OH, he did it again. He outdid himself. Yes, my HHH planned to celebrate my birthday around May, but with the quarantine, we couldn’t really go anywhere.
The Sanctuary is a high-end, classy, beautiful hotel tucked away in the Camelback mountains. Doug found us a fancy suite back in February because in the summer, the rates are about 1/2 the price. So going in July was smart! Also, the restaurant, The Elements, is beyond delicious. (He took me there for my birthday five years ago when we were dating).
Mama agreed to watch Tatum, so she made Mama a lovely little picture to say THANK YOU.
Doug and I were then off! When we arrived, our room wasn’t quite ready so we just waited in the bar with a view of the mountains.
Then when we got to the room, they welcomed us with a few cookies, some champagne flutes and a nice card for me. I felt like royalty!
We didn’t have much downtime because we had dinner reservations at 6:30, so we immediately got all gussied up. I wore the same dress I wore there five years ago, but I had it shortened for my hubby. Thought he’d like that!
My HHH looked so dapper! I had to take a couple shots. He is relaxed, and for that, I’m grateful!
Ok, we walked a whole three minutes to get to our destination. Love that because it is 114 degrees out right now. Yikes!
Don’t we look so cute?
Now, can you believe that FIVE years ago, this was us? I think we look a lot better together now! Well, that is about 30 lbs difference for the honey. (His heart grew and his body shrunk…that’s a deal!)
We ordered an appetizer consisting of count them……Yes, 4 prawns. But they were SCRUMPTIOUS!
Our salads were also amazing. Wedges with bacon, tomato and for honey, blue cheese.
Now, what did we talk about? We brought some fun questions to go DEEP with each other, and they did not disappoint. We had such fun conversation and at times, pretty intimate. I loved it!!
Before we ate, he surprised me with the sweetest card.
WOW.
I’m blessed.
I’m even more blessed when my salmon came out. It delightfully sat upon a bed of broccoli. I have to admit, though, Doug’s filet looked mouth watering.
Oh, yes. Now we are talking!
Later, Beau MacMillan, the chef, came out to welcome us back. Check this out.
This was five years ago:
Tonight, he invited us back for a tasting menu. OK, twist my arm.
The rest of the night, we enjoyed being together alone in the room. It was such a joy.
We have come a long way in five years.
THEN:
NOW! Two lovebirds.
I love you, HHH. Doing life together forever with my best friend.