Game Night Competition

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Many family households nowadays have some sort of gaming systems, or even board games. Tonight it would be fun to create a little friendly competition between you and your spouse! There are many different games such as board games, video games, card games, etc. that you can choose from.

Work together and choose 3 games, of the various choices listed above, and have a little tournament with each other. Best 2 out of 3 wins! You can always add more, but this is a good start. Just remember that this is friendly competition; we don’t want negative feelings or words entered into the experience otherwise it will significantly lower the enjoyment.

Don’t Forget to Reconnect!

To reconnect during this game night, talk about each of your absolute top date nights you have ever gone on together. It is always fun to reminisce and recall those happy memories! Each of your favorites does not have to be the same, and it is likely that you will each think of a different one. Talk about why this was your favorite, and if you can, try and recreate these date nights again some time in the future! It never hurts to repeat a date night, and it can be fun to get all excited about the planning and details all over again!

Bonding Over Music

Picture courtesy of,
http://www.confettidaydreams.com/rocking
-the-country-engagement-shoot/

For this weeks date night, learn an instrument together. This date may take up several date nights, because learning an instrument together takes time. Learning a new skill together is a great way to have something in common, it gives you the opportunity to share interests with each other, and can give you the satisfaction of accomplishing something together. Though this is a great date night activity, this date actually provides more than just “something to do.” This activity can aid in strengthening your marriage. Henry Ford said, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is a process. Working together is success.” You started your life together by getting married, doing weekly date nights is the “keeping together” part of the process.

The Portland Japanese Garden

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The Portland Japanese Garden is a unique place to visit. The meticulously manicured garden features 5 different garden themes - the Flat Garden, the Strolling Pond Garden, the Tea Garden, the Natural Garden, and the Sand and Stone Garden. Visiting the Portland Japanese Garden will be a tranquil, serene, eye-pleasing, heart-pleasing experience for both you and your spouse. Check out their website http://japanesegarden.com/ for information about hours and pricing. It will reopen in a few weeks (on March 1, 2016) so start planning that zen date now.

Relationship Tip:

How do you express love to your spouse? There are so many different ways to do this, and hopefully the longer you are married, the better you will be at recognizing the best ways you can express your love for them. The important thing is that you express your love and gratitude often. Take some time to watch this clip on expressions of love with your spouse.  

Mount Tabor City Park

Photo Courtesy of Diana T. at Yelp.com

Mount Tabor City Park is a dormant volcano that hosts three small reservoirs for the city of Portland. Park at the base of the mountain and hike up with your spouse for some amazing views of the city and outlying country areas! Meander through the trails in the park or take a picnic and eat together at the park. Remember to take your camera and hike up the column at the top of the park for some spectacular shots of Portland! Visit this website for more information about the park.

Relationship Reconnection:

How do you express love to your spouse? There are so many different ways to do this, and hopefully the longer you are married, the better you will be at recognizing the best ways you can express your love for them. The important thing is that you express your love and gratitude often. Take some time to watch this clip on expressions of love with your spouse. 

Disc Golf

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This game uses a disc that is shaped very similar to a Frisbee. Individual players take turns throwing the flying disc into a basket or a target. The courses are designed kind of like an outdoor golf course with either 9 or 18 "holes," or disc baskets. The object of the game is to have the fewest amount of throws of the disc by the end of the game. It’s great fun! 

The Portland area has multiple disc golf courses which are all very scenic and enjoyable to walk through. Check out this map at oregondiscgolf.com for the locations of the disc golf courses in the area. You can purchase the proper disc golf discs at websites like Amazon. The discs are a little smaller and heavier than regular Frisbee's so take time to get a proper disc before playing. 

Relationship Reconnection:

At each hole try and throw the disc in a fun way. Try throwing under the leg, spinning around, while standing backwards, or with your eyes closed and have the other person be the guide and tell you where to throw. Playing the game in this way will challenge you both and demonstrate how well you communicate together. The key is to avoid conflict and work together to get the disc to the proper goal point. There is no winner in this game - you both have to reach the end together!

The Portland Timbers

Photo Courtesy of www.timbers.com

The Timbers are Portland's MLS soccer team. They are playing numerous games between now and October 23rd. Check out their website to get game information and buy tickets online. Then, head on over to PGE park and watch the Timbers play! Rain or shine they will play, so in the winter and spring be prepared for rainy or cool weather. 

