Last night Chad and Alden went on a father son camp out together up at This Is The Place Heritage Park with our church stake. Meanwhile I was hoping to have a fun girl’s night with Eden.

Eden’s friend, Mackaila was at our house when the boys left so we invited her along. Eden picked McDonalds for dinner after a recent revelation that they have a play place inside. Then we stopped by a nail salon and got our fingers painted. We dropped Mackaila off, got home, changed into jammies and talked. We talked about the new baby coming and how to be a good helper and big sister. We talked about how special Eden is to Chad and I. We talked about all the attention the new baby will need and that she might need to ask us for some just-Eden time. Then she came and snuggled right up next to me in bed and we had a sleep over.

We have been trying to have some one on one dates lately with the kids and give then a lot of individual attention. I ordered a bunch of beginner chapter books off Amazon. Both Chad and I have been impressed at the comprehension and interest Eden has in these longer stories. Alden is also taking a greater interest in books and we are trying to encourage some reading time with him too.

Chad and Eden recently purchased season tickets to Lagoon, an amusement park. With an adult, little Eden can actually enjoy quite a few of the rides. I went last summer with her and my parents and it was a blast. I can only imagine the great fun Chad and she have on their dates to Lagoon together. Although some hint is the pure elation she adopts when talking about it and eagerly anticipated and planning the next time they can go together.

Perhaps it is just my pregnancy or perhaps I am just way more boring than Chad when it comes to outings. Last weekend I took Alden out early in the morning to go to garage sales with me and pick up donuts. My special time with them tends to include errands, food and perhaps a balloon from the party store. I am hoping that I can get to know each of my kids in a way that we can find something special to do that is just ours. Either way I love the time one-on-one with them and hope we keep it up after baby #3 comes and things settle down.