The Patio Date

This will probably be one of your most relaxing date nights! I find it hard to find time to have conversation with my spouse because  of work, kids, and everyday life. Sometimes I think, “We will never be able to go out EVER AGAIN!” But I found that the most time my spouse and I have with just the two of us, is when its bedtime for our little one. I am sure that is how a lot of people are who may have children.

Try the patio date!  Put the kids to bed, or lock them inside the house.  Yes, inside!  Go out to your patio with hot chocolate, or your favorite drink, and strike up a conversation.  This will give you the time to just be together and catch up on each other’s lives. It is also very convenient! Anyone couple can do this because it is so simple!

Relationship Reconnection:

While spending time with your spouse outside try to really connect with them by listening and being attentive. Talk about your past, your present, and your future. It is always good to plan out some of your future and also reminisce about the good times in your past. Make the conversation meaningful.

Pie Night

You can have a pie night any night or make it a pie day tradition every 3/14.  Serve everything as a pie dish, for example the main dish could be chicken pot pie, Shepard's pie, Pizza pie, etc.  For dessert try out a new pie recipe or stick to an old favorite.





Relationship Reconnection: Letting your spouse influence you is important in your relationship. Just like each ingredient in the pie is essential for the pie to turn out good, so it is with each ingredient that makes you and your spouse unique. Each quality that you or your spouse has is important in the relationship and is what makes the relationship work. As you eat talk about the different ingredients that make you unique and how they fit into your marriage relationship. Each of you talk about the qualities your spouse has and how they benefit the relationship.

First Friday Art Walks

First Friday lets you check out the beautiful, trendy, classical, and straight up weird art exhibits at galleries throughout the city. Enjoy the spirit and culture of downtown Phoenix as you mingle with other Valley residents and visitors. Tour art galleries and related venues from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. every First Friday of the month. Vendors, street performers, and food trucks make for a unique and upbeat scene.

Go to the website for this month's location:

http://artlinkphoenix.com/first-fridays/

Relationship Reconnection:
The power of empathy is key to a strong relationship.  Empathy requires compassion and compassion builds a bond.  This bond is what holds a relationship together.  One way to practice empathy is to give genuine attention when our spouse is speaking.  When you are genuinely listening, you are focusing on them and taking action to truly understand them.  Listen without focusing on your own response.  Truly listen.

Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo is an area landmark, and is the largest private non-profit zoo in the United States. With four differently themed areas, over 1,400 animals, and trails that wind through 125 acres of exhibits, the zoo is a must see for valley residents. Some of the premium experiences (which are at additional cost) include Stingray Bay, the Safari Train, camel rides, 4D Theater, and a giraffe encounter. The Isle of the Tiger showcases some of the less than 400 critically endangered Sumatran Tigers left in the world.

During the winter months, the Phoenix Zoo hosts ZooLights, with hundreds of colorful night time light displays after the animals have gone to bed.

455 N Galvin Pkwy
Phoenix, AZ 85008

http://phoenixzoo.org/

Relationship Reconnection:
Since you're getting an up close and personal view of the animals, it's time to get up close and personal with your relationship. According to Dr. John Gottman, it's important for couples to solve their solvable problems.  Working together to overcome situational dilemmas such as intimate preferences, who does what around the house, etc., can help alleviate tension in a marriage.  Accepting differences and habits, forgiving shortfalls and mistakes, and working out practical solutions for disagreements can improve your marriage and help you work together as couples should.

Oh so Sweet

This date will be sweet!  It's all about a little or a lot of indulgence, you decide.  Take your sweetie over to Karl's Quality Bakery for some mouth watering donuts, and their unique take on the popular Kronuts,filled Kronuts. Karl's Kronuts do require a small amount of planning.  They are sold Wednesday through Saturday only and generally sell out before lunch, check them out here.   Make life a little sweeter and enjoy a treat together.


111 E. Dunlap Ave #13
Phoenix, AZ 85020

photo courtesy of Whittaya Phonsawat at freedigitalphotos

Relationship Reconnection:

"Do Nut" forget to thank your spouse.  Thank yous are always welcome in a relationship and a great way to diffuse or just reconnect.  Thank your spouse for everything, even the little things they do.  No one will tire of being thanked.  It fosters an atmosphere of gratitude and makes them desire to keep doing things for you.  Making your relationship a little sweeter, one thank you at a time.