Relationship Reconnection:

While the weather might be chilly and wet you and your spouse should cuddle up to stay warm and dry. If the other person doesn't know the rules, take the time to explain and allow them to ask questions. Teach them about the best player. Have some fun pretending like you are both playing the game, try to predict what will happen next and see if you end up right. Be playful and have fun! You don't just want to sit there quietly - enjoy one another, and don't forget to hold hands. 

Buffalo Wild Wings

Photo Courtesy of buffalowildwings.com

This American sports bar chain offers a wide variety of traditional or boneless wings flavored with your choice of their signature sauces or dry seasonings.  Large flat screen TV’s cover the walls showing all types of sports from football, baseball, basketball, hockey, MMA, or any other competition you’d want to watch. A full service bar is also available. Wings aren’t the only thing to eat there. Check out their appetizer section for items like fried pickles, soft pretzels, or ultimate nachos. Besides the wings, their burgers and sandwiches are also popular orders. If you both like sports, go at a time when a game you both want to watch will be playing. Place your orders and sit back and enjoy the carefree atmosphere. Don’t talk about any of life’s problems on this date. Watch the game together. 

During the commercial breaks, play the newlywed game. Both of you read the same question and write down your answer on a napkin (Bring a couple pens to the restaurant in order to play this game). Show each other your answers at the same time and see if you answered right.

1. For both: When your spouse says, “Honey, they’re playing our song,” what song is playing?
2.  For the husband: Your wife is waiting at the doctor’s office. Which magazine will she read? Scientific American, Good Housekeeping, People, Field and Stream, or Glamour? For the wife: Answer about yourself. 
3. For the husband: If you told your wife that tomorrow you would do any one item from her Honey-Do list, what would she choose? For the wife: What item from your Honey-Do list would you most like your husband to do? 
4. For the husband: What was the breed and name of her childhood pet? Wife: Answer about yourself. 
5. For the wife: Is your car rear, front, or all-wheel drive? For the husband: What will she say it is? 
6. For both: When was the last time you and your spouse had a long passionate kiss?   
7. For wife: If your husband had $100 to spend on anything he wanted, what would he buy? For the husband: If you had $100 to spend on anything you wanted, what would you buy?     
8. For both: What is your spouse’s comfort food? 
9. For both: Who did the planning for the honeymoon?
10. For both: Which of these does your spouse have the most of - sense of humor, sense of time, sense of adventure, common sense? 

Source: http://buzzkenya.com/funny-newlywed-game-questions/

Check out Buffalo Wild Wings here: http://www.buffalowildwings.com/en/

Winterhawks Hockey Game

Photo Courtesy of en.wikipedia.org

The season is in full swing for the Winterhawks. Come support Portland's professional hockey team and see them play in action! The season runs from now until March 20th so there is still time to catch a game with your spouse. Check their website for upcoming games, times, and tickets. 

Relationship Reconnection:

Relationships are all about learning and growing together. As you drive to and from the date discuss one thing each of you have learned today. Learning new things and sharing them with each other is a great way to reconnect.

Archery

Photo Courtesy of Stuart Miles at freedigitalphotos.net

Trackers Portland (located in Tigard) offers drop-in archery times (limited, so check website) as well as classes and lessons, so if you enjoy your date you might want to sign up for a class to take together. After the archery range head over to Red Lobster (near Washington Square Mall) where they feature delicious seafood and other culinary treats!

Just as arrows fly during archery, so our words, feelings, thoughts and attitudes "fly" in our marriages, sometimes wounding those we love. Take steps to avoid hurting each other in the future. During dinner, consider discussing the following questions:

• How can we avoid hurting each other with our words or actions? 
• Are there any changes we could implement now to ward off disaster later?
• What practical steps can we take as a couple to “affair-proof” our marriage? 

Make a plan and decide what steps you and your spouse will take to “affair-proof” your marriage.

Rose City Ceramics

Photo Courtesy of Yelp.com

Feeing artsy? Want to do an activity that is low-key and relaxing? Head on over to Rose City Ceramics in either Beaverton or Clackamas and spend an evening painting with your spouse. You can pick from dozens of shapes and designs that are all ready to be painted. Then, sit and relax with your spouse while you both paint a masterpiece together! Visit their website for hours of operation, locations, and other details. 

Relationship Reconnection:

Did you know that the experiences you both had during childhood can have a great impact on your marriage? This article on thrivingfamily.com talks about how the experiences you each had growing up may be the cause of some of your differences. Most likely, you both grew up in homes that handled things differently. Read through this article and think about how your childhood has impacted the person you are, and share your childhood memories with your spouse. Learn about how they grew up and how that formed them into the person they have become. As you strive to learn about each other’s pasts, you will become more connected in the future!

