You’ve finished reading about the hungry caterpillar, and you’ve sung the last of the lullabies. The kids are finally asleep, and the pile of dirty dishes has been conquered. Now for many, that moment between the kid’s bedtime and your bedtime is probably the only chance you’ll have to reconnect this Valentine’s Day (or any day!). Although it’s tempting to flop into bed and skip the candy hearts and bottles of wine, your relationship deserves some love and attention. Check out some ideas below.

1. Microwave some popcorn for a movie night. You can get a free movie or two at the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library. They also have a great selection of TV series (no commercials!).

2. Pick up wine and cheese for a night of sampling. Be sure to check out River Bend Vineyard & Winery, the 2015 winner of Best Winery in the Valley.

3. Light some candles, put on relaxing music, slather on the pore shrinking facemask, and take an Epsom foot bath together (rubber duckies are optional). Your weary feet will thank you!

4. Try a new recipe. On your next grocery-shopping trip, pick something you’ve never tried before. Then look up different ways to prepare it.

5. Play a game together. Hope Gospel, Goodwill, and Savers have a wide selection of games for just a few bucks, from Chess and Boggle to Yahtzee and Monopoly. Not competitive? Pick a puzzle instead.

6. Build a blanket fort and camp out in the living room. You can even make s’mores over tea lights. If it’s a clear night, bring out the baby monitor and do some stargazing outside. Just bundle up!

7. Learn something new together. Play the guitar with help from YouTube or take free Spanish lessons through a podcast.

8. Go on a virtual vacation. Map out where you want to stay, restaurants to try, and activities to do.

9. Read a book (or book series) together. Scout out the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, thrift stores, and little free libraries in the neighborhoods. Don’t forget to check out The Local Store for books by authors from the Valley.

10. Strengthen your relationship through exercise. Find your breath during yoga or dance the night away with Zumba.

It’s so easy to get swept up in the needs of our kids so that sometimes we forget about the needs of our significant other. Invest in your relationship by finding time to laugh and play together. You deserve it!