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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Buffalo Chip Saloon

If you're looking for a night out that's a true Southwestern experience, this is it. The Buffalo Chip Saloon in Cave Creek is an old west style bar, that also features live bull riding with real cowboys (not the kind that ride the mechanical bulls at other places) on Wednesdays and Fridays. Just watch your step, not all of the buffalo chips are dry.

UPDATE: The Buffalo Chip Saloon experienced a devastating fire on 11/26/2015 and is closed until further notice. To make a donation to help the employees of "the Chip" go to their website http://www.buffalochipsaloon.com/
6811 E. Cave Creek Rd.
Cave Creek, AZ 85331

http://www.buffalochipsaloon.com/

Relationship Reconnection:
After the date ask your spouse what they need from you.  Talk about what support they need, and how you can best help them accomplish their goals. Sharing with each other ways in which you can support each other, will keep your marriage fresh and alive.