Funny how sometimes we can spend so much time worrying about things that never come "to be". You were really dreading going there and yet - ended up having a good time. Wonder if we should all take a lesson from that and not worry about things we can't control. However, I do know that once I start "dreading" things it doesn't stop until the day is over. I really would like to work on that.
I can't imagine putting up with this MLC craziness for 4 years especially with someone that isn't even trying to be civil. It's hard enough with someone like our H that are decent just distant but putting up with a cruel spouse has really got to be almost impossible.
Glad you had a good time and H was good with you. It would have been a long day if he had been otherwise!