Budget Date Nights

We all know to say "I love you" often. And we know we should spend time together. But when you've got a house full of kids, little money, and less time what do you do?

You keep a few easy, little planning required dates up your sleeve to pull out once a week.
Here are some ideas:

• Get a movie from the library or video store and watch it after the kids are in bed. Make a tasty dinner or dessert (or both) to have during your movie. Cook something the kids won't eat (or don't deserve, like steak).
• Go do something athletic, like swimming at the pool, running, playing tennis, the driving range, or whatever you enjoy.
• Go window shopping at the mall.
• Take a walk in a beautiful place, like a park or a pretty neighborhood.
• Take a picnic to a beach or a state park.
• Go see the tourist sites near you. Usually we take our kids these places, but wouldn't it be so nice to go without kids for once?
• Go to a play or musical production put on by a university or college near you. Often these performances are free or very inexpensive.
• Cook something together then eat it.
• Go lay out in the backyard wrapped up in blankets and look at the stars.
• Go out just to get dessert. A whole meal can be expensive, but dessert is more doable. Linger for as long as you like.
• Play card games or board games together or with another couple. Don't forget the snacks.
• Go sledding together. Bring hot drinks or visit a restaurant for hot cocoa afterward.

These are just a few ideas to get your brain thinking of nurturing the most important relationship you can ever have.