Quality Time Together

Take some time to just relax and be together. Watch a favorite movie, play a card game or just talk with each other. A fun video to watch together is Weird Things All Couples Do found here. This channel has a few videos about couples, and could be something relaxing to do together. Find time to be together, that is the key to a successful date. 

Revitalize that Relationship!

Sexual intimacy is an important part of a healthy marriage. Sexual relations isn’t just about the physical, but is very mental and emotional. Plan a night when you can spend time together without interruptions or other engagements. If you have children, find a babysitter and get a hotel room or arrange time so you can be together. 

Ice Skating

Let’s bring the winter to Phoenix! OK, I know it is almost impossible for that to happen. But, what if I told you there was a way?

Try Ice-skating with your spouse. Don’t know how? Take it slow.  At Ice Skating, there is a chance to go and experience a winter day. The link below is information on Cityskate at CityScape in downtwon Phoenix is a really great place to go ice-skating during the holidays.

http://www.phxicerink.com/

Photo from CitySkate

Relationship Reconnection:

While you and your spouse are ice-skating, if it is possible to hold hands while not falling do it! Sometimes life gets so crazy that we forget about the sweet physical touch of holding hands. Here is a chance to hold on for dear life if you have trouble skating! Also while you are together communicate about your everyday life. But most of all, have fun together! 

A Little Snappy

For this date all you need is your spouse, a camera, and the scenery around you.  It's time to practice your photography skills.  Rather you take photos of each other, the beautiful scenery, or set up a tripod and take pictures of you as a couple.  This is a fun way to spend time with each other and create some beautiful memories too.

Relationship Reconnection:
Since we are on a photo shoot here, let's talk about body language.  Our body language says a lot about us.  Leaning in when our spouse is talking or using eye contact shows a more genuine interest in what they have to say.  A simple pat on the leg or arm around the waist can speak volumes.  Take some time as you're out and about photographing, to use body language to express your love and appreciation for your spouse. Research shows that body language can show how much you value your spouse.

Fall in Love, with This Questionnaire

 

Okay, so you aren’t really going to fall in love with the questionnaire, but hopefully be more in love with your spouse. A study was done to explore intimacy levels between two strangers. During this study couples had a list of questions to ask and answer. They rated their intimacy level with their fellow participant before and after the questionnaire. Many couples rated their intimacy levels higher after engaging in the questionnaire together. It takes 20-30 minutes to ask each other these questions. It is a great way to spend time together, and get to know each other all over again.

Here is the link to the questions: 36 Questions

Papago Park and Hole in the Rock

Over 1,200 acres of nature trails, bike paths, water features, and a golf course make Papago Park a great place for a romantic stroll at sunset, or a picnic in the afternoon. Our favorite activity at Papago Park is to take the very short hike up to Hole in the Rock, which has a beautiful view of the Phoenix Valley below. The trails are not very challenging, and casual footwear is appropriate for most areas.

625 N. Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008

https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/papago-park

Relationship Reconnection:
See things from a different perspective. The power of positive thinking is important in relationships too.  We cannot rely on our relationships to make us happy and positive, but being happy and positive can improve our relationships.  Take time to talk about all the good/positive things in your life and relationship.  Being positive helps you look at things optimistically and gives you the fuel required to overcome challenges.  These are both important reasons to be positive and think positive in and about your relationship. This is a great way to reconnect.

Japanese Friendship Garden

Slow down and take time to relax and meditate together at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix (Ro Ho En). It is an authentic 3.5 acre Japanese garden with a tea garden and a traditional tea house. This tranquil setting features more than 1,500 tons of hand-picked rock, stone footbridges, lanterns and more than 50 varieties of plants. You can stroll among the flowing streams, view a 12-foot waterfall, and take in a Koi pond with over 300 colorful Koi fish.

1125 N. 3rd Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85003

http://www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org/

Relationship Reconnection
Take the time to really slow down and reconnect with your spouse, Hold hands, relax and enjoy strolling through the gardens.  Sometimes in life everything is rushed and we don't get the chance to really slow down and appreciate our spouse and the life we have created together.

