Why is he the cutest baby I've ever seen?

I know I've probably said this about Maddie and Katie and Jane at some points in their lives, but seriously. LOOK AT THIS FACE!

Pics from the weekend: Yellowwood S.F.

A few gems from the drive through Yellowwood.

Metal bridge.

Wooden bridge.

And this is my favorite.

It's the reflection of the trees in the river.

Gorgeous.

Pics from the weekend: B&B

Our room had a balcony!

Balcony view.

Antique-y furniture, but nice bathroom.

Here's the lovely room.

Us, 2-years later, not quite so decked-out

but still happy,

and standing outside our room on the balcony.

A big week.

Well, this has been a crazy week. Kyle and I spent Sat/Sun in Brown County, touring the Edinburgh Outlet Mall, Bloomington's Food Offerings downtown, Oliver Winery grounds (and tasting, mmm), and Yellowwood State Forest, not to mention several unknown country roads as we attempted to outsmart the horrific traffic jam on Hwy 46 between Columbus and Nashville.

We stayed in a bed & breakfast--a first time experience for both of us. It was really fun. The couple running the place were the kindest hippies (how perfect) I've ever met and unbelievable cooks. The woman told us she used to work for an Italian chef. After tasting breakfast, I know she's had training somewhere. We talked food places with them--hearing their favorite spots in Bloomington and surrounding areas and also about things they cook at home.

What we didn't check out before booking was what was going on at IU. Turns out it was Freshmen Parents' Weekend. Plus, there was a night game! So, not only did that explain WHY every place was booked out for the weekend, but it also would have warned us about the nightmarish traffic. Oliver Winery was so full, people were parking in the grass (we had to). We were stuck in traffic numerous times, but still managed to have a great getaway.

The weekend was to celebrate our anniversary, which was Monday--2 years! On Monday, however, I never saw Kyle, my mom came for dinner and to spend the night, and I had class (arriving home at 10p). Mom's visit was really to take me in for surgery early on Tuesday morning. It was the last attempt to fix my eyes before throwing our hands up and saying -- LASIK is it!

Surgery went well and quickly (over in 10 minutes), and besides being another traumatic experience without any relaxing drugs, I survived well. Later in the day, I couldn't even tell they'd done anything. I've not had any pain or discomfort, other than a dry yet leaky eye (and that was only today). There has been some minor improvement in vision, but I'm so tired still, and my eye is just a bit foggy, I think because it's dry.

I worked a late night on Wednesday, following a super early morning rise & shine for my day-after eye appointment in Indy. This is why I'm so exhausted. Early mornings and really late nights (for an oldy like me). I will work all day on Saturday and then we're having some friends over for a visit. Wow...long, crazy, tiring week. But, looks like I'll be able to get all my school work done which is essential.

Oh, and the other thing that was HUGE this week: I got a new phone! Seriously, this is amazing. For whatever reason, I started browsing some new phone ideas -- I was up for my free upgrade with Verizon. And I found this touch-screen phone that's not a smartphone, but it's a heck of a lot closer than the one I had. So, I got it because it was FREE to me. And I purchased a really small data plan so I can have some access to the Internet on my phone. Kyle was able to set up everything on the phone for me, including getting my contacts from one phone to the other, and he gave me a ready-to-operate object. I loved that! So did he. Like I said, it has a touch screen and a slide out keyboard. It's black and makes a lot of pretty noises. I'm super pumped. I finally have a mobile calendar! Maybe I can get rid of the hard-copy planner after all. We'll see. I'm not ready to commit to that.

Anyway, that's our big week. I need a couple slow ones after this. Yikes!

Unfortunately, no pictures

But I trust you can use your imagination.

Remember the post with pictures of Quincy in hilarious positions, including Burrito Kitty, Video Game Kitty, and Bible-Thumping Kitty?

Well, in the last week he's created two brand new positions that are definitely worth noting.

First is Mailbox Kitty. He sits in a nearly perfect rectangle and his head would act as the mailbox door. No tail visible, as it's tightly wrapped around his elbows (if cats had elbows, but you know what I mean).

Second is Roadkill Kitty, or Shot-on-the-Run Kitty. We walked around the corner of the kitchen yesterday to find him halfway out the computer room door, his head looked like he'd face-planted on the carpet while trying to outrun his friends in a rousing game of Cops & Robbers. His legs were all facing behind him at awkward angles. And he was dead asleep. We laughed for a long time on that one.

We love this animal. Can't believe we haven't been pet owners but for a few months.

Now do you know why we love him?

Look at the Book Thief title behind him.

A perfect explanation for what he is at this very moment.

Usurping my book collection and bookshelves!

But I wouldn't trade him for the world.

Big Stuff

So, Labor day weekend was busy. But Kyle got to do something really fun! He drove the tanker fire truck in the parade!

Here are the few shots I snapped (it was hard to get a good one while he was driving because I was sitting in between him and another firefighter...these are my efforts).

The driver.

The view while driving.

The view as he backed into the fire station

(mad skills here, folks).

The truck with all the families at the station.

The happy guy!

Oh, and before I sign off. First, his jersey, then his magnificent gift wrapping ability.

And, finally, a picture of Quincy to round out the family post!

It's the small things

Leaves crunched under my feet today as I walked across the really dry grass expanses of campus today.

How much do I love a job that let's me walk around on a beautiful day like today!