Every Christmas, in addition to the Get Out of Trouble Free cards (previous post) that we give the kids, we give them Lunch Date Tickets, redeemable for one lunch date with me at the location of their choice and one lunch date with their dad.
And Courtney Lee was the first to redeem one of her tickets.
She picked me as her lunch date and Olive Garden as her location of choice, so I picked her up from school at lunchtime last Thursday and that's exactly what we did...
And while I rarely shy away from shooting anywhere or anytime, shooting during the lunch-rush at Olive Garden proved to be too intimidating, even for this girl - so all I've got to show you from the Olive Garden is this one shot (above) from the waiting area.
After lunch though, Courtney Lee patiently waited/danced while I set up the self-timer on my camera.
And then we got a shot of the two of us together to commemorate our lunch date.
Then we ran by The Pregnancy Center where I've been volunteering so Courtney Lee could meet all the ladies I work with (and she grabbed a baby bottle to fill up with all of the money she's been saving for their baby bottle fundraiser.)
And then we grabbed a couple of Stawberries & Cream Frappuccinos before heading back to pick up the other kids from school (who were both equally insensed that we didn't show up with enough Stawberries & Cream Frappuccinos to go around.)
And I've got a lunch date scheduled with Coley for tomorrow.
Awesome!!!
Posted by: Kathy C. | January 30, 2013 at 08:39 AM
Looks like a perfect date!!
Posted by: Nicky from Okotoks | January 30, 2013 at 09:57 AM
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your bag, Karen!!! I want! Where can I find one?!?!
Posted by: Christine | January 30, 2013 at 10:49 AM
she's growing into such a beautiful young woman!! so glad you show them often so we can see them each changing and growing. love your family!! <3
Posted by: karlalala | January 30, 2013 at 12:03 PM
Oh, that one just before the one of the two of you makes her look so grown up! She's getting so beautiful!
Posted by: Erica Hettwer | January 30, 2013 at 06:17 PM
So very sweet. Nothing beats a lunch date. I think I will include these in the kiddos stockings next Christmas --- or for their birthday.
Posted by: Sherry Cartwright | January 30, 2013 at 08:17 PM
What a wonderful gift that is. And Courtney Lee looks like a young lady now - how fast she is growing. Practically a teenager! Beautiful as always...
Posted by: sharon | January 30, 2013 at 09:41 PM
I am so inspired by your relationship with Courtney Lee. I do believe you are one of the most awesome Bonus moms anywhere!
Posted by: Stacey | January 31, 2013 at 06:25 AM
I think she must have an awesome outfit on from what I can see! I can make out some boots! I'd love boots, but I have short legs.
Looks like a great lunch date!
Posted by: Kelli | January 31, 2013 at 01:19 PM
Love that you do the lunch date as a Christmas gift! Great idea! We do date nights with our kids, taking them out one on one. We have four so we know it's important for them to get one on one time. Plus, it's so much fun getting to enjoy the one all by themselves! How special your time seemed! Love the photos and love that you are investing in your children!
Posted by: Jewels | January 31, 2013 at 09:19 PM
Those strawberry and cream fraps always remind me of my dad. He used to come over to my house every Thursday after my mom died and bring me Starbucks and Abby a "piece" of cake. She used to say, did you bring me a piece? In the winters it was a latte and the summers the strawberry and cream.He passed away 7 years ago, but I still remember it so vividly! SO neat that you are making those lasting memories!
Posted by: Maria Glazener | February 01, 2013 at 06:54 PM
Love, love, love your bag, Karen! !!I want to! Where can I find a? !?!
Posted by: wholesale nfl jerseys 2013 | February 19, 2013 at 07:43 PM