Fort Night

Some nights it's nice to have a date night inside your own home, and sometimes it is necessary.  Make this date night special by building a fort together.  Take time building an elaborate fort together and more importantly have fun!  Once your fort is built, put on your favorite movie and cuddle up close together.  

Relationship Reconnection:

Turn toward each other.  Take the time to massage your spouse and make them feel how much you appreciate and love them. Show them don't tell them.  

Let's Skate and Roll

Roller skating rinks used to be a very popular place to hang out, but then they were replaced with ice skating rinks. Lucky for you and your spouse, roller rinks are coming back. There are many to choose from in the Phoenix area. Check out one of the best in the valley, Rollero Family Roller Skating Center. Check the schedule out here.  They are a cash only facility. 


Address:   7318 W Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85033 

Image Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

For more information visit:

Revitalize that Relationship!

In order to have fun and enjoy your spouse, you need to make sure you aren’t holding anything against them. Try and be as forgiving as possible when it comes to your relationship. Everyone is going to make mistakes in life. When you are finding it difficult to forgive, ask your spouse for help. Communication can be a big key to forgiveness. 

Service

This date night is a little different then the regular. This date requires service and selflessness. Together, you and your spouse will do random acts of kindness all over town. Even the littlest things can make a big impact in someone’s life. I have compiled a list that might be something you and your spouse would like to do together.  

• Leave kind notes
• Bake cookies for the neighbors
•   Visit the old folk’s home
•   Mow your neighbor’s lawn or rake their leaves

There are several things that can be done to help your community and neighbors. You will be surprised how great it feels to help others.

Another great place to look is justserve.org  it has lots of different service opportunities.

Relationship Reconnection:

Before, during, after, or whenever you can find the time. Try to know what is happening in your partner’s world. Sometimes we get so caught up with our own lives, we forget about people that are most important to us. Really communicate by asking each other questions and truly reconnect.

The Library-- Beyond the Check-out

There is more to do in a library besides checking out items. Below are a list of activities to do together that will cost nothing! This can also be done in a bookstore, and while there, grab some drinks or pastries.

1.     Find your favorite book as a child, then read them to each other.

2.     Look through some cookbooks and find a meal you would enjoy making together.

3.     Pick out a joke book and share the best ones with each other.

4.     Choose 3-4 random books. Have a conversation with each other, but only use lines from those books.

For information on your local libraries visit: Phoenix Public Library

Revitalize that Relationship!

Remember that marriage is give and take. Make sure to find time to talk with your spouse about the balance in your relationship. One person should not have to carry the whole load. Discuss the following points with each other:

-What do I do for my spouse on a daily, weekly, monthly basis?

-What does my spouse do for me on a daily, weekly, monthly basis?

-What do I appreciate most about my spouse?

-Ask your spouse, Where can I improve in our relationship?

Fondue for Two

Photo Courtesy of Aduldej at freedigitalphotos.net

Fondue is a fun and delicious way to spend an evening together.  Rather it's sweet or savory, fondue dipping can be such a fun and yummy date.  You can melt chocolate; milk, dark, white, as well as many cheeses too.  The skies the limit, whatever you enjoy.  Choose the fondue and the items to dip and enjoy a fun night together.

Relationship Reconnection:
Over fondue, have a couples year in review.  How has the year gone?  It's fun to look back and remember all the things that have happened, places you have been, struggles you have conquered, and memories you have made.  This will strengthen your marriage and help you look forward to another great year.

Rock Climbing Date

Take your spouse to AZ on the Rocks for an hour of rock climbing. This facility provides quality rock walls and professional instruction. Even if you’ve never climbed before you can go and learn together in a friendly environment. The facility also provides classes you could take together as well as membership offers if you’re really into climbing and want to make it a regular date.

Photo Credit:  AZontherocks.com

http://www.azontherocks.com/

6447 N 91st St #105 Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Relationship Reconnections:
Learning your spouse’s love map is important for making a marriage work. Just like rock climbing involves taking the right steps and learning to maneuver the rock wall to reach the top. Your spouse’s love map will help you to understand them better and learn more about them. 

