Karen - Near as I can remember, the second time since we were married was our tenth anniversary. I pushed and pushed for that night and all hubby did was grouch about it. I gave up. Can’t recall it happening since, without friends asking anyway. We’ve been married almost 29 years, and still have a good life. Those years were tough though, I’ll admit. Very tought

Talysa - We have a rule in our marriage…dialogue daily…date weekly…depart quarterly. :-)And yes we make every effort we can to stick to it…it’s like a treasure to us that we fight to protect. The “depart” may just mean one night in downtown Nashville while the kids are at grandmas but it suits us just fine.

Jennifer - You should check out Project 52 at Simply Modern Mom. She and her husband are doing a once a week date for a year. She’s got lots of easy and fun ideas. 🙂

Jennifer - We never do! We just have our two girls (8 and almost 10), and I don’t have a regular reliable sitter. When they were little we got to enjoy parents night out through the church/preschool, but now that they’re older, unless my parents are in town, it doesn’t happen. We do have the opportunity to eat out once a week when they are at dance for nearly two hours, so that’s something! But aside from that…. 🙁

Jenn - Our kids are still little so we have an ‘at home date night’ every Friday night. We give the kids a fun meal for dinner and then after they go to bed we order sushi, watch a movie, we talk, but most importantly we don’t use our laptops or iphones. Best night of the week!

Lisa - So funny. Date night? Hardly ever…it’s terrible! We do a cheater date night – a movie on the couch after the kids are in bed a couple times a month. But a babysitter/dinner out – not as often as we should!

Juli - 2-3 times a year. Whenever my Mom offers to watch the kids.

The Lady of the House - We haven’t had a “just us” date in FOREVER! We have an 8 month old and pumping just DOESN’T happen for this girl SO he’s always there BUT Granny pitches in about once a month for us to have that time with just the little one and that is heavenly.
So cute y’all matched – you totally planned it didn’t ya 😉
Happy 4th, The Lady of the House

sara's art house - CUTE OUTFITS!!!!!!!!!! 🙂 🙂

Angela - We rarely have date night. Our boys are 18, 14 and 7 so alot of times we have date day and go to lunch, which is good too. When we had our third people stopped volunteering to watch them all. lol I do wish it was more often. I love your blouse, I have several like that but people always think I’m pregnant. UGH!!

Holly - that is pretty funny Meg! We usually try to have date night every so often. Not as much since Brian has been working to rebuild my Dads house from the floods in May but it is so important!

Donna - We get date night once a month thanks to our free babysitter “Grandma D”. She’s our adopted gramma since ours are far away. We are so appreciative to her. I wish I could go every week too!

Rebecca H. - date night for us comes along by chance once every few months if we’re lucky. we don’t live near family, so it’s kind of hard to find someone to watch the kids for us. but when we get the chance, we make sure to take it! glad you had fun!

Georgia - We dont have children, just 2 naughty dogs which we cant leave unattended for too long. So we usually have date night once a month if we can afford it.
Its usually a meal out, or for a movie.
Tonight we met up with my cousin and her boyfriend for a meal, then back to there house for a cup of tea!!!lol
very exciting 🙂 xx

emily - Your outfits are too funny!
We are very fortunate in that my in-laws LOVE watching our girls so we get to go out almost every Friday! =) Lucky, I know!!!

Kelley - Date night comes for us about once every 4-6 months. Weekly would be awesome, but I think monthly would still be better for a reprieve from our two kids. Nice to be reminded you are also an adult and wife, not just a Mom.

Laura - Too Cute! Hilarious with the guys!!! We have a 2 1/2 and 4 year old so date night when it happens is so wonderful. We try to have date night at least once a month more if we can find a family sitter. Everyone keeps saying it’ll get easier to leave (and not feel so guilty) as they get older. 🙂

Jenny Wren's - We try to have a date night once a week, but that doesn’t always mean going out. We take turns and on whatever night of the weekend it is, that person’s turn is to cook a nice dinner, or make dessert for a movie fest we are going to have, just something special, where it is just the two of us, no computers, tv, phones…You started out just the two of you, you will end up, just the two of you, so don’t lose just the two of you somewhere in the middle! Loved that you all dressed in the same things, what a hoot!

Staci - We never do 🙁 We are losers and I think it is soooo important!!! You are so right when you said….it’s just nice to be a wife for a few hours without so many demands from the little darlings 😉 I’m glad you feel refreshed! Happy Fourth!!!!

lindalou - at least monthly or more often depending on my husband’s schedule ): but we always try to make time after almost 44yrs this month (:
blessings,

Michelle - I laughed when I saw the pic of the two of you, but it turned into a gaffaw when you posted the boys’ pic. Hilarious.

