Our Perfect Valentine's Day

This year Valentine's Day fell on a Saturday however I had to work so Anthony surprised me by taking me on my first ever train ride. I remember earlier in our relationship he asked me what was one thing I had never done but always wanted to. Of course I had two things that came to mind quick, first riding on a train and the two was going on a hot air balloon ride. Unaware, that we had a passenger train in the nearby suburb of Austin called Cedar Park, called the Bertram Flyer. When we go up that Sunday I assumed we were going to church but by surprised Anthony took my to the train station where he had previously purchased two tickets on the First Class Pullman Lounge - City of Chicago. It was so great! We took pictures a the station, near the locomotive, with the conductor. When we located our seats they were so cute and cosy with a table between with fresh pastries, fruit and juice. Our attendant stopped by to introduce herself and made the morning announcements. She advised that our car was built by Pullman-Standard and delivered in 1950. Upon retirement from Amtrak service, the City of Chicago fell into private ownership. In 1995 Dr. Henry Renfert donated it to the Austin & Texas Central Railroad. This car was heated and air-conditioned which made for a very smoother and comfortable ride. Once the train was on it's way we we able to visit the other cars all the way to the rear of the train. Along with way we took pictures of the different looks and the views out side we even filmed a bit of it for our archives. The train ride was three hours long from start to finish. Which was perfect since I can get a touch of motion sickness which I didn't! Our route follows the scenic route of the Hill Country Flyer, but stops at the historic 1912 train station in Bertram, where we rested for 15 minutes we were able to go in the original train station which was neat. This was such a great experience and I'm so happy that I was able to share it with my babe! Thank you sweetheart that's one we can take off our list!

The One

Anthony arrives home from work and I’m pretty much ready to drive to Houston to try on the dress.  A bit nervous but very excited from the first time I saw this dress I knew it was the one.  Unfortunately, no bridal store had it to see in person so I had to order it and just hope that I made the right decision.  So I left home and let my mom and Val know I was on my way.  Getting out of town was a breeze, the traffic was light and the day was peaceful, until I reached 290 and that confirmed I was back in Houston.  Called Val to let her know my whereabouts and picked her up from work.  As we arrived to the store we noticed my parent’s car so my mom was already there.  We walk upstairs and I see my mom’s smiling happy.  Both happy to see me and smiling at the beauty of my dress.  Oh wow, it’s beautiful and everything I wanted.  When I tried it on it seemed to be a bit tight, but I’m working on that.  Looks like I need to lose at least 3 to 5 inches in the hip area.  But over all that dress was beautiful and made me feel like a princess.  All I could think about was seeing Anthony’s face when I walk down the isle to him.  I did get a bit emotional but I was able to contain it.  My mother kept telling me how beautiful and elegant the dress was and Val loved it too.  So, the decision is made, this is my dress.  While we were there, Val tried on her bridesmaid dress again which standing side by side complimented my gown.  Next we looked a veils.  Easily enough I found the perfect one.  It has the bling that matched my gown and the décor of our wedding.  Everything is coming together so well!  It feels so real and close now.  I don’t want to take it off.  But I have to and get back on the road to Austin.  So, I’m driving back home and I’m just smiling.  Spoke with my hairstyle to get her caught up and wanted her to start thinking of a great style to compliment the gown.  Then I made it home.  Greeted by my dogs and wonderful finance.  It was a great day.  But I was pooped so I went to bed early.