Yesterday was Paul and mine’s fourth wedding anniversary. For those of you who are not up to speed, we got married twice. We eloped in secret on April 25, 2006 in front of the Santa Cruz lighthouse and had a public ceremony later on August 5th at a winery with our friends and family. Why two ceremonies?  Find out why by clicking on blended family finances.

It was a kid free weekend and I had hoped to spend the day yesterday with my hubby, but I was slammed with homework and finally came up for air around 3. Paul worked on the outdoor kitchen, which he’s been working on for about four years now, while I finished up my paper. Earlier in the day, we had made plans to go down to the light house and sit on the jetty while we sipped some champagne, but first I had to go to the store to get some champagne… and bread and toilet paper and stuff to eat for the week. I left the house and told Paul I would be right back. I was gone maybe half an  hour.  I was stopped at a red light as I was heading home when I saw him on his bicycle. He was waving his arms excitedly like he hadn’t seen me in years and smiling with a grin from ear to ear. I thought to myself, “Where is he going? And why? He knows we have plans?’ And then it dawned on me. He’s getting me flowers. Sure enough, as I was unpacking the groceries in the kitchen  I saw him zipping down the driveway with a colorful bouquet tucked under his arm. For as long as I live, I will always remember, and savor, that look on his face. That was the best anniversary present of all.