The Other Life...: Birthday Surprise and Parent's Visit

My parents came to visit on Wednesday of last week. We had the BEST time when they were here, like always!

On Wednesday, I picked them up at the airport, and we went to their hotel (Hilton) and then to tapas at La Bodega. We then went to change and I took them to the Contributor's Concert. They loved it.

On Thursday, I had rehearsal in the morning, and in the afternoon, we went to Cafe Trio and had lunch. Great food and atmosphere! After that, we went went up to the top of City Hall and looked out over the city off the 30th floor. I WISH I had brought my camera to take some pictures. It was so clear and gorgeous. We could see for miles! We went to the Drum Room for dinner.

The next day, was a double rehearsal day for me. We got out early, so my parents came to get me around 3pm, went to Christopher Elbow chocolates, got drinks at the M I Greatroom at the Marriott, and hung out until our reservations the Webster House for dinner and drinks. Of COURSE I got the scallops, and was absolutely thrilled at the outcome. I love that dish there, and usually get it when we go to Happy Hour as well.

On Saturday, we got up early and went to Shatto Dairy for a tour in the morning. They had JUST had a baby cow the day before, and we got to pet it. The tour is lovely, learning about the history of the dairy, the production, learning how to milk a cow...both manually and how the dairy does it, concluding with a taste of ALL their milks...Chocolate, Strawberry, Banana, Orange Dream (like a creamsicle), and Root Beer. Yummy! We then went back to Independence, MO, to the Vaile Mansion. Beautiful, old Victorian home. We took the tour, and learned a few things about the history of the town, as well as the Vaile family and house history. That night, before my rehearsal, we went to Bristol Seafood Restaurant. Great restaurant! MIGHT even beat the Webster House!

On Sunday, we went to brunch at Cafe Europa, and then to the Toy and Miniature Museum. That's also a HUGE recommendation for a museum for the whole family. It was stunning to see how small and detailed people can make furniture, plates, musical instruments, and even cutlery! We then went back to the hotel to chill out for a bit, and went over to the Memorial Day symphony concert around 6pm. We met Pam and Richard (Awalt) there, and ate hot dogs, hamburgers, picnic fare and had a few drinks before I had to go change for the concert. I think they all really enjoyed the concert, and I had a great time playing it! We all went out for drinks afterwards at Re-verse.

The next day, I had a surprise in store for me from my parents, in terms of a mini-vacation. It turns out we went to Hermann, MO. It's a small German town nestled RIGHT on the banks of the Missouri River. It's a gorgeous little place, and has several breweries and wineries, along with cute shops and very nice people. We went to a few wineries, an antique store, and a brewery...not to mention a two GREAT German restaurants!! We stayed in a bed and breakfast, Hermann Hill, and I got my OWN room. My parents room had a hot tub, but I secretly think I got the better view. This place was spectacular and charming, at the same time. At 9:30pm, we were brought a small tray of chocolate cookies and ice cream drizzled with port wine reduction and a candle. For breakfast, we had our choice of eating in the dining room, or having it in our room. Any beverage we wanted, and a choice (that day) of pecan cinnamon french toast, quiche or a build-your-own omelette, and a german sausage, and potatoes, with a bowl of fruit. Marvelous! Below are pictures of my room, bathroom, balcony, breakfast and the view of the bed and breakfast from town. They also had two cute lab doggies who lived on the property that would sit and be very cute for a biscuit!

We came back on Tuesday night, and ate at Jazz (a cajun cafe in KC) with Alex (a friend who had come in to town for the violin audition). It was a fun evening! I took them to the airport in between rehearsals on Wednesday, and was very sad to see them go.