AshleyAnn - sippy cup refills….if it didn’t cause terrible toxic fumes I would have a sippy cup and plastic plate burn party in a few years….after a hot date night….

Ashley Stinson @ The Hillside Home - right now we are staying with my in-laws while we wait to close escrow on our new home… so we are getting lots of free babysitting for lots of spontaneous date nights! 🙂 it’s so great being able to put the baby down at 7:30 and then handoff the monitor and go out to see a movie. 🙂

Laura - Close to never. That is how often we have date night. But hopefully that will change as we move closer to family, ska “free babysitting”.
I am so happy your date night worked out.
And that you got to be a grown up
and laugh.
Ansd be a wife.
This is important.
Not just for you and Craig
but for your kids…
Too see that you are a team…
And that you enjoy edch other
so vital to d healthy marriage.
I think once a week would be ideal…
My parents did that
but I’ll settle for twice a month.
It’s my new goal.
Marriage first…. Kids second.

Anna Marie - Definitely not as often as we should. I can’t even remember the last date night we had and we only have one child so far.

traci - Been married 13 yrs. and neglected datenights terribly. Until recently we realized they are not just important but CRITICAL….now we let NOTHING stop us and go out once a week and really make it a date…hold hands, touch hands, etc.

Heather - that is hysterical!!!! i have recently begun the habit of dressing like the baby. i dress her first and throw my clothes together before we run out the door & then as soon as we’re out somewhere, someone notices we’re in similar outfits. what the heck? and why always the baby and not the older kids?
looks like a great group and hope you guys had a great date night!!!

Vera - We have a mandatory once a month date night, but we try to go more often. But definitely once a month. When I was on bed rest even, date night was sending the kids away, unplugging the phones and computer and snuggling on the couch with popcorn, candy and a movie.

Misty, Southern Belle Mama - My husband and I have been married for 6 years and we have 2 young children. We usually go out once a week or once every two weeks. We are so lucky to have both of our parents live in the same town as us so they are always willing to keep the babes when we go out. It is such a blessing to our marriage!

Tara - when we lived in GA near my family for 5 years, we took a date night every single week…now that we’ve lived in Orlando for the past 2 years….we go out about 1-2 times a month….BUT, we order in take out food (just for us) every single Saturday night…and when we put the kids to bed….we have a date night at the house!
…not the same…but it’s the only way we can afford do date each other in this season!

Lori - My husband and I are sorely in need of a date night! We have two teenagers, so there’s no babysitter to get or pay. Thanks for the reminder!

kristine - omg that’s hilarious! i love your necklace!! we RARELY have date night 🙁 boo! my sister has it every friday night!

mary - i can’t remember the last time i had date night. i need to start letting my husband know whats more important. the easy chair with ‘cops’ or ‘most incredidble car whatevers’ or us. thank you meg for this reminder.

Sophie - We’re supposed to have a ‘date night’ once a week when we turn the tv off and just talk and then once a month go out for dinner/movie but neighter of those has beenhappening with any regularity recently! 🙁 Never had a double date though! How funny that you all dressed the same!!

Lori - We used to have date nights but we stopped. We are going to start again! You have inspired me! Thanks!:) Lori

cufflinks - Wow!
How amazing does that look.
I love U2 but never had the opportunity to go and watch them live. I had heard that their gigs are something special but looking at your pictures it looks absolutely stunning.
I wish i was their!
I can imagine your aniversary must have been really special.

Diana aka "knzus" - wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! what a great place to go for your anniversary… and btw, Happy Anniversary a few days late! have missed reading you, been so busy, and ill with my migraines, and busy, and well, life gets in the way of regular blog reading, heh-heh LOL! geesh, that lady with the goods that aren’t even good, oh my *rolls eyes* sure glad we don’t have that here… or do we???? always love your pics… love that you share your world with us, thank you for that… inspite of the undie fashion blunders ROTFL! {{hugz}}

Teri - Happy Anniversary! I am so jealous! My last anniversary that we got away, we lived in Chicago and went somewhere else. We didn’t know we’d be moving a month later. We are planning a huge family trip back, but to walk with my hubster all to myself.
Did you know- that you can order Portillo’s and it will be overnighted? We do it for Christmas every year.

Sam - Ok, seriously that women needs to invest in some longer skirts. Nasty. Definitely agree about the apartment. Imagine what great light you would get…..

Jen - OH. MY. WORD! I cannot believe the lady in the fountain! Can I have your permission to post that on my blog with a nod to yours? I could use it for a post I’m ruminating over–seriously!
Chicago is my VERY favorite city! My husband and I are probably the ONLY people in the world who want to retire to a loft apartment in downtown Chicago. Hey–dreams are free!!
Thanks!

