August 16

Tomorrow is our 23rd wedding anniversary. And today, my hunny surprised me with a dinner cruise on the San Francisco Bay.

We donned nice outfits --mine was a dress I bought a number of years ago but had never worn; I was surprised to find that it actually fit-- and left for the city a little after 4:30. Traffic was heavy but moved reasonably well, so we arrived at our parking facility across the street from the departure pier at 6:15. (We might've gotten there sooner had the GPS in Adam's phone not been set to avoid tolls. The setting was a byproduct of our trip to Maryland earlier this year -- oops.)

Since Adam splurged for the VIP package, we were among the very first to board the boat and were shown to table number 2005, which was next to the windows on the second level and boasted a lovely view of the water. Our server brought us drinks and bread to start, so I happily amassed my beverage collection (the passion fruit/champagne combo distributed during the boarding process, prosecco, Diet Coke, and water) and proceeded with my sip fest. (Just for the record, I almost always get a prosecco and a Diet Coke when we go out. It's my thing.) 

We set sail at 7, and enjoyed a three course meal: cheese and meat charcuterie for both of us, gnocchi (for me) and steak (for him), and chocolate cake (for me) and pineapple upside down cake (for him). We munched and talked and admired the beautiful, scenic views outside. And a few times, we ventured out to the very windy upper deck to take in the scenery without the windows. Adam was especially taken by Alcatraz and Sausalito, and we were both impressed with the city skyline in the distance and the up-close views of the Golden Gate Bridge partially shrouded in low-level clouds. It was a unique vantage point to take in looks of the iconic landmark.

There was a DJ on board who spun lots of different sounds, but we got up to dance just once: a slow one to "Tennessee Whiskey". (Since we're not really social dancers, it felt like a safe choice.) We disembarked at 9:30 with two City Cruises souvenir glasses, two boarding photos, full bellies, and lots of fun memories.

Our life is fully centered around our home and kids these days, and I love that reality. But it was a blessing to be out and about with my the amazing man who is my husband. He is and has been one of God's greatest gifts to me, and I am deeply thankful for who he is and how he challenges me, supports me, and enriches my life every day. Cheers to 23 years.