Daddy Dates 2016

In 2014 Eric started taking the girls on "Daddy Daughter Dates".  The girls got to take turns going on a date with Daddy throughout the year.  It is a time that each girl looks forward to when it is their turn to go on a date with Daddy.  When it is their turn they get to think of something fun that they want to go and do with Daddy.  Then Daddy picks the date on the calendar that works the best (with help from Mommy) and takes them!  This has been fun for Eric and the girls to do together.  They get to have one on one time and lots of attention from Daddy.  Silas got to start going on Daddy dates this year too.  He has had a lot of fun and excitedly looks forward to what he and Daddy will do each time.

**GUEST BLOGGERS**

 ~ Eric and the kids ~ 

Saturday, January 30th, 2016 - Date with Sarah

Derby Recreation Center and Freddy's

Similar to last year, Sarah and I went to the Derby Recreational Center and ate at Freddy's.

We played basketball for an hour and a half.  There was league play going on for the kids so the courts were busy.  We saw Coach Brad (first grade Upward Basketball coach) and his team.  We watched their game for 10 minutes or so and headed to the swimming pool.

Sarah and I played many (3) games of 1 on 1 water basketball and (3) games of horse.  I lost all but (1) game of horse.  I blame it on the fact that I couldn't see because I forgot to bring contacts.  We also climbed the rock wall in the deep end of the pool.  I jumped of the diving board, but Sarah did not.  We ended the date with a late lunch at Freddy's.   We both had hot dogs and fries.  I also got a sundae for Sarah.  We went home stuffed and exhausted. 

Friday, April 8th 2016 - Date with Phoebe
Camping in the backyard

Phoebe wanted to have a campout in the backyard for our date.  We were going to camp the first weekend of April, but it was too cold.  On the 8th, it was only to get down in the low 40s, so we thought that would be warm enough to camp.  Phoebe and I set up the tent before we went to T-ball and softball practices.  Phoebe was a great help and enjoyed putting it together.  When we got back from home around 8pm, we rounded up all our overnight stuff and headed for the tent.  Phoebe and I started out playing some games.  She first beat me at Candyland.  Then, she beat me at the Math game, and she completed the trifecta by beating me at Skip-Bo.  After games, I read some books to Phoebe.  It was getting late so we got into our sleeping bags.  Phoebe snuggled up to me and we talked for a bit.  It didn't take long to fall asleep.  I woke up around 6am and read my Bible for about an hour.  I woke Phoebe up around 7am and that concluded our campout.  We had a good time and my back wasn't too bad.

Saturday, May 28th, 2016 - Date with Silas

All Star Sports/Adventures, Wendy's, Menard's, and Cabela's

I had promised Silas months back that once he was fully potty trained, I would start taking him on Daddy dates.  I finally made good on my promise.

First, we went to All-Star Sports.  We walked around with a pocket full of tokens ready to play games. Silas was more interested in the games to win tickets than the video games.  Our favorite was the clown throwing game (above).  For two tokens, Silas and I would throw balls at the clowns.  We would get the maximum 50 tickets every time.  It was by far the most tickets for the price. 

Silas isn't quite big enough for skee-ball.  We got about 600 tickets and Silas got a few larger balls, a bouncy ball, and a few hopping frogs with our tickets.  When we left All-Star, Silas wasn't too happy.  He was hungry and wanted to eat, but he also wanted to ride a ride.  There was a 15 minute wait for tickets.  He chose to leave to eat, but then realized he wasn't going to ride a ride, which brought some crying and fit throwing.  

We went to Wendy's.  Silas had chicken nuggets, fries, and a chocolate frosty.

Silas got a small car at Menards and we then went to see the fish at Cabelas.

We left around 9:45 and got back around 3pm.  We had a good time.  Thanks Buddy.

Saturday, June 25th, 2016 - Date with Sarah

All Star Sports/Adventures, Freddy's, and Exploration Place

Sarah and I went on our second date of the year.  Sarah had not yet been to All Star Sports so we went there first.

Sarah played the basketball game several times.  I also tried it a few times.

We only did one arcade game, which was a racing game.  Sarah needs some practice on her driving.

The slide was free.  I should have had Sarah ride it a few more times.

We played Skeeball a handful of times and Sarah got the highest score.

The most popular game of the day was the Good Fishing Day.  The object was to throw balls into cups.  Sarah got the high score on the machine and the bonus 250 tickets on one of her times playing.  Sarah was much better at this game than I.

After All Star Sports we ate at Freddy's.  Sarah ate most of this large hot caramel sundae.

We then tried putt putt at Exploration place.  It was super hot outside but we finished the 18 holes.  I won by 6 strokes, but Sarah did well for her first time.

The last thing we did on the date was watch a video at the Exploration Place Dome Theater.  The video was about training to be an astronaut.  We had a great date.  Thanks Sarah.

Saturday, September 10th, 2016 - Date with Phoebe

Movie and Dinner at Sonic

For our date, Phoebe and I went to the new Ice Age Collision Course movie.  Phoebe thought the movie was funny.

We then went to Sonic to eat dinner and enjoy ice cream outside.

Phoebe enjoyed her sundae.  Thanks for a fun date Phoebe.

Saturday, October 22nd, 2016 - Date with Silas
Fire Station and Braum's

I took Silas to the Fire Station for our personal guided tour from our friend, DJ.  Silas and Stacee made cookies for the firefighters.

Silas got to see everything at the fire station.  Funny thing is his favorite thing was to squeegee the floor.  DJ and I joked calling Silas, "Rookie".  Thanks for the tour DJ.

We ended our date with ice cream at Braums.  Thanks buddy for a good date.

What were your favorite things about going to the fire station?

Silas:  "Going up on that ladder on the big fire truck. And, spraying the hose and cleaning it up.  We got it to the drain."

Saturday, December 10th, 2016 - Date with Sarah

Old Cowtown Museum ~ Victorian Christmas

Sarah and I had an impromptu date a few weeks ago.  Sarah had been saying that she wanted to go to Cowtown for our next date.  When looking at Cowtown's website that day, I noticed it was their last night of the Victorian Christmas.  We decided that would be a fun date.

It was chilly out, so we dressed warmly.  Above, I took a picture of the back of Sarah's head as we watched a play based on "The Night Before Christmas".  I also took a picture of Sarah by the coffin at the mortuary.

We were greeted with desserts at the information center and took a picture of the model of Cowtown.  It was here that we decided on the places we really wanted to see throughout Cowtown.  We enjoyed looking at the businesses and going into the old houses.  We also saw a saloon show.

Sarah talked me in to getting her a souvenir when we were leaving Cowtown.  She held up a bull stuffed animal and said, "I need this so it can remind me of the date."  I caved.  Then we ended our date at Braums.  Thanks for a great date, Sarah.