Camelback Mountain

A hike up Camelback Mountain offers stunning views of the entire Phoenix Valley. It is centrally located, and offers two trails with different intensities. The Echo Canyon Trail is for experienced hikers/climbers who want a challenge, and may take 1.5-3 hours for inexperienced climbers. The Cholla Trail is easier for inexperienced hikers and provides a winding trail with beautiful views of Phoenix and Scottsdale, but the last 1/3 mile is still challenging if you decide to go all the way to the top. Be sure to bring lots of water and your camera!

Warning: The parking lot of the Echo Canyon trail fills quickly, and according to the city website,"Hikers cannot idle or park vehicles on McDonald Drive and Tatum Boulevard to wait for the gates to reopen. Police will ticket hikers who idle their cars on McDonald and will tow vehicles parked illegally on the street."

Cholla Trailhead: 6131 E Cholla Ln, Phoenix, AZ 85253

Echo Canyon Trailhead: 5700 North Echo Canyon Parkway, Phoenix,AZ 85018

https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/camelback-mountain#_=_



Relationship Reconnection:
Huffing and puffing is a part of your hike. Huffing and puffing is a part of our lives. When you get to the top and look down at the perfect views of the alligators, tell your partner what makes you huff and puff in life. Is there something they can do or you can do to release the stress? After you’ve shared a stress or two, share a Hug and Puff. What makes you so happy you want to hug your partner? What makes you so puffed with pride that you’re happy to call them yours?

The Ongoing Gratitude Date

When was the last time you thanked your spouse? For making the bed, helping with dishes, watching the children, or working all day? Now is the time to start thanking your spouse as part of your weekly date night. Have a notebook beside your bed or wherever you will remember to write in it. At the end of the day take one minute and write down a reason you are thankful for your spouse. It shouldn’t be the same every day. Sometime during your date night, share a few reason you are thankful for your spouse, and have them do the same. This is also a great time for communication. For example, “I’m grateful you took the kids while I finished dinner, if you could continue to do that when you can I would really appreciate it,” Your spouse can do the same with you. Being grateful shows that you see the good that your spouse is doing and not just seeing where they lack. This activity doesn’t have to be limited to just once a week, however, if you aren’t in the habit of expressing that gratitude, this is a great way to start!

Let's Fly

Sky venture Arizona

People love to skydive. I never really understood why, but I wanted to know what all the hype was about. If you have had similar feelings check out SkyVenture Arizona Indoor Skydiving. There is no stress of jumping out of a plane, or worrying about a parachute. With indoor skydiving, you are wearing a jump suit, googles and helmet, and are put in a vertical wind tunnel. It is safe, fun and gives you the same adrenaline rush as real skydiving. This is a great date to do with your spouse, and will give both of you and instant high for the rest of the day, and maybe even a few days after.

For more information visit: http://www.skyventureaz.com/

Relationship Reconnection!

Relationships have their ups and downs. It is part of life, and part of the learning experience. How do you view your spouse during easy and difficult times? How well do you handle positive and negative situations with your spouse? Discuss these questions with each other, and see where improvement can be made together. 

Spa Night In

The colder winter months can take a toll on our skin and hair causing dryness.  For this date, go ahead and buy a few scented oils and/or lotions and pamper each other.  Having a spa night and giving each other massages is a great way to hydrate, relax, and unwind.


Relationship Reconnection:
Now if a couple massage and spa night doesn't say reconnect, I don't know what does.  It's time to relax, unwind, and rejuvenate those feelings. Physical touch can do wonders for reconnecting and improving your relationship.

Swinging Good Time at Topgolf

Located near Talking Stick Resort, TopGolf is a very popular destination in the Scottsdale area. A multistory driving range allows for couples to keep score and challenge each other, or simply have fun whacking golf balls down the range. There are targets on the range, and a score keeping system that seems like a hybrid of golf and bowling. The restaurant has highly rated food and drinks, and the service is excellent. Although this is not a budget activity, it is very entertaining, and sure to be a memorable night.

