he's a keeper
Matt sure out did himself for our anniversary this year. The surprises started the morning of our anniversary when he handed me a bag from a local jeweler. Yes, jewelry. He NEVER gives me jewelry. Inside the bag was a beautiful mother's ring with the birthstones of our three children set in it - emerald + alexandrite + emerald. It's simple and dainty, just perfect for me. I love it! But that wasn't all - he also sent me a big fall bouquet. Generally, I think sending flowers is a waste of money, but in this case, I forgave him. I love fall bouquets. It reminds me of the bouquet I held in our wedding. This is the one time of year I'm okay with the flowers. Our evening was pretty uneventful, as he had a football game to coach, but I knew that something was in store for later.
Boy oh boy, was I every surprised! After Lily's parent-teacher conference on Friday afternoon Matt told me to pack a bag because he made arrangements for the kids and we were going out for the evening. What? We've NEVER done anything like that! When we arrived at the Columns Hotel I was shocked. I guess he pays attention to what I say - I had mentioned this hotel once months ago, never dreaming that he'd make arrangements for us to stay there. The hotel was beautiful. It was old, filled with charm, and had a pretty nice bar. It was the cosmos I remembered from my last visit there. This place has a pretty happening happy hour.
We stayed in the Pretty Baby suite which was kind of creepy. I'm sorry, it was the stained glass of "Pretty Baby" that creeped me out. There was even a light behind it to illuminate the glass when the lights were out. No thank you. I think the part that bothered me was that she was watching us in bed. At least she gave us a good laugh! The rest of the room was pretty nice. I think I liked the chandelier and crooked fireplace the best.
After changing for the evening, we had a drink at the bar, then out to dinner. Dinner was at Tujagues in the French Quarter. It was nothing fancy, and the food was okay, but that wasn't important. What's important was that I had a night out ALONE with my husband! The company was fabulous, to say the least.
After dinner we strolled through the French Quarter, looked at art in the gallery windows, and just enjoyed ourselves. I think my favorite part of the evening was the smell in the air. Generally, the French Quarter stinks. It smells like stale booze and vomit, but not that night. The air was cool and smelled of sweet olive. Oh, how I love the smell of sweet olive. It reminded me of our first anniversary in Natchez, Mississippi, which had the most humongous sweet olive trees I had ever seen.
Being quite pooped from a long week, we retired to the hotel early. We were going to have another drink at the bar, but that place was hopping! I couldn't get near the bar to order anything, so we called it a night.
The next morning I explored the gardens around the Columns, we strolled along St. Charles a bit, I took some pictures, then we went to the Camellia Grill for breakfast. Yummy! An omelet with french fries? Of course! With pecan pie and ice cream for dessert. Needless to say, my new jeans aren't fitting so well anymore.
Our whirlwind overnight adventure ended all to early. Once we finished our meal it was time to head back home to gather the kids. Do I have the greatest husband or what? I am one lucky woman!! Yeah, I think I'll keep him, he's a good one!!
I created a flickr set if you want to see more pics.
Pecan pie with ice cream for dessert at breakfast?! You lucky girl!
Sounds like it was a wonderful time :-)
Posted by:Kathleen | October 29, 2007 at 04:39 PM
Sounds like you had TERRIFIC anniversary! Indeed, a man that pays attention to the little details is definitely a KEEPER. So happy for you!
Posted by:lucy | October 29, 2007 at 04:40 PM
Oh he is a keeper alright!! But theres no photo of the jewelery!! I wanna see the bracelet, it sounds so lovely!!
Posted by:Steph | October 29, 2007 at 05:11 PM
The perfect breakfast! Happy Anniversary!
Posted by:Thimbleanna | October 29, 2007 at 05:14 PM
WOW! What a terrific anniversary celebration. It looks like so much fun.
Posted by:Sarah Jackson | October 29, 2007 at 05:15 PM
Thats an awesome Anniversary!! Congratulations!
Posted by:dee | October 29, 2007 at 05:23 PM
oh beki! how wonderful. happy anniversary!
Posted by:erin | October 29, 2007 at 05:32 PM
Sounds like a lovely, amazing, magical weekend!
Happy, Happy Anniversary, sweetpea!
(and yes, you've got yourself a *total* keeper)
Posted by:lla | October 29, 2007 at 05:46 PM
I think your husband needs to talk to mine!
Posted by:Melissa | October 29, 2007 at 05:56 PM
Hubby, no kids and dessert at breakfast, you sure are lucky. :)
Posted by:southerngirlmusings | October 29, 2007 at 05:59 PM
I agree with lla - your husband needs to talk to mine. What a great treat!
Posted by:Tracey | October 29, 2007 at 07:15 PM
sounds like a great time away. to your husband I say, very well done!!!
Posted by:amandajean | October 29, 2007 at 07:39 PM
Um, yeah. I'd keep him, too. :0) So thoughtful.
Posted by:Robyn | October 29, 2007 at 08:27 PM
Yummy and fun! What a great treat for you. That would definitely creep me out being in that room you were in. But it's that time of year isn't it? Happy Anniversary!
Posted by:amy | October 29, 2007 at 08:45 PM
Yummy and fun! What a great treat for you. That would definitely creep me out being in that room you were in. But it's that time of year isn't it? Happy Anniversary!
Posted by:amy | October 29, 2007 at 08:59 PM
What a great little getaway! I'm jealous :-)
Posted by:Lisa Clarke | October 29, 2007 at 09:05 PM
you totally have a good one. i love mine but i would have a coranary if he came up with something like that on his own. glad you guys had a good time!
