Memorial Day Weekend

Mila learned quickly how the Smiths start a Holiday weekend.

Since Mila woke up at 7am on Saturday, we did something we have been talking about doing since we started dating: went to the farmer's market.  It was packed.  It had been years since either one of us had been, so we really had only heard rumors of what it had become.  The food, the vendors, the people.  We walked for two hours and still didn't see everything.  

Mila was certainly entertained by all to see.

And entertaining to all with her accessories. 

We made a rookie mistake and didn't do the food thing right at the Farmer's Market.  We were completely overwhelmed by all the options.  We did split a breakfast sandwich that was amazing with bacon, asparagus, and egg.  But we left starving.  It ended up being a great excuse to go out to brunch.  And Mila looked so big as she shared an omelet with Mom.  

That night, we got a much needed date night.  Can you tell from this excited Prom pose? 

We enjoyed a dinner at Roca with cocktails and shrimp and jalapeño flatbread.

We even made it out to Mickey's for after dinner drinks, but we didn't last that long.  Not really our scene any more. 

On Sunday, we packed for an overnight to Williamsburg.  It was a puzzle to fit a stroller, pack and play, golf clubs, bumbo, suitcase, diaper bag, and overnight bag in the car.  Maybe we shouldn't have gotten rid of that Navigator.  

As Mom and Dad were getting ready to go, we tried to get Mila to sleep... She fought it.  (Also, I secretly love she is playing with her stuffed animals more.)

When we arrived, the Driscolls, as always, welcomed us with open arms and cocktails. 

On Monday, Casey played in the annual golf tournament with is cousins and uncle.  Mila and I hit the Tanger Outlet sales.  And then she fought another nap before heading back to Des Moines.

When we got back home, reality was waiting: 

We all slept great Monday night, but still woke up exhausted.  A successful weekend.  

A New Kind of Date Night

This time, the cocktail selection included a bottle.  

This time, the dance in the living room added a new partner. 

This time, the conversation changed ever so slightly.

This time, the snuggles weren't just reserved for us. 

And it was our new happy.  

When the temperature hits record highs in November, Iowans know they must take advantage of it, no questions asked.  Because, all too soon, winter will creep in and never end.  So, when the forecast called for upper 70s, I didn't have to convince Casey to grill me some steak and shrimp.  

And, by turning off the television, turning on the music, and focusing on each other, we could create our own date night right at home.  

Pandora created our tone and mood for the night with Jack Johnson's radio station.  It was as if Jack and Pandora had planned it for us.  

"Everything" by Michael Buble popped on and demanded we dance.  This was the first song we danced to as a married couple.  We scooped Mila up and told her the story of Mom and Dad's first dance and wedding day.  

Then, as if on cue, "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz came on as we sat down to eat.  The song from our wedding ceremony.  The song that immediately makes me think of my husband and our love.  The song that captures our relationship perfectly.  It could not have been planned better.  Mila gave us twenty uninterrupted minutes to enjoy cocktails, food, and each other.  

And we were reminded of the love that created our precious little girl.