A Day Out with the Girls

For Christmas this year I bought my honorary nieces a day out with their favorite "Aunt." I gave them each a gift card to Chick-fil-a, a movie ticket, and a Barnes and Noble gift certificate. The girls are 9, 6 and 5, and we had a blast. Of course, I think the parents that I borrowed the girls from were more excited about having the days to themselves. I'm glad I brought the 9 year old, because she hung out with me the entire day, while the 6 year old and 5 year old entertained each other.


We only had minor conflict. There were some accusations of cheating during a footrace, but it was only because the 5 year old is much shorter than the 6 year old. I had to explain that being taller is not "cheating." They sorted it out, and we enjoyed the movie "The Spiderwick Chronicles". Both girls shared my chair for the entire movie as it was quite scary.

At the bookstore we scouted around for books. Princesses and Berenstein Bears were the big winners. And at the end the youngest girl said "It was nice going on a date with you." Awwww. It's nice to have created memories like this for the girls, and for me.

Third Thursdays at Tempe Marketplace

As if there weren't all ready enough; a new shopping center has sprung up in Tempe. I have to admit after walking around the Marketplace tonight, I thoroughly enjoyed the set up, with the brick walkways, water features, and even an outdoor fireplace! (I know it's Arizona, but in the fall and winter, an outdoor fireplace makes a nice, romantic touch.) There are several great restaurants, tons of shopping, a gelato shop, a Harkins Cine Capri, and even a Dave & Busters if you feel like gaming.



Every Third Thursday the Edge 103.9 is going to have a live band (or 2) playing in the open air amphitheater. The event is sponsored by Budweiser, so there is beer to purchase. All in all, not a bad way to spend a Thursday, wandering through the shopping center, drinking a beer, and listening to great music. Tonight's band was Authority Zero, a national band that started right here in AZ! It's always great when the local guys make it big. I'm looking forward to spending many more 3rd Thursdays at the Marketplace, especially with the excellent weather Arizona is currently enjoying!