Perfect Moment Monday -- Dinner by the Fireplace

My hubby was out of town for several weeks over the past month, for both personal and business travel. Anytime he is going to be out of town that frequently and for that long, the dynamics around our house change in preparation for the trips and recovery afterwards.

Finally we got a night to ourselves, since the boys all had activities planned, so DH asked me on a dinner date. Perfect Moment #1.

We decided to go to Ol*ve Garden to have their famous soup and salad meal. As we walked into the restaurant, I realized how cold I was and was glad to be inside. There was no wait (Perfect Moment #2) and we were immediately escorted to our seats.

The hostess guided us to our table and gave us the choice of two tables, one in the middle of the dining room and one right next to the gas fireplace...which of course I took the seat just inches from the fireplace. Perfect Moment #3.

The waitress quickly brought us our drink order and the draft beer tasted so refreshing. Perfect Moment #4.

Just prior to our date, I had taken my strenuous warm yoga class and was very hungry. The salad and ministrone soup tasted SO wonderful. The breadsticks weren't bad either. Perfect Moment #5.

(And don't forget that I'm still sitting right next to the fireplace -- still perfect).

DH and I had the most wonderful conversation about his world and mine and reconnected with our precious date time. Perfect Moment #6.

After telling our waitress that neither of us wanted dessert, she brought us our bill and some mint chocolates...not just two, but an entire handful. Perfect Moment #7.

After dinner we picked up the kids and went home to enjoy a relaxing few family minutes before an early bedtime (before 10 p.m.) Perfect Moment #8.

I'll stop there. :) But know that it was a series of Perfect Moments indeed.