Our First Anniversary Weekend

I know this is a bit late .. but it has also been something that I have been writing while waiting to get the right pictures to include .... not an excuse but anyway ..... the reason we are here .....

So this was not just an anniversary weekend as Laura started making sure I knew she thought about me by bringing me home some beautiful roses the week before. So that was a good indication that the house would quickly fill with flowers - Roses mid-week, tulips on Saturday (as we all know that Laura loves tulips) and Monday I made sure I had a nice bouquet of Cala Lilies. So as you look at our dining room table, even today there are four very full vases.

Of course flowers were just a part of things. We both wanted to make sure that we spent the weekend remembering the events a year ago last Monday. I will readily admit that there were lots of things that just flew by so walking back in some of the places that we spent time at in October of 2010 was a nice way to bring back some beautiful memories. Well it turns out that my wonderful wife also had moments that she could not recall - I think she used the phrase "wedding coma" at one point.

Saturday I treated Laura to a nice lunch at Hunters Head Tavern. Kaye will remember the quaint patio out back in this little pub in horse country. We have always liked it and this Saturday was perfect for it. Not too warm but warm enough that we could sit outside and enjoy the air. A wonderful afternoon was followed with a nice steak dinner.

Sunday we spent with the girls and Sammy needed to do some shopping. She was only too enthusiastic when Laura said she would take her to Victoria's Secret to do some shopping. Dad was relegated to waiting outside but was able to help her find some Jeans afterwards - so yes Dad can contribute things other than a credit card. :-)

Monday was the special day. We both had the day off and Laura had a few places she wanted to see. But before we kicked off the day I gave Laura a book I had made with pictures from our first year. The tears were a good indication that she appreciated it and the laughter a great indication that I have no future in editing.

Meanwhile Laura surprised me with another beautiful painting from the other Laura, Laura Edwards. Laura Edwards was an artist we had met some time ago at the Torpedo Factory in Old Town Alexandria. For a wedding gift my Laura had gotten me one of her paintings but the matched piece had eluded her. Never to be deterred Laura had painter Laura come out to the house and take a bunch of picture of our original and she had her paint another partner for it. I have yet to hang it but when I do I will make sure to let everyone see how well these two paintings go together.

Well need less to say we had a great day - a trip to DC to see a Warhol exhibit and some wonderful tapestries - a drive out to Morven Park to see where we were married and a stop at Vintage 50 for a quick drink. Then a dinner of pan seared duck breast and a wonderful bottle of Oregon Pinot topped off with Laura eating the majority of the wedding cake that we had saved just for this night.

It truly was a wonderful weekend. I am so grateful to have Laura in my life. I hope I will get to tell you all about the many more anniversary weekends we will have.

Thank you Sweetheart for all you do for me - I love you.