Our Big Date

Some of you know that Gerry and I had planned on going out of town the day after Halloween to see 'So You Think You Can Dance' in Kansas City. This was the first season of the show that we watched and we both really liked it. The season started right around the time I came home from the hospital with Naomi, so Gerry and I would DVR it and watch it during those early morning feedings/struggles with a new baby.

I guess you could say he and I kind of bonded over the show. I was actually surprised that he would sit through a reality/game show like that. So booking tickets to see them live just seemed like the natural thing to do once the season ended. One big problem: they came to St. Louis on Halloween! Bummer! Then we realized they would be in KC the day after Halloween. Gerry suggested we find a sitter for the kids, pack up our stuff and drive down there for one night to see the show. I was excited! We hadn't really had a night out since Naomi was born. (which was MAY, for those of you who don't remember.)

Unfortunately, 3 days before the show my mom (the babysitter) got really sick. We weren't sure if she was going to be better by the weekend, or if we should try to make other arrangements. My brother tried his best to work something out with us, but since we'd be in KC on a Sunday night, it made it hard for him to figure out the carpooling situation for Hailey on Monday morning. The cards were not in our favor and we had to cancel our big weekend. We wound up eating the tickets because we couldn't find anyone who wanted to drive to KC for the show.

Needless to say, I was very sad. I had been waiting so long to get away with my husband and it broke my heart that we couldn't go. It wasn't really even about the show...it was about spending time together. I honestly couldn't wait for the 5 hour drive to talk and catch up on things and just be together. My brother knew how much it bothered me and he graciously offered to take the kids over night for a different weekend. So, of course we took him up on it.

This past Saturday (December 12)Gerry and I dropped the kids off at Jeff and Kelly's at 10:00 in the morning. We started the day off with a shopping spree for clothes for us. We got some great deals at JC Penney and Kohl's. I got several new dress shirts,a new pair of shoes, some long sleeve T-shirts, some comfy sweats, and a new dressy coat. Gerry got some shoes, a few shirts and ties and a new pair of work pants. Next was lunch at the Olive Garden. We sat at the bar and got the all you can eat soup and salad lunch special. We had a few glasses of wine which made for an interesting afternoon of shopping. (FYI: We didn't drink and drive. All the stores were in the same plaza as the Olive Garden. Okay, so maybe we drove through the parking lot.)

After we finished shopping, we headed out to the Lumière Hotel and Casino. We had awesome Sushi for dinner and headed over to the black jack tables. We were a little rusty, but wound up ahead. Coincidentally, Gerry's sister, Karen's work Christmas party was in the hotel lobby. So we harassed her and John for a little while, then decided to do some more gambling. This time, we didn't do so hot. Of course we wound up losing everything we won...and a little more. So we decided to wallow in our sorrow by having a burger at the Burger Bar. One word describes this hamburger : WOW!!! Yes, they are a little pricey, but it was the best burger I have ever had in my life...and I would definitely go there again!

One of the things Gerry and I were so excited to do on our big weekend out?? SLEEP!

I can't really remember the last time I slept for an entire night without being woken up from someone crying. My body literally ached for an entire night's sleep. So, we were in bed before midnight and slept in until 8:00 am. It felt terrific!

The entire weekend was awesome and I will never forget it. Thanks to my husband who just understood how much we needed this time away. Thanks for planning the whole day and for making me feel special. I had an amazing time with you and I can't wait to do it again!

Thanks, also, to Jeff and Kelly for taking the kids! Words cannot express how much this meant to us! We appreciate everything!!!

We didn't take that many pics from the weekend...only a few of ourselves being silly. (Also, my feet were killing me from the heels I was wearing so I had to switch shoes half way through the night...which meant I also had to change my shirt. That's why I am wearing 2 different shirts and Gerry isn't.)