11 years on 11-11-11

Friday my husband and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary. Let me start off by saying that in the past we haven't had big celebrations/gifts/surprises for anniversaries/birthdays/holidays but I let hubby know that this year it was important for many reasons for us to do something special. I let him plan the weekend and make it a surprise (even though I hate surprises) because that made him happy. My only stipulation was that we go away but not too far just in case we were needed at home for the kids. (His Mom was kind enough to stay with them.)

To start the adventure, he said we needed to leave by 4 on Thursday afternoon. I got home from work a little after 3, we packed the car, and we were off. I was so excited just to be getting away that I really didn't care if we just went to a hotel. I knew we were headed north but didn't pay attention to our surroundings because I read the whole way. After a little more than an hour we pulled up to the Fireside Theater. Something I have always wanted to do. I was very surprised and happy with this first stop.

So the food was awesome. It was a buffet, but not a Hometown buffet. A fancy buffet. There was a sweet potato dish that was to die for, fish, some chicken dishes, meatballs, enchiladas, and carved meat. So nummy. Dessert was a fancy "Santa's Chimney" with dark and white chocolate.

Mr. got way too stuffed at dinner and was slightly uncomfortable for the beginning of the show, but I think he decided it was worth it. The show was amazing. It was their Christmas Revue- songs from movies, carols, hymns, comedy, and kids. It is a very small theater so all the seats were great and we just loved it.

After the show was more driving. When we pulled into the parking lot we were at the Hilton Garden Inn right next to the Milwaukee airport. I was very nervous for a minute that he got carried away and we were getting on an airplane the next morning. But no, it was just the convenient hotel for the rest of our trip.

Next morning we got up and drove around for a bit. We ended up at the mall walking around for a while, then the movie theater for Tower Heist. Cute movie. I enjoy Ben Stiller.

We had skipped lunch so then continued on to dinner: Outback (of course, some people might say) and then the next surprise. We drove to downtown Milwaukee and walked to a small theater. I was oblivious until he had me take a picture of the sign right...now.

Oh wow! I love Paul Simon! The opening act was the Punch Brothers, who were also really enjoyable. We had very upper level seats, but it didn't matter. The music was great and the drunk people were quite amusing.

Ok, on to Saturday. In the morning I was actually given a choice: "Do you want to go to the Milwaukee Public Museum or no? They have a Cleopatra exibit." Sure I do. I like things like that. (Have you noticed that we do a lot of things like we are old people? I swear everywhere we went this weekend most of the people around us were 50 years older than us.) So that was our afternoon. Then dinner at the food court at the mall and another drive downtown.

This time we parked at a different theater. I was warned ahead of time that we would be laughing a LOT, so wasn't too surprised that we would be seeing a comedian. I hadn't heard of John Pinette, but was informed that I would enjoy him. What did surprise me was being shown 2nd row seats! So close.

Anyway, he was funny. So funny that my mouth hurt and I was having coughing attacks from laughing so hard. That hadn't happened in a long time. Definitely you should check him out if you get a chance.

Sunday morning. Time to go home. I had a wonderful weekend but I was ready to get back to my home and kids. My last surprise was on the drive home. He gave me a lovely card with tickets to the upcoming Brad Paisley concert inside. Floor seats. Yippee! Perfect end to a perfect anniversary.