Anniversary Weekend:Year 9

At Temple Square. Hard to believe it was 9 years ago we were married here!

Grant and I have the tradition of trading off planning our anniversary getaway. This year was my year, and I admit I was a little selfish! Since our options were limited because I couldn't be away too long from Baby Z, I planned a Christmasy weekend in Salt Lake. We took advantage of the "Cousin Sleepover" weekend that Grant's mom plans for the kids, and saw a matinee of Ballet West's The Nutcracker, followed by dinner at a favorite restaurant, checking out the lights at Temple Square, and enjoying hot chocolate at Uncle Jerry's chocolate shop (aka Hatch Family Chocolates, home of the Little Chocolatiers, Grant's cousin Steve and his wife Katie). It was so fun to get away and enjoy some time with just the two of us!

At The Nutcracker. Grant was such a trooper! I was in heaven, living vicariously through all the moms and their little girls, who were all dressed up pretty and loving every moment. I have loved The Nutcracker since I was a little girl and used to see my friends dance in it every year for a school field trip. I always secretly wished I was a ballerina. Grant, who played the godfather role in a school play as a child, seemed to enjoy himself, at least until the men in tights came out. That was where he lost all interest in ballet. Men "poured into their tights" (those are Grant's words) may not have been his thing, but we were both blown away by the awesome orchestra, gorgeous costumes and scenery, and fantastic dancing. Ballet West's performance is touted as one of the best in the country. I loved it!

I've gotten so lazy with my camera, and though I did not get pictures of us enjoying our awesome dinner at The Blue Iguana (the "Gringas" fajitas with grilled pineapple still have me drooling), or at the chocolate shop (their hot chocolate now has my whole-hearted recommendation ... I had heard it was to die for, and now I totally see why -- it was a.ma.zing.), but we DID manage to snap a shot with Mr. Archuleta himself (okay, it was a lifesize cutout in the new Deseret Book, but still fantastic!). Thanks, David!