One of the many perks of having a family member living in your basement are the last minute dates with your husband.

A few times a week we try to get out after the kids have gone to bed. Even if it’s just a walk around the block holding hands, or an errand long over due, it’s still nice to be out just the two of us. Mostly we’ll sidle up to a bar for a quick drink, maybe an appetizer, and then head back in so we are in bed before 10pm.

We’d never higher a sitter to do this. Firstly, we never know when all 4 kids will be asleep. Secondly, we never know how tired we’ll be from the night before. Thirdly, what sitter would be willing to come over for less than the 2 hours it takes us to wander the streets?

Beef Carpaccio from Gemini Bistro, a non pregnancy treat!

We’ve checked out quite a bit of local outdoor seating areas like Gemini Bistro for dinner, Four Farthings for a quick drink, and Zella‘s patio area, where we were surprised to see you can still smoke at.

I also made it to the grocery store without any kids at all. Having the luxury to leisurely wander around the aisles is something I really took for granted before I had kids.

Later on this month we plan to dine at Charlie Trotter’s before it closes. There is also talk about checking out some of the new restaurants that popped up in the Near North neighborhood.

Last night with a little bit of trepidation I agreed to go see The Dark Knight Rises at the IMAX theatre at Navy Pier. The movie was 2 hours and 45 minutes long. We would definitely pay for it in next day.

It turned out the kids were in bed so early we even had time for a drink and oysters at Riva beforehand.

In the end I was glad we saw it on the big screen. It was just that kind of movie. I did feel very old, though. I found the volume too loud, the scenes too violent and the plot hard to follow (it’s possible that was from from the martini and sleep deprivation, not age). Still it was amazing to watch, explosions, beautiful people and show stopping scenes like the opening one where one plane overtakes another.

When we got home at midnight, we found Grandpa Devensky sitting in the kitchen with Jack and Ben! Five minutes later Aaron woke up to feed. Since we wouldn’t have gotten any sleep before midnight last night (or after for that matter), I’m even more glad we forged ahead and went to see the movie.