Happy 8th Anniversary

February 5th is a special day. It's the day 116 of our closest family and friends gathered in Hawaii to celebrate our wedding in 2005. As we mark our 8th anniversary today, here are some stats capturing our past 8 years:

2 beautiful kids, 1 too many gray hairs, currently living in our 3rd house, 3rd international move, 3rd job for Maurio, passing of 1 parent, 3 nephews and nieces combined, a deeper appreciation of our family and friends near and far, many excess pounds compared to 8 years ago, a love for wine over cocktails and shots, experienced in being an owner of an English bulldog for a short span, a realization that it's impossible to keep up with all tech apps and gadgets. Staying up past 1am is super late and getting out of bed after 8am is considered "sleeping in".  But all of the negatives were easily forgotten when I received this beautiful bouquet from my hubs.

Nice backdrop of a painting by Mars which I received for our  5th wedding anniversary. 

Heading off to dinner 

Just a bit of playtime with papa before dinner 

We celebrated our anniversary at Benu. The chef worked under the renowned chef, Thomas Keller of French Laundry until he opened this restaurant. I had been wanting to go since we lived in Tokyo so this was such a treat and it certainly didn't disappoint. It was by far the best meal I've had so far in San Francisco.

Debating the dinner options...

while enjoying an amuse bouche of kimchi pork belly with oysters

Here's what I ended up choosing:
- Tarte flambee, sea urchin, green apple
- From the oak-acorn strozzapreti, Iberico ham, black truffle
- Almond Tart, dried apricot, osmanthus, smoked earl grey ice cream

and here's what Mar chose:
- Hokkaido sea cucumber stuffed with shrimp, pork belly, eggplant and fermented pepper
- Charcoal-grilled lamb belly, ice plant, puffed quinoa, sunchoke, hen of the woods mushroom, charred scallion
- Caramelized white chocolate pudding, satsuma, cocoa nib

And of course, this wonderful evening wouldn't have been possible without Oma who stayed home with both kids so her older kids could go out and play for a night. Thank you!!