One of the hardest things as a parent (and I’m sure all parents can attest to this) is finding the time for real fun amidst the daily grind. From work to daycare, household chores, and beyond, it’s hard to make the time for quality moments together. We’re trying our best to minimize the stress for each other, as well as our boys, so we’re being proactive and actively trying to do all the things. Last night, we decided to have an impromptu family date night.
Since starting our ketogenic diet last month, we’ve been minimizing the number of times we eat out each week. After weeks of stress and constant meal prep though, we decided to have some spur-of-the-moment fun and go to Five Guys in Watertown. I’ve found some great keto dining out tips, and we knew we could easily eat there (without breaking the bank) and stay within our diet parameters.
Our boys loved it. It was a change from the ordinary. We don’t eat too many sweets in our house, so splitting a chocolate milkshake was like the holy grail to them, and they preferred that to their hot dog and fries. Also, I think Porter would subsist only on ketchup if we’d let him. He uses his hot dogs and fries as ketchup receptacles, and when all else fails, he sticks his whole fist in the ketchup container and licks it off his hands. It’s gross – and hilarious.
Honestly, it wasn’t even the best food that mattered. It was the fact that we did something different together. I think that family date nights are going to be a thing here, and I’m excited to do some more in the coming weeks…especially as this endless winter drags on. Here are some great ideas for other family date nights that I’m looking forward to:
- DIY “drive-in” movie night (planning to do this on Saturday evening)
- Finger food fun
- Living room fort and indoor s’mores
- Indoor bowling
There are so many things we can do as a family and for very little money. Plus, with the weather like it is, we really want to share this time together all warm and cozy inside. I can’t wait to get started on these little family date nights – and hopefully start doing some more for just Ryan and myself, as well!
Do you do indoor date nights? What sort of activities do you love to do together?