Dates on a Dime (Starry Night)

Air mattress

Sleeping Bags

Your spouse's favorite warm beverage

Delicious snacks

Electric blankets

Build Anticipation:

Schedule your date for a clear night with little or no moon. Tell your spouse they be dressing for a spectacular show on the date. On the day of the date, lay out warm clothes for your spouse to change into. Have your warm drinks in a thermos and your snacks in a cooler.

On the date:

Put the kids down and get your air mattress and blankets set up in the backyard. Choose someplace with as little ambient light as possible. (For all you over-achievers, remember to turn off the sprinklers.)

Challenge your spouse to a shooting star watching contest. Sounds boring, right? The truth is, it's kind of like fishing. It's only boring when you aren't catching fish.

On a typical dark night, a careful observer will see a shooting star about every 10 minutes. Use the time between shooting stars to reconnect with your spouse. Talk about how they are doing, feeling, and what's going on in their lives.

Be creative with the prize for whoever spots the most shooting stars.