Today, we went to lunch by ourselves and didn’t have to cut up anybody’s chicken or serve as the eternal ketchup dispenser. Then we went to Starbucks and had a leisurely conversation about nothing entirely important. Tonight, we’ll enjoy steak at a tucked away restaurant in the middle of nowhere, complete with a cozy little fireplace and the sound of…well, nothing. Perfect respite for our days of living above a construction site and nonstop city cacaphony.

Six years ago today, we were in Austin, so we went to P.F. Chang’s and stayed the night at a Marriott downtown, also without the kiddos. We were relishing in the little American pleasures we’d missed out on the past year and a half.

Five years ago today, we ate at some Italian restaurant that’s no longer there. Neither of us can remember the name.

Four years ago today, we were in Orlando, right after having been in Colorado for a month. Our friends watched Chickpea so that we could go grab ice cream for a quick 30-minute date. Six weeks later, we celebrated for real with an overnight trip to Kennedy School in Portland.

Five years ago today, we had absolutely no money, so we graciously used a gift certificate to Fonda San Miguel, courtesy of my parents.

Six years ago today, we took a random road trip up to Seattle and spent the weekend eating seafood, drinking coffee, and getting snowed on.

Seven years ago today, we were married. We said “I do” under a tent in the pouring rain, and we were oblivious to it all. And then we spent a week in Martha’s Vineyard, relishing the gorgeous New England fall colors and our new life as husband and wife.

I love you, babe. Here’s to many more!