Weekend Getaway! (Long version)

Never thought I would be soooo excited to go to Missouri. We had a great time and found plenty to keep us busy (other than the obvious which will not be spoken about here). Sam made up the whole itinerary and it was nice not to have to think. Those of you who saw the itinerary for my kids while I was gone know what I'm talking about.

We spent the first night in St. Louis at the Hyatt (internet special). We had a corner room with an arch view. We could also see the old courthouse and all the riverboats on the Mississippi. The next morning we worked out and swam at the pool on the top of the Hyatt, the view was amazing! We hurried off to the St. Louis temple and took in a session. There were brides outside, my fave, and a group of ym and yw arriving to do baptisms. The temple was small, but exquisite. We had some lunch at a nice italian restaurant we stumbled upon. We toured the St. Louis arch next. You can actually go up inside to a viewing room 600+ feet above. Then we went to a blues festival. There were various venues within walking distance of each other all over St. Louis, it was fun!

Sunday we went to church at Sam's temporary ward. He's the 16/17 year old sunday school teacher. I enjoyed being with the "big people" in gospel doctrine, but secretly wanted to sneak out and see what cool ideas their primary chorister was doing. During gospel doctrine a gentleman came in asking if there was anyone who could play the piano. A lady, with two small children on her lap who was just visiting said she would if someone could hold her kids. He enthusiastically volunteered! Apparently, they do not have anyone to play the piano in their ward so must ask each week for a volunteer. I am so greatful for our pianists! After church we packed up again and headed to the Lake of the Ozarks. Sam's roommate had a boat he let us borrow. We again had a corner room with a view of the lake (thank you internet specials). Since it was a holiday weekend they had all kinds of excitement going on. We decided to take it easy and go for an evening boat ride. After a few minor complications we got on the water just in time for the evening fire works display. The fireworks were literally right above our heads! We layed back on the bow of the boat and enjoyed!

The next day we went back out on the water to see the lake in the daylight. Sam was hoping to water ski, but the water was REALLY choppy! We got back in time for a swim before our his and hers spa treatments!!!!! Yes, my husband. It was AMAZING!! We both decided we could really get used to massages, salt scrubs (not recommended with a sunburn), and body wraps! We drove home in a daze.

He had to go to school the next day, so I drove him to the base. I didn't know however, that I was also joining him for his morning workout. Actually, he worked out with the other troops and I hung out on the treadmill. He went to school for a while and I went back to the house to clean up and do homework. I must confess I did watch some HGTV because we don't have cable at home and I love that station. Anywho...his commander let him out early so he could take me back to the airport 2 hours away. It was a horrible goodbye, but soooo great to see him! We truly did feel like newlyweds. It was funny because people would ask us that all weekend. No one would believe we had been married 18 years!!!