9500 E Indian Bend Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85256

http://topgolf.com/us/riverwalk

Relationship Reconnection tip:

Take this time to have fun and learn more about each other. On each turn ask your spouse a question to expand your love map.  What is a love map?  What you know about your spouse. Dr. John Gottman teaches, “In knowledge there is strength. From knowledge springs not only love but the fortitude to weather marital storms. Couples who have detailed love maps of each other’s world are far better prepared to cope with stressful events and conflict.” 

Encanto Park

Named to Forbes Magazine's list of America's Best City Parks, go on a romantic walk through the 80 acre Encanto Park in central Phoenix. With beautifully landscaped trails and scenic bridges winding around the small lake, this can be an inexpensive but romantic outing.  From the City of Phoenix website,"Amenities include lighted handball/ racquetball, picnic area, playground, pool, lighted softball, recreation office, restrooms, lighted volleyball, lighted tennis courts, grills, fishing lagoon. The park also is home to Enchanted Island Amusement Park," which has several rides geared toward children under 10.

Located at:
2605 N 15th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85007

https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/parks/alphabetical/e-parks/encanto-park

Relationship Reconnection:

Dig deeper than the “our love is like a flower” … if your love is the flower, what is the soil that grounds you and keeps your deeper roots safe? What is your water? What keeps you and your partner’s love from drying up and eventually dying? What is your sun? What provides warmth and growth without ever really being a tangible element? We often bypass or don’t acknowledge what is keeping our relationship alive because like the air we breathe we take it for granted. Lets bring it to consciousness and appreciate how our partner creates elements that sustain and grow our love.

The Heard Museum of Native Cultures and Art

Immerse yourself in the heritage and living cultures and arts of the Native peoples of the Southwest. In contrast with traditional museums, the Heard Museum is not strictly a history museum. It is a living museum featuring a visually stunning collection of historical artifacts and contemporary art of Native cultures.

2301 North Central Ave.

Phoenix, AZ 85004

http://heard.org/

Relationship Reconnection:

Make this date night about your history.  Reminisce about how you met your spouse and talk about the life and story you have created.   John Gottman teaches, “Marriage isn’t just about raising kids, splitting chores, and making love.  It can also have a spiritual dimension that has to do with creating an inner life together –a culture rich with rituals and an appreciation for your roles and goals that link you, that lead you to understand what it means to be a part of the family you have become.”  What makes your marriage extraordinary, what would be in your history museum? 

Desert Botanical Garden

Have a relaxing walk and conversation through the 50 acres of the Desert Botanical Garden.  Enjoy hundreds of native plants as you stroll through the four distinct pathways of the garden.  Historical information is presented on the early inhabitants and explorers of the Sonoran Desert region, as well as detailed information about all of the plants and flowers.  Touring during the early spring time is best to view the greatest number of flowering desert plants.  Sunsets are particularly gorgeous against the backdrop of desert garden trails.

At certain times of the year special events are held, which may provide music, decorations, or additional entertainment.  Be sure to check the times in advances to ensure that you don't miss featured events.

The Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N. Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008

www.dbg.org

Relationship Connection: Use some free time prior to the date and make a playlist for your sweetie. While you both are strolling the Botanical Gardens holding hands listen to the mix your sweetie has made just for you. Music can express emotion without vocalizing. Music can take you back to your first dance as husband and wife. Music is a powerful tool use it for love.

Rappel Arizona

If you need something extra to really get the adrenaline pumping, then take your date to Rappel Arizona!  With ziplines, rappelling, rock climbing, and adventure ropes courses for people of all skill and fitness levels, these activities are sure to send your heart racing!  One of the most thrilling activities is the "Leap of Faith," where participants climb a 30 foot pole straight up, stand on top, and then (as the name implies) take a leap of faith off the top!  The zipline and ropes courses are held at locations throughout the valley, but generally rappelling adventures require traveling to an established rock climbing location.  Plan for at least a half day if you choose one of the rappelling adventures, and include travel time in your plans.

http://www.rappelarizona.com/

Relationship Connection:
Getting outside of your comfort zone allows you to see another side of your partner. Becoming vulnerable to new experiences keeps us humble and able to have fun and laugh together. It is nice to be on an even playing field with your partner where both are learning something new for the first time.