The Portland Rock Gym

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The Portland Rock Gym is the place to go for the adrenaline rush of rock climbing! The gym features up to 120 routes, 180-200 boulder problems, 7 True Blue auto-belay systems, finger and system boards, a weight room and yoga classes. It also has a cafe in-house so you can take a break and get a bite to eat with your spouse before heading up the walls again. For more information, check out their website here. 

Relationship Reconnection:

Rock Climbing takes a lot of trust in the person belaying you. As you think back to your climbing experience, think about trust in your marriage. How important is trust? What can you both do to increase the trust in your marriage?

Portland Walking Tour

Photo Courtesy of travelportland.com

The award-winning Portland Walking Tours will surprise you and your spouse with fun and interesting (and yes, sometimes weird) facts about Portland and its past. Their website offers seven different tours. You can choose from the following for an afternoon or evening of adventure, mystery, exercise, food-tasting, and/or dessert:

• Cultural Tour: Best of Portland. I have been on this tour and was fascinated at all of the interesting and new information I learned about Portland! This tour gives you an overview of the city and some of its unique features. Take you camera - you'll want to capture some of the many statues (including Portlandia), sculptures, and Benson Bubblers on film (to name a few).
• Sub-Cultural Tour: Underground Portland. A twist on the basic tour - you will get a look at Portland's shady past and learn about the history of Shanghaiing in Portland. 
• Paranormal Tour: Beyond Bizarre. This tour was was featured previously in the blog here.
• Culinary Tour: Epicurean Excursion. Calling all "foodies!" This tour is the perfect fit for the food fanatic (or those who just enjoy a variety of excellent culinary choices). You and your spouse will get to visit between 7-9 various vendors in Portland. It promises to expose you to some of the best food options in town!
• Food Cart Tour: Flavor Street. Portland is known for its food cart vendors - some are amazing, some not so good. How do you know which to pick? Come take this tour and they will surprise you with maybe a cart or two (or more) that you had no idea offered food that was so delicious! 
• Indulgent Tour: Chocolate Decadence. Another of Portland's best kept secrets are the 30+ artisan chocolatiers found in the city. This tour runs only on Saturday and Sunday at 3:30pm and has limited space, so reserve early. During the 2 1/2 hours of the tour you will taste chocolate in many forms and flavors! A favorite among all of the tours offered, take a little time to enjoy a sweet treat with your sweet heart! 
• Cocktails, Beer, Cider and Wine Tour: We Got Tipsy in Portland. The title of this tour speaks for itself. Portland is known for its many unique breweries. Those interested should sign up early as it usually sells out. 

Relationship Reconnection: 

During your tour, as you walk from place to place, take time to share with each other places you want to travel together. Would you want to go alone or take your children? How long would you want to be gone?  Do you want to stay in a hostel or a hotel? Enjoy planning your pretend trip as you learn more about Portland, its culture, and its unique history and lifestyle.

Oregon Zoo

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There is so much to see and experience at the Oregon Zoo. From bears to orangutans to crocodiles to elephants to lions to eagles to sea lions to tigers (and many, many more) come find your favorite animal at the zoo! Take some time to ride the zoo train (it is closed now for remodeling and will open summer 2016) down to Washington Park and back. Check out their website for their summer concert schedule, keeper chats and animal feedings. You can view their website here.

Relationship Reconnection:

Relationships are strengthened by seeking out the positive in each other. As you walk around the zoo see how many good things you can think of about each other. When we focus on the good in a person, we are much less likely to become irritated or annoyed with them. Focusing on their positive qualities can help you reconnect and foster love and compassion.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries

The first Five Guys Burgers opened in 1986 in Arlington, VA and was voted #1 burger in the metro area. It has now expanded to over 1,000 locations. One of the reasons why the food is so fresh is that nothing is ever frozen, only cooled. They use their ingredients quickly and the burgers are made to order. There are over 250,000 different ways you can customize your burger. You can also watch the employees cooking your food and how they handle it-right in front of you. The fries are hand cut and cooked in peanut oil which adds a unique flavor and texture. They also come in large portions. Customers frequently consider the small fries to be enough for two people to share.



Relationship Reconnection:

As you enjoy your customized burgers and Cajun Fries, play "20 Questions"- but with a twist. One of you pick a favorite memory of you two but don’t tell the other what it is. The other has to guess the memory by asking less than 20 yes/no questions. Think of fun dates, memorable holidays, favorite vacations, romantic nights, etc.

