11 years ago yesterday...

had exactly the same weather. Cloudy but not cold, with intermittent bits of rain, and intermittent bits of sunshine. I remember the weather 11 years ago so well because it was our wedding day. Such a hugely happy day and the day that started this family. If you have never read about our wedding day or want to see some pictures- have a look here.

We spent the day quietly yesterday, me keeping the kids busy and Hunter doing errands, but on Friday night, when Lucy could babysit, he took me out to dinner. More romantic is hardly possible. He took met to the little restaurant where we ate most of our date night dinners before we got married - Piero's Tutti Pasta. Where we spent the evening before the day we got engaged and where we spent the Friday night before we got married. Piero and Moira sat down with us the Friday night after our engagement, when things were quiet and just a few of the late tables were left. They told us their story and I will never forget how Piero told Hunter to tell me that he loves me, every single day. Something he has clearly remembered because no day goes by without those words in some form - my voice, by text , by email....

The last time we were there was when we were pregnant with the twins - more than 4 years ago. But boy, was it great - so nostalgic.We walked in after all this time with Piero rushing down the ramp and exclaiming -" Mr and Mrs G! It's been too long!" It definitely has been too long. I was rather stunned that he remembered us. Still the same arbitrary decor, still the same hand written wine list on the wall. Still the same Italian opera music with Piero filling in with his great tenor voice every now and again. Still the same seasonal fare on the menu. And still the same wonderful food - Italian with his own twist. Italian like you will find nowhere else but maybe in Italy. We shared fresh artichoke in a tomato and basil sauce and his signature snails with polenta in a napoleotana sauce for starters - with his fresh garlic on the side. I had my ever so favorite fillet in mustard sauce with pasta on the side and Hunter, initially sad not to see his favorite ravioli on the menu, indulging in it after all, as Piero made the "off-menu" item for him.  We ended with Piero's copyright registered Pepperato gelati (black pepper ice cream) with a dark chocolate sauce. My, it was so good. And the best thing is, you can still bring your own wine and not pay corkage! We are seriously debating getting a babysitter again and going this week before he closes for Christmas as I am craving his fish bobotie - his own twist on the South African tracitional dish and as we know (and Hunter keep saying) the artichoke season is almost done.

Happy happy Anniversary my love. With you, life is always one great adventure. Thanks for this trip back in memory lane - it might just become a more regular one.

BTW - what do you think of my new blog header? I just love it!