Rise and Shine

Photo Courtesy of Manostphoto at freedigitalphotos.net

Now, all dates don't have to be in the evening.  This is an early morning, before the kids are awake, date.  Bundle up with a cup of hot cocoa or hot apple cider in hand and watch the sun rise together.  It's an amazing sight to see the day just beginning with the one you love.


Relationship Reconnection:
While the sun is rising, talk about things that are on each of your bucket lists for the Holiday season.  Make some plans together to be able to mark some of these off.  Making plans and accomplishing things together is a great way to feel a continual connection.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot air balloon rides are becoming extremely popular in the outskirts of the Phoenix Valley.  At our most recent count, over 15 different companies are offering hot air balloon services in the area.  You can book a basic package that includes the balloon flight over the beautiful Sonoran Desert, or book one of the premium packages that include champagne, gourmet meals upon landing, and premium transportation to and from the balloon site.  Several companies are willing to accommodate special requests.  For a truly memorable evening, or an exciting early morning, a hot air balloon ride is sure to be an experience that you and your date will never forget.

Google search "Hot Air Balloon Rides Phoenix," or see the list of balloonists on TripAdvisor.



Relationship Reconnection:
In a hot air balloon far away from the ground we see things in a whole new perspective.  In our marriages we can both have different perspectives of things. Often times it is hard to see things from our spouses perspective so it can cause conflict.  Try taking a step back and understanding your spouse and seeing things from their perspective.

Photo Scavenger Hunt

photo courtesy of http://mattpwnsall.deviantart.com/
art/Alphabet-Scavenger-Hunt-163297832

For this date you will need a digital camera or your smart phone and your imagination. You are going
 to go on a photo scavenger hunt. The object is that you must find something that begins with each letter of the alphabet! Take a picture of it as proof that you found it. Make sure that you take most of the pictures with one or both of you in it. That’s more fun for posterity purposes. When you are done you can make a photo collage of your findings! 

You might want to see if you can find everything on one given street – perhaps downtown where there are a lot of shops…

Another twist you can put on it…go to a toy store, split up, and race the clock finding everything in the store. The sky is the limit. Have fun!

This date can be fun done in a group as well. If you choose to do it as a group, set a time limit and report back to your starting point at a given time – perhaps an hour later. 

Relationship Reconnection:

Buy a treat for yourselves and while you are enjoying it answer these questions…you answer for your spouse…this is to see how well you know each other. Talk about something you wouldn’t normally think to talk about. Perhaps these questions will lead to others.

Of all the people we both know, who do I like the least?

Do I have a secret ambition? What is it?

Time Travel

Let’s face it, you and your spouse are very different! We are just not wired the same. Sometimes we may think, why does my spouse have such a different viewpoint then I do on, money, sports, dating, time management, work, etc.?  Sometimes we have to put ourselves in our spouse shoes to understand understanding of certain topics. Let’s go back in time and see where our spouse has came from!

Option 1: If you live somewhat close to the houses you and your spouse grew up in, take a trip together and look at your old house. While you are there, talk about your memories there and what life was like in the house. This may give you an understanding where they have come from and why your spouse has different viewpoints.

Option 2: If you have them, watch home videos of each other growing up. Share with each other memories of what it was like growing up with your family. This may give you and your spouse understanding where each other have come from and different viewpoints.

Relationship Reconnection:

After you are done either watching home videos, or visiting the homes you and your spouse grew up in, talk about each other’s memories and thoughts on how you grew up. Share what was the number one thing that you learned growing up in your family with each other.

This might be an “AHA” or “No Wonder” experience for both you and your spouse. This will help you find understanding and empathy for each other. Embrace the differences between you and your spouse, they make your marriage fun and unique!

Recreate the First Date

It is time to show your fondness and admiration toward your spouse. This might not be everyone but for me and my spouse, things changed when we got married. We had so much fun when we were dating because we had those lovey dovey butterflies in our tummies. This date will hopefully bring back those emotions. Recreate your first date! If you went to dinner and played mini golf, do it! If you went for a picnic, do it! Reflect back on your dating years and enjoy each other’s company.

