occasionally the dad's are pulled out for a slow song.  Regardless of what goes on at this mysterious event, that ban mothers from attending and taking photographs to capture the memories, my girls love and look forward to it every year.  Secretly, I think Andy does too.  

This photo is a few months old here, but I took Mia for an adorable hair cut and this was our after picture.  I just love her haircut!