Melanie - Guess what, Megs? Me & my hubby were on the FLOOR of that U2 concert! Yep, I won radio station tickets and we had floor access. It was SO awesome looking up at those thousands and thousands of people. Not to mention that we were on Soldier Field where the Bears play. Too cool.
Glad you enjoyed Maggianos…we go there every July to celebrate our oldest son’s bday, as it’s his favorite restaurant.
~Melanie
http://www.melathome.blogspot.com

Jenny - What a great weekend!
The photos of Chicago look fantastic. I would really love to go there.
I love those light shades at IKEA. I was looking at them last weekend. IKEA is one of my favourite places.
The U2 concert looks amazing. The stage is incredible. I saw them last time they were in Sydney – they always have amazing effects.

amy - I have enjoyed starting to read your blog. Check out ours…thebradsmithbunch.blogspot.com. Ordered Ed Emberly books today for crafts for my boys…they will love them. I’ve always wanted on of his books! amy

Nicole - WHat a great trip . . . made me want to get away with my man! THose times are AWESOME!!! I’m with you on the IKEA love, I miss mine in UT! WHAA! THat lady bending over was HILAROUS, like I laughed out loud!! Glad you had fun, have a great time at the craft fair!!

Jaime @ Simply Arizona - Happy Anniv, Meg! We celebrate 15 years this year too (and I have been with my DH over half my life as well)… =)
I was actually born in Chicago… but we moved when I was 18mos old. I want to go back for sure – and your pictures just proved the point even more (except for the underwear lady, I could do without that scenic view!).
Thanks for sharing!!

Sandy - Once again – great pictures! I’ve never been to Chicago, but between yours and my daughter’s pictures I REALLY want to go.
The picture of the lady bending over – you should send that in to …what magazine is it?…Glamour??…that has the DO and DON’T fashion pictures. Maybe she’ll see herself in there (although I doubt she reads magazines like that). They will insert a nice black rectangle to protect her privates. …maybe she should have thought of that!

pve - Guess I need to post mine.
It is coming – the anniversary.
22 years, so I have got you beat.
You kill me with all you do,
you bend over backwards –
with all your shots.

Christina - Amazing, all of it! U2 and Ikea to boot!
Happy Anniversary. I love what you said about your years together.
And as you said…now I’m off to bed!

Sara - I rarely comment (but am a long-time reader!), but had to comment on this to tell you a.) Happy anniversary! and b.) we probably walked right by each other on Sunday!
I live in Chicago (and work in that big white building behind the bean) but played tourist on Sunday and took my dad and sister on the architecture boat tour. I was wondering if I’m on that boat in your picture of the river! How funny would that be. We saw lots of the half-marathoners, too. They made me want to start training for something, but I’ve never run more than a mile in my life. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed your weekend in the city, and OMW that that girl with the underpants!! Yikes.

Carol S. - Awesome pics, awesome blog, what a great concert that must have been. I turned down a pair of tickets last week because I had a church anniversary dinner to go to…..arghhhh! I think I’m heading downtown with my two boys for an overnight while dh is on a fishing trip. We love just hanging downtown Chicago!!

Jerri - Happy Anniversary! Looks like you had a great time!! The pic of the lady, YIKES!…makes me hope I have never bent over with a skirt on…not that I would wear “that” outfit or anything! I feel like Bono was calling you name but you just couldn’t hear him! ha ha

Trina McNeilly - Meg….. looks like you had such a great time. i was in the city that day too…..and some friends had an extra U2 ticket.. it was like a giant kiss from heaven…. I had wanted to go so bad but wasn’t able to and at the last minute that day I got to go. I LOVE seeing your pics.. I was like way up at the top…which was fine with me but it is cool to see a little closer. Wasn’t it like super amazing when he sang Amazing Grace? 80,000 people were there is what I was told…wow! So glad you guys had a such a wonderful weekend!!!!! You can never go wrong in Chicago!
xx

Julie - That looks like the best weekend ever. Congratulations on your anniversary!

Amanda - This really makes me want to visit Chicago!

Kelly - Thank you for sharing your trip with all of us. I’ve been married 21 years and have never done anything special to celebrate. You are so very lucky!

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Won-der-ful pics Meg. I was just in Chicago this summer and there is just so much to see. Love the pic of the lady flashing you…too funny. That concert looked amazing!! I have two other friends that were there. Unbelievable being in a crowd of 80,000. Great get-away with your honey. Congrats on 15 years. That is definitely something to celebrate:)

Erin - Looks like you had a great time. I love Chicago!!! Can’t wait till I take my girls there.

