Cloud 9 Years

May 30, 2000-Robert Atwood and Rachel Thackeray married in the Portland, Oregon Temple.

May 30, 2009-Robert & Rachel Atwood go out for 7 hours to get away from 3 children on their 9th wedding anniversary.

We first headed off to the Bahama's for some coconut shrimp and spicy fish tacos.

After drinking in pure cane sugar lemonade (unbelievable), we left the Caribbean and headed for a cruise on the high seas. Not wanting to get wet when clothing was limited, we opted just to sit on the beach and be hypnotized by the reflections on the water. It was a beautiful breezy and sunny day. I could have stayed their all day.

After Rob ate his fill of sailboats (which seems to be a stupid tradition of ours every time we are out alone with a camera) we wanted a small sample of chocolate.

After showing up for our dessert, Rob worked his magic with the manager and got us a table when we were repeatedly told no by the staff. We dove straight into a vat of peanut butter chocolate fondue. When asked by the waiter if we wanted the small platter to share, I shot him flaming daggers of death with my eyes and he figured out quickly that I would be having my own plate and Rob would need his own too. I don't share chocolate and strawberries, that was not mentioned in our marriage vows anywhere.

I started moaning after the last bite of enrobed cheesecake and it took me about 30 minutes to walk the 1/2 block back to the car. We took some advice from some friends and tried to walk down Main street in Bellevue only to find all the ritzy stores we were going to spend my hard earned yard sale money in, were closed by 5:00pm. Your loss!

Luckily, we accidentally happened upon a meadow as our final resting place for the day. It was perfect for watching the wild animals on their daily jog and momma's pushing their offspring in strollers. We laid in the cool grass and came just shy of falling asleep in the late afternoon sun.

Alas, we had to go to make it back to the main land by 7:00 but found just enough time to allow ourselves a real treat by making a quick trip to....the grocery store! 5 frozen pizzas (coupon deal) and a box of otter pops later and we were headed home.

Congratulations to us for a job well done these past 9 years.

Yeah for friends. Thanks to the Boultons, the Miners and the Ziemanns for taking our children so we could stare at the sky and eat 'til our stomach's ached.