Eleven Years — John Rothfusz

Natalie and I both skipped work and took the whole day for our 11th anniversary. We dropped the kids off at school and drove straight to Orangetheory.

Orangetheory

Natalie has been going for a few years now and she's been killing it. She's doing amazing at those workouts. I finally went with her, and they crushed me.

721 calories, 21 splat points, 131 average heart rate and 170 peak. The treadmill part was 26 minutes and 2.61 miles, and the class came out at 4,716 steps. 21 of the 60 minutes were in the orange zone, which is about where it stopped being fun.

The Orangetheory app summary screen: 721 calories, 21 splat points, 131 average and 170 peak heart rate, 2.61 miles and 4,716 steps — The numbers from the class. Most of my time sat in the orange zone.

Natalie and me in workout clothes, sweaty and squinting into the sun outside the gym doors — Natalie and I after the Orangetheory workout.

A new bike

There was a bike sale on the same day, and we had already been talking about looking at bikes so she could start training for her first triathlon. We ended up finding the perfect one for her at Southwind Cycle and Outdoor in Lenexa.

Natalie standing behind her new sage green Liv bike outside a bike shop, a black Kona tent set up by the door — Natalie getting her first road bike to train for her triathlon.

From there we went over to Kansas City Bier Company's new location to check out the beer garden. Always a good time sitting around drinking a few beers, especially the Oktoberfest this time of year.

Natalie and me at a brewery bar top with two beers in front of us and the tanks visible through the glass behind — Post buying a new bike, drinks at KC Bier Co's new beer garden.

Dinner

After the beers we got the kids from school and dropped them at Nana's house so we could get ready and go out. We went to Kata Nori Hand Roll Bar.

Natalie in a black dress and me in a white shirt and sunglasses, on the sidewalk outside a black storefront in the late sun — Pre dinner, outside of Kata Nori Hand Roll Bar.

Hands down the best sushi we've had in Kansas City. Between the drinks, the appetizers and the rolls we left very happy and very full. Highly recommend it, and we'll be back.

Three dishes on the bar: a piece of charred black cod under crispy fried onions, a bowl of rice, and salmon laid out in a pale sauce with green oil and chili crisp — The appetizers before the hand rolls. Best apps and sushi.

A foam topped cocktail on the bar next to a small black card reading happy anniversary in gold handwriting — Drinks at dinner, and the happy anniversary card they gave us.

Natalie in a black dress leaning against the brick of an old building, sidewalk and parked cars behind her in the evening light — My beautiful wife of 11 years.

Drinks after

After dinner we stopped at the Fern Bar for a few quick cocktails. Really cool vibe, and good drinks if you're into rum or tequila.

Me reading a tall cocktail menu at a bar, the back bar and warm globe lights behind me — Ordering drinks at the Fern Bar.

Two cocktails with thick foam tops on a marble table, an amber candle burning between them — Fern Bar drinks!

From there we managed to get a reservation at the Campground in the West Bottoms, and that place was awesome. The smash burgers are a 10 out of 10 and the s'mores topped it off.

Overall an amazing time celebrating 11 years with my beautiful wife. She motivates me and drives me, not just with the training and Unbound but in everything else too. Love you!!