Michelle B - What an amazing trip! I am going to Chicago in October – but for work but staying downtown. Maybe I can talk DH to come with me so we can have fun too. And as I am reading your blog post I am listening to Pandora radio and what came up…U2! How fitting! Happy day! Oh the lady bending over…that kills me. HA!

Shana - I like your pictures better than mine.
Is Bono wearing a clown hat in that close up?! I don’t remember seeing that.
Hmmmm….
Nice shots.

jody - great u2 pics!
happy anniversary! we celebrated our 15th in chi-town in july–we met there, what a great city.
yes, glad she had undies on!

Lauren - Happy Anniversary! My hubby and I have been dying to go to Chicago forever! Maybe one day we’ll actually make the trip from Georgia to the windy city! You’ll have to tell me all the “must-see” places and of course some places for the best food!

Jodi - You are officially my favorite blogger E.V.E.R!
Happy Anniversary!
Awesome pictures, I’m excited because it looks like your seats are about where our seats are in Foxboro and Giants stadium. It looks like you had an amazing view! 4 more sleeps for us! I am sooooooooooooo excited! Are you on U2.com or Interference?

Staci - HOW great!!!! Happy 15 Years!!! We just celebrated our 12th…Brian whisked me away on a surprise getaway!!! I know to some…they would be disappointed, but not me…he took me to an AGA cooking school in North Carolina!!! We cooked for 3 solid days….and I loved every.minute.of.it! I loved learning something new together 🙂 But Chicago would’ve been grand too!!!!!!! We are going to the U2 concert in October in OK!!! I can’t wait after seeing all those great pics of your’s!!! And all I can say about that underwear lady is…YIKES!!!!!!

adrienneK - what awesome pictures!!!you look great! so much neat stuff…and uh that woman is yucky lol

Jocelyn Stott - WOW – GREAT photos and it looks like it was a wonderful trip. Chicago has such great architecture. Happy Anniversary!

Angela - Wow!! What a great post! My mom was born near Chicago, and even though she doesn’t get to go that often, she loves it. I hope to get to go with her one day. Without kids. LOL
Your picture of the lady at the fountain was like a train wreck!!!

Toni :O) - I heart Chicago so much! Awesome town and I’m SO jealous you got to see U2. One of my best gal pals is seeing them in California next month…I think at the Rose Bowl if I’m not mistaken. Looks like you guys had tons of fun and that is so great. Happy 15 years. My hubby and I celebrated 16 in May…awesome to find the love of your life isn’t it? Thanks for sharing your wonderful trip and that lady…blech…sometimes, I wonder what people are thinking…my goodness!

Beth Ann - We were in Chicago this weekend also for the U2 concert. It was amazing. I love Chicago!! I see there are still tickets available for the OKC show they are doing Oct. 18th. I am trying really really hard to talk my husband into buying tickets. I’m not sure it’ll happen though!

Tracy - LOVE LOVE LOVE the pictures and storyline, Meg – glad you and Craig had a great time! My husband is originally from Chicago and we are HUGE Chicago Cubs fans but that U2 concert looked like “the bomb” – HA! Happy 15 year anniversary – the hubster and I will be married 12 years this October but we just returned from celebrating our 10 year anniversary in Europe (2 years late) last week. If you have time to check out my blog – I have the first 2 days of pictures up. Have a great day! Hugs, Trac~ :o)

aubrey - I so hope Underwear Lady reads blogs. So disgusting. Think she’s the same lady that turned a pair of men’s briefs into a sports bra? (Did you ever see that email floating around?)
Chicago looks fun–I’ve never been there and wouldn’t know what to do or where to go, so I’ll have to reference your blogposts about it if we ever do. 🙂

Julia - first time I’ve recoiled in horror whilst reading your blog – eew!
That stage U2 was on was amazing – do you think they take it with the where ever they go?

Sarah - It looks like you had a great time! Congrats – fifteen years is definitely something major in today’s society. I blew up that picture like you said and you’re right, it is unreal!

Jeannine - Happy Anniversary!
You two are adorable together =)
I just had to leave a comment to tell you how much I love your blog.
Thank you for letting us into your life!
You have to be one of the most amazing women ever.

Georgia - Awww looks like you had a fab time away!
Pics are lovely as usual xxx Oh and HaPPY Anniversary! 🙂

carissa... brown eyed fox - OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!! ya KNOW what i am referring too! mouth open! bless her heart Lord!
so that’s where you were! too fun!
AND what a celebration…
hAppY AnnIveRsArY…
15 years is very special!
what a time!
what great memories for your heart!
thanks for sharing ll your fun with us!

bopha - so, the lady, can that be for real, with the mismatched tube socks and all!