August: Four Years Celebrated.

This year instead of having a far-away anniversary destination, we decided to keep close.  It was our first night away from Gwen after all.  She stayed with Aunt Beth in Bloomington, and we spent a night downtown.  Many thanks to Priceline, which allowed us to get a 4 star hotel for $75!  We were right by Nicollet Mall, so we got to do lots of walking and exploring.  

Our first stop was MIA (Minnesota Institute of Arts)

Us. Four Years Later.

I was pumped to show Bert all the cool stuff.  He'd never been there before!

My favorite piece here.  Those colors make me happy!

Bert was impressed by this marble statue.

This is another of my favorites-Veiled Lady

One of the best rooms! 

This one makes me miss Paris

My favorite period room - the Duluth Room.  Love those corner benches.
I thought Bert would appreciate it, since that's his college hometown.

Relaxing in the room.  Bert is into the 100 Cupboards series too!

We walked to the fancy new Mpls Library downtown.  It was so cool.
I appreciate that my husband will completely humor me in outings like this. :)

Sweet decorating and lighting in the children's section

Next Stop: Top of the Foshay Tower!
Yes, the lighting in the lobby is neon pink.  Wowza!

Taking in a little history before we see the sights at the top.
This outing is definitely worth the trip.
We even got free passes at our nearest library.

Standing atop what used to be the highest building in the city

Seeing our reflection in a nearby mirror

Vertigo and stomach nervousness is how my body reacts to heights.  Bummer.
I was so glad that the observation balcony had a high wall.

Our last stop and lunch destination.  Cue choirs rejoicing...

"Bert, show me how excited you are"

I opted for salad bar only, in lieu of my Foshay tower nervous tummy.
It was still Ah-mazing. 

Yum.  His favorite kind of meat was the house special.

Would you believe that's just the daily flower arrangement on the salad bar? 

To top off the 24 hours of fun, we got a free dessert!

I have to say, we were SO excited and ready to see Gwen when it was all done.  But it was fun to look back and enjoy all the great memories of our years together, and be hopeful for what the future years will hold.  All is grace.