Posted by:heidi | October 29, 2007 at 09:18 PM
What a wonderful way to celebrate, so glad you got to enjoy it.
Posted by:Megan | October 29, 2007 at 09:52 PM
It sounds like you had a wonderful time. I love the old hotels in New Orleans even if they are slightly creepy, and the food, you can't beat it. It's strange how the food gets better tasting in La. the further south you go. Here in N.E.L.A. it's only half as good. Isn't Natchez a tiny gem?
Posted by:Monica Yvette | October 29, 2007 at 10:27 PM
Now THAT is a great anniversary. I am going to have to figure out a way to get my husband to casually read this post. Hmmm...
Posted by:Rachel | October 29, 2007 at 11:15 PM
I agree definitely a keeper!
Posted by:Kristy | October 30, 2007 at 04:20 AM
Total keeper!! Sounds like he did a wonderful job and you guys had that all too little quality time together!!
Posted by:diana | October 30, 2007 at 07:09 AM
Welcome back. It sounds like a great surprise. Glad you had a Happy Anniversary!
Posted by:Lauren | October 30, 2007 at 08:45 AM
Oh, what a wonderful, romantic getaway!
Posted by:julie | October 30, 2007 at 09:53 AM
yep he's a keeper...that was so sweet
happy anniversary
Posted by:greta adams | October 30, 2007 at 10:25 AM
girl, you've got the life!
Posted by:cindy | October 30, 2007 at 10:33 AM
SO Jealous!! What an amazing time together!! Congats to you both and may your love continue to grow!
Posted by:Euphoria | October 30, 2007 at 11:06 AM
w o w !
Posted by:capello | October 30, 2007 at 11:53 AM
Does hubby give lessons? What a lucky lady you are ... but then again, I bet he's a lucky guy too :-)
Posted by:Shan | October 30, 2007 at 12:04 PM
Happy Anniversary, that looks like a great time.
Posted by:Kristi | October 30, 2007 at 12:14 PM
oh what a fab honey you have!
love the hotel and love tujagues!!!
Posted by:elizabeth | October 30, 2007 at 12:23 PM
Wow, Matt! You know how to treat a girl right! Better hold onto him tight, Beki.
Posted by:lera | October 30, 2007 at 12:28 PM
Sounds like you had a great time - happy anniversary!!
Posted by:Kirsten | October 30, 2007 at 12:35 PM
Oh, I'm so envious! What a wonderful surprise!
Posted by:Lisa {milkshake} | October 30, 2007 at 01:42 PM
Congratulations on 10 years of marriage! Youre marriage sounds like a wonderful one filled with love, friendship and fun. Your husband sounds so sweet! Glad you had some time to be together one-on-one.
Posted by:claudia | October 30, 2007 at 02:38 PM
Sounds like a truly romantic weekend. I can't believe he thought of all that on his own. I am impressed. A definite keeper.
Posted by:erin s | October 30, 2007 at 03:09 PM
That is so great! Way to go Matt! Wowzer did he ever do gooooood. :)
Happy Anniversary-glad it was such a special one.
Posted by:Angela | October 30, 2007 at 03:42 PM
Okay, I am jealous......especially since my husband is in PARIS RIGHT NOW, and no I am not in PARIS RIGHT NOW.....the food looks yummy too. Glad to be back...hugs
Posted by:Rebecca | October 30, 2007 at 04:09 PM
Happy Anniversary!
What a lovely thing to do - definately a keeper!
Posted by:Lesley | October 30, 2007 at 04:37 PM
What a great getaway! Isn't it nice when they actually listen to the little things you mention?
Posted by:amy h | October 30, 2007 at 10:26 PM
I've been wanting to go shopping on Magazine St. Now you've flung a craving on me. Also, I've heard good things about Natchez. I'll have to check it out.
Happy Anniversary! And what a good hubby you have! I'd be lucky to get one of those three surprises (flowers, jewelry OR a trip)...not all three!
Posted by:rachel | October 31, 2007 at 07:27 AM
What a lucky lady indeed ! We lived in New Orleans for 23 years and moved to the mid-west after Hurricane Katrina. I've eaten at the Columns Hotel so many times, I cannot even count. And breakfast at Camillia Grill was always followed by Haagen Daaz ice cream from the strip mall just about a half block north of there. A quick ride on the streetcar down St Charles (always got off on State Street) and a four block walk home. HEAVEN. Thanks for bringing that back to me through your story.
Posted by:=^..^= | October 31, 2007 at 12:59 PM
Happy Anniversary! I miss New Orleans and all of the wonderful food. I do think your husband is a die-hard romantic. Congratulations!
Posted by:Marty | October 31, 2007 at 05:19 PM
How awesome! What a thoughtful guy! You totally deserve it. It is good that you had fun!!
Posted by:zoe | October 31, 2007 at 08:27 PM
very sweet :)
definitely a keeper
Posted by:Myam | October 31, 2007 at 09:59 PM
What?!? No Cafe du Mond? I would have gone there after the real breakfast, anyway! lol! Sounds like a wonderful anniversary...how many years? Steven and I went to New Orleans for our honeymoon. I love it there!
Posted by:Lauri Smith | November 02, 2007 at 12:00 AM
I'm catching up on blog reading after a week-long visit form my in-laws, and I'm so glad to see such a wonderful post here. Your husband really outdid himself - your anniversary celebrations look perfect. Congratulations. I'm glad you're back!
Posted by:sulu-design | November 03, 2007 at 12:43 AM
What a wonderful sounding anniversary! :)
Posted by:Chara Michele | November 03, 2007 at 12:21 PM