For the first part of the celebration of Dan’s birthday, we left the daughters at my parents house and took a mini vacation to Saint Louis. This was our first outing (alone) since last year on our anniversary.

We toured the art museum, and came away with enough thoughts to last a lifetime. Maybe I’ll try to share some of our impressions later on.

After the art museum, we went to dinner at Modesto, a tapas resturaunt which we have been wanting to try for three years.

The atmosphere was very pleasant.

It was quiet, and the waiters displayed just the right amount of attentiveness. We never had to wait for anything, but they didn’t hover too much, either.

The food was spectacular. The calamari was the best I’ve ever eaten.

The bread came with an olive dip that was wonderful.

And the chorizo…mmm…

All in all, we both agree that this may be the best restaurant we have ever eaten at.

After that, we walked to a nearby coffee shop. Which was one of the best coffee shops we’ve ever been to.

We sat in the warm evening sunshine and actually visited over our coffee. It was an amazing sensation. We giggled. And took photos of each other like silly newly weds.

We agreed that we missed the girls. Then, we went home and gathered up our precious daughters.

Phase two of the birthday celebrations to come tomorrow…