40 Before 40: Dine at 4 New Local Restaurants

 Barn 8:

We had an incredible evening at Barn 8 one Saturday in February. The atmosphere is amazing and the food was superb. There is something cool about eating in a barn turned restaurant that gives all the Kentucky feels. With an eclectic menu, the food was uniquely delicious.

del Friso's:

Ryan & I celebrated his birthday with a date night to Del Frisco's on a Sunday evening. The atmosphere was elegant & romantic. While the restaurant wasn't empty, it certainly was not over crowded making for easy conversation. We enjoyed nice appetizers, good Champagne, delectable steaks, & delicious desserts.

The Pine Room:

We took my parents on a beautiful date night to celebrate their 46th Wedding Anniversary. The venue was fabulous~ very unique and cozy yet casual enough to enjoy it at any time. The food was superb. The pretzel bread was a delicious starter followed by a classic yet uniquely displayed caesar salad. The men had bolognese which is always a crowd favorite. My mom had the burger while I enjoyed the hanger steak. And for dessert we shared cherry cobbler pie and a chocolate chip oatmeal cookie. The cocktails made for an excellent celebration!

Malone's:

We had a Christmas week date night at Malone's for some one on one time amid the holiday craziness. The atmosphere is casual swanky which makes it a place you want to return to time & time again. We enjoyed a view of the exquisite bourbon bar with an ambiance created by flaring candles. Our food was delicious~ from the shrimp cocktail to the traditional salad; from the maple bacon chicken to the filet; and the outstanding hazelnut cheesecake de creme. Top it off with a glass of Prosecco & a Manhattan, and we had a great little holiday date night.

                                                 

                                                

                                                 

The Thompson Christmas Bucket List: Sip Hot Cocoa

There is nothing like a little hot cocoa on the first snowy blizzard of the winter season...especially when that day happens to be Christmas Eve Eve. The kids enjoyed a hot cup of cocoa with extra marshmallows & candy canes to boot. The hot cocoa bombs are Elves brought them were a hit and they couldn't have enjoyed the wintery day more!

 

The Thompson Christmas Bucket List: Drink Egg Nog by the Fire

What is more festive than a glass of egg nog while sitting by a lit up Christmas tree?! One of my favorite things to do during the holidays is sit in the quiet of the night and have this special seasonal drink. 

A cozy fire makes it all the more beautiful. 

                                                    

The Thompson Christmas Bucket List: See a Christmas Play

Derby Dinner Playhouse never disappoints. We have been attending shows there for 6 1/2 years and we love the simple entertainment. The Christmas plays are always our favorites. The sweetness of the holiday spirit and the delight it brings to the children. This year all 4 kids were big enough to understand the storyline, clap & sing, and laugh big laughs at the jokes. Plus we had another sighting of Santa to make sure they remain on the nice list ;)

 

40 Before 40: Go on a Dinner & Movie Date with Dad

If there is anything that I have learned in nearly 40 years of life, it is that life is short. Spend the time with those who matter most. Take the time to slow down and just be in their presence. My dad is one of the most amazing people that I have been blessed to know. Time with him is always precious and meaningful. So for his birthday, we enjoyed a date night in. He requested Steak n Shake and a movie in his home theatre. We ate and drank milkshakes. Then we settled in with snacks to watch the newest James Bond movie. 

The snacks were good. The movie was great. But the company was the best.

 

The Thompson Christmas Bucket List: Create a Holiday Craft

Christmas time is for crafting. And we love a good holiday craft to get us in the holiday spirit. This year we decided to make cute festive picture frames to add to their room decor. Complete with a picture of the four of them with Santa Clause!

{bonus~ Salem got to make a fun Christmas tree craft at SMM Santa’s Workshop 🎅 with her sweet friend Nora}