Honeymoon -vs- Not a Wedding Reception

When Morgan and I decided to get married, it didn't take much discussion between the two of us to decide against the traditional big wedding/reception/honeymoon.  For me, the main reason I did not want a big wedding was because I just knew there was no way all of my family would be able to fly to California for it.  Even if they would have been able to I would never have been able to plan a huge celebration knowing that my brother couldn't attend.  It just wouldn't be right.

So we flew to Vegas where we met up with my sister from Maryland and had a quick, simple ceremony at a cute little chapel.  And that's all she wrote.  Flew home, broke the news to everyone and basically continued on with our lives.  Yeah we missed out on having a honeymoon, getting all the gifts, the big party with our friends.  But honestly the only way I feel like I missed out was getting to wear the big beautiful dress and all that goes with it. 

We are preparing to celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary this year.  I am still quite shocked at how fast the time went by, but I guess its a good thing that we continue to enjoy each others company and we havent made each other nuts yet.  (Anybody who knows Morgan will understand what a big deal that last part is!)  I know that in the blink of an eye it will be our 10 year anniversary and I really want to do something special to commemorate.  Here's my dilemma.  The way I see it we have two options for our 10 year anniversary- either have that honeymoon or have a late "not a wedding" reception. 

Taking a trip together, alone for a week sounds really great.  Maybe a cruise, maybe just rent a house in Tahoe, whatever.  But then there is the matter of who will take care of the girls?  Who will take care of the critters?  Who will take care of me when I start missing said girls and critters?  We so seldom get any alone time this might be the thing to do. Or not....

Then theres the "Not A Wedding Reception"  idea.  Rent a nice dining hall - I have always loved Wedgewood in Rohnert Park and throw the reception we would have thrown if we would have had a wedding.  I could go get myself that big beautiful dress, granted it wouldn't be white and couldn't be to "wedding-ish" but same concept.  We could celebrate with all our friends, enjoy all the festivities and then be home with our girls the next day. 

With just over a year until our 10th anniversary, we really need to decide what we are going to do and start planning accordingly.  Part of thinks a nice quiet break alone is what we need the other part wants to celebrate this great accomplishment with my friends and family.  We still have a little time to decide and well, I guess what we don't do for the 10th we can do for the 15th or 20th.  Yes Morgan - I said 15th or 20th that's right your stuck with me!