The Date Inspired by the Letter G

Yes, we're out of order again. :) And yes, we did TWO of these dates in one weekend! But this was totally worth being out of order.

The whole alphabetical date thing was my idea (okay, really it was Pinterest's idea, but I'm the one who has been doing all the planning), but shortly after we started doing them, Ryan told me he had a date idea up his sleeve. All I knew was it could fit into two or three different letter possibilities, and he would let me know when we needed to do it. I love surprise dates, so I didn't ask any questions or try to figure it out at all.

He said we would need to do it this past Saturday, as part of our St. Joseph County date. He told me the place he was taking me didn't open until 5 in the evening, so I could plan whatever for the day, but he'd need the evening for his surprise. No problem!

On the way up to South Bend, he told me he was a little disappointed because there had been a change in something regarding the date, and while he still thought I'd have a great time, I wouldn't have as great of a time as I would have before the change. I was utterly baffled. Could not figure out what it might be.

So while we were eating our meal at the cafe, he gave me a clue. He said something about someone who had been part of the date event wasn't going to be there, and it immediately clicked for me. I knew this was the "G" date, and I said to him, "Did you get tickets to see the Vocal Band?"

HE DID!!!!

This is the first concert we've been to since I left radio (when I went for free because I was working them), and this is also a HUGE thing because Ryan isn't a diehard Gaither fan. Not that he doesn't like them, but he doesn't get all giddy like I do.

I'd read a couple of weeks ago that David Phelps resigned (again) from the Vocal Band, and that's what Ryan meant about it not being as exciting anymore. He bought the tickets before the resignation news came, and he was sad I wouldn't get to see David, because he knows he's my most favorite! I was sad too, but I didn't care, because HELLO!!!!! GVB tickets!

That officially makes the G date a GIDDY Bekah attending a GAITHER Vocal Band concert!

Of course, after a day of hairnets, rain, winter hats, and running around northern Indiana in the cold, I sure didn't look my best. I was in jeans and walking shoes, with major frizz head, but sometimes you just gotta swallow your pride, you know?

The concert was held at the historic Morris Performing Arts Center, which is almost 100 years old! GORGEOUS old architecture.

I WAS SO EXCITED!!!

Even saw Nikki, a fellow David Phelps fan I first met back when I worked at the station. She told me David WOULD be there that night. WHAT?!?! Say it isn't so!!!

BUT IT WAS! He really was there! I texted my Mom to tell her he was there, and she responded "as is your husband." LOL!!!!! Yes, yes he is! But this was his idea, after all!

We sat about halfway back on the main floor and I was impressed with how well my camera did for pictures. (I did have to dodge a high-haired person a couple of rows up.) I was so glad I'd brought my zoomy zoom lens, even though I didn't know I'd need it!

 Charlotte Ritchie looked stunning in that black dress!

 They opened with Alpha and Omega, and I cried all the way through it. I always do.

YEP! There he is!!!

 This was only the second time I'd seen Todd sing with them. He's really good!

 And funny!

 Adam Crabb - also very good!

 Boom. The note.

 My most favorite band combo in recent years.

 This guy could plaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.

 Ahhhh, Wes. He took over for David when he left the first time, and I wasn't sure I could handle a replacement, but he's so good. I really like him.

 I figured I should make sure I had a picture of Bill! After all, it is his band. :)

Last song, big notes.

It was a great night, which Ryan made even better by surprising me again with David's new CD.

Thanks, Ryan, for making it such a great date. You rock at alphabetical date planning!! And I feel very, very loved. :)