Check out their website for details: http://www.fiveguys.com/

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 (and entertaining) to do together. Finding time to be together 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 also 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. 

A Little Snappy

Photo Courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net

For this date all you need is your spouse, a camera, and the scenery around you. It's time to practice your photography skills. Find a peaceful park, a scenic lake, or a gorgeous waterfall and 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 an 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.

De-Stress at Der Rheinlander's Restaurant

Photo Courtesy of Yelp.com

Need a break and a chance to decompress? In the mood for a little taste of Germany tonight? Head on over to Der Rheinlander - one of Portland's iconic restaurants! Enjoy your dinner in an authentic German-style atmosphere complete with an accordion player in lederhosen and a wait staff donned in cultural attire. The food is amazing - do not forget to order the fondue -it is some of the best in town! Also, you won't be disappointed with the variety they offer for main courses - ask your waiter/ress what they recommend. Top off the experience with either some apple strudel or chocolate mousse. You will leave feeling full, delighted, and full of anticipation for your next visit! 

Der Rheinlander

5035 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213 

(503) 288-5503

Relationship Reconnection:

Another way to lower your stress level is to practice what John Gottman calls a stress-reducing conversation! This means having a 20 minute chat about how your day went. Having these type of conversations in your marriage help manage stresses that come into your life. Learning how to manage your stress and trying to keep everyday pressure and tension from spilling over into your relationship can help you keep a solid marriage. The purpose of this daily conversation is to handle stress OUTSIDE of your marriage- not to deal with problems within your relationship.  

Keep these pointers in mind as you chat:

1. Take turns. Give one another the chance to talk for ten or fifteen minutes uninterrupted, even if it's all complaints (but not complaints about each other).
2. Don't give unsolicited advice. Don't play mechanic and try to fix the problem. Simply listen to understand.
3. Show genuine interest. While your spouse talks, stay focused on him or her. You can let him or her know you're truly present by nodding, smiling, grimacing, asking for details, etc.
4. Communicate your understanding. Let your partner know you understand. Show empathy with expressions such as, "Wow, it sounds like that was really painful."
5. Take your spouse's side. Be supportive, even if his or her perspective seems unreasonable.
6. Express a "we're-a-team" attitude. Let your spouse know that you're in all situations and dilemmas together. He or she is not alone. Express solidarity.
7. Express affection. Hold, touch, and embrace your mate. Tell him or her "I love you" often.
8. Validate emotions. Respond to your partner in ways that confirm his or her feelings are important to you. For example, "I can see why you're so upset." "That would have annoyed me too." "No wonder you're sad." 

Source: Stress Reducing Conversation

Family Fun Center and Bullwinkle's Restaurant

Photo Courtesy of Yelp.com

Get some indoor (and outdoor, weather permitting) fun at the Family Fun Center and Bullwinkle's Restaurant in Wilsonville, Oregon. Attractions include over 100 arcade games, laser tag, zip line (outdoor), mini golf (outdoor), batting cages (outdoor), go karts (outdoor), concessions and restaurant, and an interactive gaming ride (battle against other players in XD Dark Ride to blast onscreen villains with laser blasters). Take a break and eat at their in-house restaurant, Bullwinkles. Then, get back in the action for some heart-stopping fun and adventure! Visit their website here for more information including hours, pricing, and special offers.

Relationship Reconnection:

Relationships are about opening up, relating, and constantly learning more about one another. Here's a simple question to get you opening up and talking. "If you had to pick one T.V. show that best summed up your day what would it be and why?" Take turns answering this question and learning a little more about one another.

Walk the Waterfront

Photo Courtesy of Chuck Felix at freedigitalphotos.net

The Governor Tom McCall Waterfront park in downtown Portland is beautiful, any time of day, any time of year. Park at any one of the Smart Parks (for locations click here) or ride the MAX line in. Head down to the water front, take your spouses hand, and enjoy the sites of city and the water. For a longer stroll, head on over the Steel bridge and walk the other side of the Willamette (the Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade) down to the Burnside bridge and cross back over to head for dessert in the city. If you drove you car, take time to drive a little ways to Papa Haydn's for a divine dessert selection! Here is their dessert menu. A favorite among Portlandians, Papa Haydn's dessert menu has a variety of pies, cakes, cheesecakes, and other sweets that you and your spouse can delight in together.

Relationship Reconnection:

On this particular date it is important that a couple tries to nourish their relationship. As you are walking around ask each other:

What is your favorite color?

