16th Anniversary

Just the basics: Dennis felt GREAT today, as evidenced by his super activity level. All that resting up yesterday must have made a big difference to him! He did go to the doctor today and (though he attempted to break the otoscope) we discovered that his ears are perfectly clear. We'll need to have allergy medicine on hand for him to prevent further troubles.

David and I had a lovely date afternoon, nearly six Dennis-free hours in which we ate a meal out (because we got an anniversary gift card for a restaurant--how awesome!) at Chili's. We didn't have to say "SIT DOWN IN YOUR SEAT!" for the entirety of the meal. Imagine! We did shop for Dennis though, inadvertently, because World Market had 2 things we thought he couldn't live without. He got a red stainless steel kid's water bottle to go with his new hiking pack, and he got a set of Buddy Learner's Chopsticks (there's a little silicon man at one end, keeping the sticks together but the correct resistance to teach him how to use them), like the picture (only his are blue). Truly neat! He's ready to go eat Chinese food again. And, wonder of wonders, David spent his birthday money on the first new pair of tennis shoes he's had in over a decade. Thanks, Mom & Dad, for the birthday money and for the anniversary meal gift card AND babysitting (and the cookies and cupcakes)--we certainly feel spoiled!

We hear Dennis got into a bit of mayhem at Gran's. He played Fireman in the garden with a real hose (and sprayed everything including himself) and an axe (but he was caught before anything terrible took place!). He ensconced himself in his room as soon as we got home tonight, happy to be reunited with his toys.

We enjoyed our anniversary, marveled over the fact that we've been married for so many years--16 seems like a lot to us! Dennis called us when we were on our way to get him, saying he was sad without us, but when I told him we were bringing a surprise, he was all happy again.

We wore our green shirts today, the same ones we wore last year when we were all together at Cheaha State Park. This anniversary was considerably lower budget but very special all the same. I love our little family, love being part of it, love when we all spend time together, and I love when we every once in a while get some grown-up time.