Rustic Romance: Fours Ways to Campside Romance . . . Even with the Kiddies Along

As a fellow parent, I know what it is like to have to squeeze a dime out of a penny. You save and save and save all in anticipation of the trip of a lifetime. Then, the moment of truth comes; you have to choose between the romantic getaway fireplace-side where sparks fly wildly and the family camping trip where you try desperately to keep your danger-loving eight year old away from sparks campfire-side.

But let's face it, parents. When it comes to romance and family, family always wins out. Maybe that's because as parents we always put our children first . . . or maybe just because we couldn't find that much desired babysitter with the state certified license in CPR.

Since we are all budgeting parents here, I'll let you in on a little secret. My husband and I almost always take the kids along to every vacation . . . but we certainly don't leave the romance locked away at home.

Here's how we squeeze a little romance into every trip . . .

• Steal a Kiss – in the midst of bug repellant and sunscreen, take a minute to kiss. No . . . really kiss. Smooch by the grill. Ten second rule, mom and dad. It's those lingering kisses that keep us connected all throughout the day.

• Dance to the Rhythm of the Stars – Whether you bring along the AM radio or the Wiggles CD, take time to dance beneath the stars. The kids will have fun dancing to the beat of their own drum while you sway cheek to cheek in a setting that would rival the likes of a Carey Grant film.

• Share a Sleeping Bag – While the kids will inevitably end up snuggled right up alongside you, sleepy-time snuggling is a great way to fit romance into the day even if the rest of it left little time for romantic glances. Besides, ladies, lying on your hubby's chest sure beats lying on that pesky rock beneath your tent.

• Pick a Flower – Guys, listen up. This is the perfect opportunity to romance your sweetie without the cost of the florist. Pick your wife a wild daisy. Pluck a four leaf clover from the grass and say "Wow you're beautiful. How did I get so lucky?" (Trust me, fella's. We eat this stuff up.)

Romance even with the kids along? You bet. Not only does it make the trip more memorable, it shows your little ones that you are an inseparable team.

And where there's a happy mom and dad? There's a happy kid.