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

Where is most romantic place to be?

To keep your romance alive what can you each do?

You don't need to spend a lot of money, but as you enjoy your stroll through town, you do need to rekindle your love!

Your Love is Like Pictures - It's Worth a Thousand Words

Photo Courtesy of Nolan Conley Photography

There is great meaning to having pictures, as pictures are worth a thousand words. Take your spouse and go get some updated pictures taken of just the two of you. It is great to have many things captured on camera but you cannot forget to have some you two. This is a good way to see how you have each changed throughout the years, and even for the years to come. Try making this a yearly tradition. You could make it a tradition for your anniversary or you could dress back up in your wedding attire and “re-create” the love that started it all. Be creative but don’t forget to capture those moments that have lasting meaning in your relationship.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/life/images/attachement/jpg/site1/20131008/00221910da6c13bda1fe04.jpg

Dress up like you are still madly in love 

and have fun capturing another lasting moment.

http://slodive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/engagement-picture-ideas/taking-the-plunge.jpg

Take a plunge underwater and capture a picture that really is worth a thousand words!

You don't always need to take traditional photos 

Be unique and think outside of the box.

The skill to learn is weekly one-on-one couple time. Researchers Bradford Wilcox and Jeffery Dew found the association between couple time and marital quality couple time. Highly committed wives increase their odds of being very happy in their marriage by about 91 percent if they enjoyed couple time at least once a week, compared to less than that overall. It also showed couple time was associated with an increase in their odds of being very happy in their marriage.

This concept is especially important for couples with less commitment to one another and who therefore potentially depend more on one-on-one couple time to keep the spark alive in their relationship. Let your love last forever just like the pictures you have to treasure all the years to come.

This research is from:

The Date Night Opportunity - What does time tell us

W. Bradford Wilcox & Jeffrey Dew

A French Twist

Photo Courtesy of digitalart at freedigitalphotos.net

Ooh la la! The French people are known for being romantic. Spice things up by going out for breakfast, lunch or dinner at La Provence. An authentic French restaurant with a cozy, romantic atmosphere, delectable dishes, hand-made croissants (made in-house), and sweet desserts, you and your spouse will feel the romance heating up a notch as you dine French style. La Provence has 5 locations in the Portland area. Visit La Provence to view their menus, pricing, and hours.

Photo Courtesy of  Serge Bertasius Photography at freedigitalphotos.net

Relationship Reconnection:

What do you think your strengths are as a married couple? What are your weaknesses? How can you improve your weaknesses? Discuss together what you need to work on as a couple and make a plan to work on some of the weaknesses in your marriage.

Toss those Routines out the Window for a Night

Photo Courtesy of mrsiraphol at freedigitalphotos.net

Tom's Pancake House in Beaverton and the Original Pancake House in Portland offer breakfast all day. Try something different and have breakfast for dinner!

It is easy to get stuck in the "married routine trap." The routine kiss goodbye, packing a lunch, grocery shopping, family dinners, putting kids to bed, watching TV, and even intimacy can get routine if we're not careful. Sometimes a marriage could use a good spontaneity.  

Just like these restaurants, serving breakfast all day is a big perk to customers. Why? Eating eggs and pancakes at dinner time is not routine! It gives your taste buds a change and it is also so delicious. 

How can you bring spontaneity into your marriage? What routines in your life need a little mix up? More importantly, what does the spontaneity communicating to your spouse? It can say "Hey! I am crazy about you! You are more than just my business partner that lives under the same roof. You are my best friend, lover, and companion."

Here are some spontaneous ideas to do on your date, to get your creative juices flowing.

• Turn up the radio and dance together.
• Kiss. Kiss hard, and mean it.
• Put some lingerie on underneath your clothes. 
• Drive around and get lost.
• Find a place to "park."
• Show up to your spouse's work before the date with a small gift and card letting them know you are looking forward to your time together alone.
• Dress up extra fancy.
• Go to an airport and have an "airport scene."
• Have a karaoke sing along in the car. 
• Make a playlist especially for the date. 
• Dress up extra nerdy. Fanny pack, high socks, and take pictures.
• Go to the thrift store to prepare for the activity above.
• From the restaurant, flip a quarter (heads, left; tails right) to determine where you'll go next. 
• The usual driver gets in the passenger seat.

As silly and childish this may seem - it all boils down to one word. Effort. You are showing your spouse you don't take them for granted and you are going to go a little out of your routine comfort zone to prove it. 

With all the nurturing of emotional intimacy, the odds are high that physical intimacy will happen too! Everybody wins. 

