Count your blessings instead of sheep....: Love Personified

Lily's first Valentine's Day was the best Valentine's Day I've had in recent memory. Cayce was on duty yesterday, so after spending an entire day and night on the ship away from the family he came home with gifts for all.

I was given a beautiful cross necklace and a bud vase with pink roses. The roses found the perfect home on the mantle.

Lily received an adorable swimsuit with ruffles and butterflies on the shoulders. He also gave her a very cute Valentine outfit and bib. We had made plans to dine out as a family, but we took pictures with Lily before we left, just in case she was not a smiley baby by the end of the evening.

We did not plan very well. We didn't have a particular restaurant in mind. As we drove around places either had lines out the door or the fare didn't sound appetizing. We were about to give up and head home, both of us feeling a bit glum. Right before we hit the highway back to our side of town we approached Tripps Restaurant. In a last ditch effort to salvage Lily's first Valentine's we pulled in. Neither of us had heard of the eatery. The place appeared busy, but not overly crowded. While cruising the parking lot I spied a baby in a high chair through the window. Good, family friendly. Man were we in for a surprise.

We were greeted with the enthusiasm most places only give to rock stars. Lily was oohed and awwed over by the hostesses. We were promptly seated. Our waitress gave the appropriate oohs over Lily. She even said she had the same bib for her baby. We ordered quickly. Cayce the fillet and I had the crab cakes. The bread was super yummy. Lily most definitely enjoyed it. Our salads were to-die-for. Our beverages stayed filled. One manager came over to talk to us. The service and food were not her concern. It was our adorable Lily. Lily put on a show smiling, giggling, and waving. She's quite the ham. Our entrees arrived and were prepared to perfection. I didn't even need any sauce with my cakes. This is quite an accomplishment. Cayce, Mr. Picky About All Food said his steak was one of the best he had ever had. I found my bite very tasty. The second manager came to check on our evening. We shared with him the great service and excellent food. He then talked to Lily for a bit. Calling her beautiful. (She is.)
While we were waiting to ring out Cayce took Lily to play with one of the many mylar heart balloons. Lily was fascinated. After paying we asked our waitress to take our picture, and she kindly obliged.

As we headed to the door the first manager stopped us thanking us for visiting. She told us to hold on a minute and grabbed one of the balloons for Lily. We thanked her profusely, and she told us to bring her back often. After a night of service like this, we certainly will! This place was a great surprise to have stumbled into. Lily loved her balloon. She played with it all the way home, and even when it was time to get ready for bath she would not part with it.