twelve years

This time last week, Darren and I were in Dallas for an anniversary getaway. We had SO much fun and enjoyed our time alone together. We're determined that we will do this at least once a year from here on out. We just didn't realize until we went how good it is for us to get away without the boys. It was by far our best anniversary yet.

We dropped the boys off at Nina and Poppy's house on Saturday morning and headed out. We enjoyed a leasurely breakfast on our way out of town. We stopped in Gainesville to check out the Gap Outlet and couldn't believe how much the outlet had declined in the 10 years since we've been there. It made me sad. Before checking into our hotel, we headed to the Allen Outlets. Wow, just wow! We couldn't believe all of the stores they had. We both found lots more than we probably needed, but it was fun to shop for ourselves for a change.

We checked into our hotel which was fabulous (and the best part, it was $59 a night...you've just gotta love Priceline!). After settling in, we decided to head out for a later than normal dinner. It was so nice to be able to go out late and not have to worry about bedtimes! Oh, the freedom we felt. So, as we drove around the Dallas area, we came upon a restaurant that had an outdoorsy theme. Darren loves anything outdoorsy, so of course, he gravitated toward it. I looked it up on my iPhone to see if I could find a menu or any info on it. The menu looked good so we ended up there.

We went in and loved the log cabin feel, but were both a little surprised by the hostess' attire. She was wearing a skimpy plaid top that was tied just below her.....well, you know whats. Then, her shorts were some of the shortest khakis I've seen and then to finish off the look, she was wearing hiking boots. Interesting, I thought to myself, but didn't think much more of it as she was dressed in colors/patterns to fit in with the cabin, albeit skaddily. However, when our waitress came to take our drink order, we noticed she was wearing the same ensemble. Darren looked at me with the biggest grin and said, "You realize we're at Hooters don't you?" We were cracking up. We really had no idea, but I guess the name should've been a clue. It was called Twin Peaks after all. ha Thank goodness they had excellent food although I don't think Darren would've cared what the food tasted like, he enjoyed the scenery more than anything!

I got online and found this picture of some of the Twin Peaks girls! That is an experience I won't soon forget! heehee

On Sunday (our actual anniversary) we slept in until 10 am, got ready then headed out in search of a place to eat lunch. We ended up at Pappadeux and had some good seafood. From there, we headed to the Grapevine Mall and did some more shopping. It was crowded, but we enjoyed ourselves and found some great deals. After a full afternoon of shopping we headed for Starbucks to sit down and relax for a bit before heading back to the hotel to clean up for dinner (goodness, we did a lot of eating on our trip). We headed to Cheesecake Factory for our anniversary dinner. It was wonderful as always and we ate way too much. After dinner, we noticed a bookstore within walking distance of the restaraunt, so we walked to it and spent some time looking around there before heading back to the hotel for a swim. It was a perfect day.

On our last day, we checked out of our hotel and headed for the Galleria. We did yet some more shopping and then met up with my parents (who had by then dropped off the boys at Darren's parents and headed to Dallas for a vacay themselves) for lunch. We joined up with them at the Grand Lux Cafe. Oh my, it was great! We ordered the chocolate chip cookies that they make while you eat your meal so that theyre fresh out of the oven when they come to your table. Yummy!!!

After lunch, we headed back to the Allen Outlets before making our way home. We found more great deals that we just couldn't pass up! I think both Darren and myself are fixed up clothing-wise for the summer. Finally at 5pm we decided we shoud probably start our 3+ hour drive home. We stopped in Norman for one last quiet meal together before picking up the kiddos. They were happy to see us and were ready to come home to their beds as they were very tired (we didn't get back until after 9). I was glad to be back too, but...

Is it terrible to say that I can't wait until we can getaway again? I had so much fun spending time alone with Darren. The weekend just reminded me of all the reasons I married him twelve years ago.

I just had to add this picture. It cracked me up when I was doing a final sweep of the room while Darren was out loading the car and something on the bed caught my eye. Darren had brought a gun on our anniversary getaway...oh, the romance!!! He always carries one now when we travel because you just never know when you'll find yourself in need of defending yourself. ha! He is a cop after all and what is a cop without a weapon, right?