Window Shopping

I don’t know about you but my husband and I really like to go window shopping together. It helps us know what each other’s tastes are and we have a great time together. Make sure you hold hands while walking. Whether you like antiques or a more modern look Portland has it for you. 10best.com has a list of the top 10 antique malls in the area. You can access that link here, http://www.10best.com/destinations/oregon/portland/shopping/antique-shops/.

Photo Courtesy of stockimages at freedigitalphoto.net

Or, take the MAX train (or drive) out to IKEA and browse the enormous selection they have of home goods and furnishings. Plan your dream room together. Then stop by their cafe and be sure to try the Swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes! For information on IKEA, try their website here.

Relationship Reconnection:

While you eat ask your spouse, "Out of everything you saw today what did you like the most and why?" Or, if there was something there that you both liked decide together how you will budget for it. If you did not find anything, what do you want to look for next time?

The Ongoing Gratitude Date

Photo Courtesy of Stuart Miles at freedigitalphotos.net

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 reasons 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!

The Portland Opera

Photo Courtesy of Stuart Miles at freedigitalphotos.net

How about getting all dressed up for this date? It can be fun sometimes to be a little more formal. The Portland Opera is a perfect date to do just that. Hold hands and enjoy the show! You could even add dinner before at you favorite downtown restaurant. The shows and events change monthly. Get all the details here.

Relationship Reconnection:

Since you're being a little more formal on this date, take time to discuss a more serious topic. Talk about how you have worked together to overcome conflicts in your marriage and/or family. These topics can be a little sensitive, but very beneficial to discuss. Conflicts can either strengthen or damage a relationship. Learn from each other things that have worked to strengthen your marriage through conflicts and trials.

Spa Night In

Photo Courtesy of stockimages at freedigitalphotos.net

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.

The Portland Aquarium

Photo Courtesy of criminalatt at freedigitalphotos.net

Let's go on an underwater adventure for this date. There is an array of things to do at the Portland Aquarium. There are many exhibits (some are hands-on) full of exotic fish and sharks. Keep in mind, the aquarium is closing February 16th, 2016 due to their building lot being sold. They are currently searching for a new location in the Portland area that they hope will be twice the size of this one! So hurry on over before they close up shop! To find out more and get all the details, visit their website here.

Relationship Reconnection:

Relationships require a lot of give and take. However, at times we feel like we are giving much more than our spouse and that can lead to criticism. It's time to focus on dialing down on criticisms, which sometimes we don't even realize we are doing, and increasing comments that make your spouse feel special and loved. A few compliments or acts of service can go a long way in a relationship. Also, the more we compliment our spouse, the more we end up appreciating them.

Oregon History

Photo Courtesy of yelp.com

Saddle up and head over to the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center for an afternoon of Oregon history. Discover more about Lewis and Clark than you knew before as you explore the museum and view an interesting film about Oregon's history. Oregon is rich with the history and sacrifice of many pioneers who helped settle and develop it into the great state it has become today. Visit their website here for information on hours of operation, pricing, and exhibits.

Relationship Reconnection:

The End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is about Oregon's History. Make this date 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?

Cinetopia at Progress Ridge

Step the classic "dinner and a movie" date up a notch on your next night out with your spouse by going to Cinetopia. While you enjoy a movie in their state-of-the-art theaters (check out the latest action/adventure film on their 70 ft screen), waiters will serve you dinner from their chef-inspired menu. They have all the new releases and a full menu to enjoy. For showtimes and ticket purchases and pricing check out their website here.

Relationship Reconnection:

Take some time before or after dinner to go on a short walk together down to the pond by the theater. Try playing a game of Desert Island. If you could take 3 books with you on a deserted island, which ones would they be? What about if you could bring 3 movies? You can be creative and think of your own questions too, and try to learn something new about each other!

Snow Tubing at Mt. Hood Ski Bowl

Photo Courtesy of skibowl.com

Ready for some winter fun? Head up to Mt. Hood for a day or evening of sledding! The Skibowl is open for the season and has plenty of snow this year. Known for it's exciting cosmic night sledding (and skiing, if you wish), the Skibowl offers a kiddie hill, a main hill, and an extreme hill. Bundle up and think warm thoughts as you and your spouse enjoy racing each other down the hills. For information on pricing and hours check out their website here.

Relationship Reconnection:

While warming up on the way home think about and share some of the warm memories you have enjoyed with your spouse. Fond memories warm our minds and our hearts and can bring us joy for years to come.