First Date

For many parents, there comes a moment where you realize your sweet, innocent child is growing up. Even before the children go to college or get married they make this step that makes you look at their childhood with a mix of sadness and hope that they'll get married and finally leave home. Yes, I'm talking about their first date.

And recently, I sent my own Richard Parker off on his first date.

And like many proud parents, I photographed the whole thing so he could always remember it!

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One day, Richard Parker was scrolling through the Craigslist personals when he stumbled upon a foxy lady hamster who lives in our neighborhood! Unable to pass up this fateful occasion, Richard Parker had me call the owner and set up a date with Julius (aka Jules), who enjoys picnics in the right corner of her cage and long walks in her wheel.

To prepare for his date, Richard Parker licked himself clean.

He went through the Ball Wash and then went to pick up his date, who eagerly watched from the window to see when her handsome date would arrive.

As you all know, Richard Parker is a fantastic designer, so before they went out to dinner, Richard Parker gave her a gift: a ribbon that he designed and sewed himself! Jules looked great in it.

Then they went to dinner and split an entree of LM Animal Farms Classic Blend Hamster Food.

Once dinner was over, Jules changed into something more comfortable and they went out for a wild night on the town!
First, they went to see a romantic comedy. But Richard Parker couldn't keep his eyes off his beautiful date.

When they got out of the movie, it was only midnight! So they went to a club to dance the night away. Richard Parker tried to get Jules to dance to "Womanizer" for their last dance but she was tired, so they made their way out.

When they got back to Jules' house, Richard Parker thanked her for being part of the best date of his life. She had a fantastic time too and couldn't wait to see him again. Not following his father's advice for how to end a first date, Richard Parker closed his eyes, leaned in, and...

And well, I don't want to be that much of an embarrassing parent. . . .

Ah. They grow up so fast.