I couldn't love him more...

First of all, I feel like I need to repent, apologize, etc. for all of my prior whining, complaining years of pity parties for me and the lack of husband participation in holidays. Jon made up for it this year in a big way by planning the most awesome "golden" anniversary surprise date for us (golden=16th anniversary on the 16th!). I was so glad that, for once, I took my camera along and chronicled this great night. I just have to say, this was a much needed night for us, and for me, after the rough several months we've had. It was rejuvenating, to say the least.

The night started out with Jon bringing me the most beautiful flowers. Knowing how much I really long for anything tropical, he hit the nail right on the head with these (along with the sweetest card, which is a big deal from Jonny!):

Then, after dropping the kids off at sitter #1, he took me on a canoe ride on the Tualatin River. So much fun! It was beautiful! The sun was shining, there was a slight breeze. We rowed, rowed, rowed our boat, gently down the stream until we found a nice shady spot to pull over and my darling husband pulled out the yummiest spread of appetizers and goodies!
California rolls, pita chips and artichoke dip, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, dark chocolate, and sparkling lemonade. So yummy. So perfect.
Here we are after our trip (and before we had to haul that heavy thing up a steep ramp back to the rental place, which is why we look so relaxed...) By the way, aren't my anchor shorts so appropriate? I must be psychic, because I didn't have a clue we were going on a boat!
So, I am missing a picture of the next part of our funnest date ever. We got changed into nicer clothes (I love a date that includes a wardrobe change!) and Jonny took me to the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. It is so nice of Nordstrom to have a sale every year to celebrate our anniversary.

Then, we headed downtown where Jon had dinner reservations for us at 8:30 at a restaurant called Departure. It's on the 15th floor of an old building with open decks on two sides and fabulous views of Mt. Hood and St. Helens. And, it was such a gorgeous night, you could see the whole city, right at dusk. Amazing.

Here we are out on the patio. We actually ended up sitting inside, because it was a bit nippy, but there are windows all around the restaurant, so the view is still unbeatable. We ate the yummiest food, which Jon forbade me to take pictures of...but it was gorgeous and delicious!

Then, to top off our date, we went to Moonstruck and got a chocolate milkshake. Here I am with my "Smores" delight. So yummy.

Then, we headed home, and I took babysitter #2 home (we had to get creative in our child care). I could leave out the part where Jon said I had plenty of gas to take her home even though our gas light was on, and then when I pulled into her driveway I ran out of gas and her mom had to take me home, but then you would miss the funny note our date ended on, which is a metaphor for our whole lives and marriage in general. Tons of fun with lots of unavoidable bumps in the road that I would never want to navigate without Jon by my side. As hard as this time in my life is, he is my constant, and he adores me, and he never misses a chance to tell me that in his own quirky, perfect way.

I love you, Jonny. Here's to 16 more!