If your fondness and admiration are being chipped away, the route to bringing them back always begins with realizing how valuable they are. They are crucial to the long-tern happiness of a relationship because they prevent contempt from becoming an overwhelming presence in your life. The better in touch you are with your deep positive feelings for each other, the less likely you are to act contemptuous of your spouse when you have a deference of opinion.

Relationship Reconnection: Make your relationship a realm in which you and your partner exchange compliments often, and demonstrate how much you admire each other. This is a great way to create a generous, positive relationship.

Musical Instrument Museum

Rated #1 on the TripAdvisor 2015 list of "Things to do in Phoenix," the Musical Instrument Museum holds hours of fun for music aficionados and history buffs.  Interactive displays and historical instruments from around the world will make for an interesting and educational date night.

4725 E Mayo Blvd
Phoenix, AZ 85050

http://mim.org/



Relationship Reconnection:
Now it's time to just be present and spend some quality fun time together. Ask each other what instrument best describe your relationship?  You could even pick one out in each section.  Enjoy each others explanations and company. Understanding each others views of your relationship is a great way to reconnect.

Blackout

Photo Courtesy of Marin at Freedigitalphotos.net

Blackout is the theme of this date.  Light a candle or start a fire in the fireplace.  Turn off all the lights and all electronics too.  Snuggle up and tell ghost stories, or just chat.  Of course sharing a yummy treat is always encouraged.

Relationship Reconnection:
The key to this date is just spending some quite down time alone.  No distractions allowed.  Talking and snuggling are great for reconnecting.  Talk about hopes and dreams.  Looking forward to things in the future together will strengthen your relationship.

I Choo-Choo-Choose You

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, located in the heart of Scottsdale, is the most unique park of its kind in the country.  Take a ride on the Paradise and Pacific Railroad and antique carousel. Visit a variety of shops and museum or play in one of the spacious playgrounds.  Pack a picnic lunch or just relax in the grass under a tree or in a one of the park's picnic ramadas.

Photo credit: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Train rides are only $2.00 a person.  Check the website for current season hours.

http://www.therailroadpark.com/

7301 E. Indian Bend Road Scottsdale AZ 85250

Relationship Reconnection:
While you’re on your nostalgic train ride talk about child-like things. Does your spouse know what you wanted to be when you were 5 or 6? What was your favorite toy? Imaginary friends? Since the train isn’t very private keep the conversation light! Have children? Do you see any similarities between how you were at their age and how they are now?

Horseback Riding Mountain Trails

"You are in the desert southwest, experiencing it, and seeing it the way it was meant to be seen... on the back of a horse." The Ponderosa Livery Stable offers horse rentals and guided trail rides through South Mountain Park. For an additional fee you will also be provided with a steak dinner at the conclusion of your trail ride at T-Bone Steakhouse. If you're looking to get outdoors and see the beauty of the desert mountains and wildlife, a horseback ride with Ponderosa Stables is one of the best ways to do it.

10215 South Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85042

http://www.arizona-horses.com/

Relationship Reconnection:
Since you are taking a casual ride, why not have a casual talk too.  How about a talk about each others hobbies, how you can support each other with them, and maybe even discover a few you can plan to do together.  Talking and supporting each other helps you bond as a couple and can strengthen your marriage.

Cupcake Wars

Who doesn’t enjoy a little friendly competition and yummy dessert?  For this date you can do it at home after the kids have gone to bed.  Make sure you have an ample supply of cupcakes, frosting, decorations and of course sprinkles.

Decoration ideas:

·       Chocolate chips
·       Licorice
·       Marshmallows
·       Skittles
·       M&M’s
·       Graham crackers
·       Animal crackers
·       Teddy grahams
·       Cookies
·       Chocolate chips
·       Food coloring
·       Any kind of candy—peach rings, gummy sharks, gummy worms, gummy bears,  watermelon candy, etc

Come up with a theme and start decorating!

Theme ideas:

·       Your biggest dream
·       Your spouse’s dream
·       How you met your spouse
·       Your first date
·       Best Vacation you went on
·       Best describe your spouse
·       Best describe your family

Relationship Reconnection

Take this time to talk about your dreams and goals in life.  Our spouses are not mind readers and don’t know what our dreams and goals are if we don’t talk them. By talking about our dreams and goals and the meaning behind them we can help each other achieve their dreams.