Klink and Tay's Dubuque Trip Thread

[GaTechMom]

Great pics Tav looks like you had a great time.

[taylovesthebeatles]

Tay Breedlove's Photos - Dubuque 2009 | Facebook The final batch of pictures (I think) from the trip has been added to the album, and there are several pictures from a local brewery that I think NDN and eejit will especially appreciate. So go look! Now!

Haha in all seriousness, this has been an amazing weekend. The first observation I can make about Dubuque is that it is HILLY! Seriously guys, it is hilly as FRIED CABBAGE. (eejit I censored myself there for you :P) I think I'll be slightly traumatized driving the rest of the way back to Tulsa tomorrow and encountering the flatness again. I thought Tulsa had a pretty varied topography, but whooo boy was I wrong. Also, Dubuque has a strong colonial influence, and most of the buildings are designed as such. It's really a lovely town, with a lot of history. And a gazebo! LOL, ask me about that if you're confused. It amused me, anyway.

Saturday when we drove in we went with his family to a graduation party for one of their friends, and then went to go play Magic at Comic World. That's where I discovered Disc Golf, lol. I didn't really do very well in my matches, but I had a lot of fun.

The next day was my future sister in law's graduation, and you can see all sorts of pictures from the ceremony in the album. I thought it was kind of cool and interesting that there was a different color cap and gown for the boys and the girls. The speeches were pretty canned and cliche, but good for a laugh I suppose, and the graduation was over pretty quickly. She passed, yay! She's off to Arizona State in the fall. Her brother and I are so proud of her!

The rest of the day and evening was mostly spent at klinkman's house, visiting with a small group of family and friends. We had a lovely cookout, and it was extremely relaxing and enjoyable. Definitely the best day of the whole trip. I got a lot of pictures taken with all of my family, which meant a lot to me and they turned out great. I also got to see my future sister-in law's ring, given to her by her Gramma, that once held Gramma's engagement ring diamond that is now in my engagement ring from klinkman. There are pictures of that uploaded, too. I just thought I should clarify that the other ring is not mine, but it is in the picture with my engagement ring so you can see where my diamond came from. In the evening after it got dark we played Rock Band. I can't wait until the Beatles version comes out! (On a completely random side note, there is a trailer up at the official website, and it looks like it will kick so much arse. I can't wait!)

Today klinkman and I got up and after picking up his family from their house, we all went out to lunch at Happy Joe's Pizza and Ice Cream Parlor. I'd heard many many good things about their Taco Pizza, so I just had to try it! Definitely as delicious as advertised. We also split a Mint Chip Sundae, which was delicious.

Then it was off to the Star Brewery of Dubuque, where klinkman and my future mother-in-law got the brilliant idea to hold a wedding reception for members of his side of the family who can't make it to our wedding in Tulsa, likely to be held after our honeymoon. I have a TON of pics from the brewery up on Facebook; they no longer brew beer there but now are devoted to wine. I tasted some called Red Dawg, and it was delicious! Light and fruity. Mama also got klinkman a t-shirt that says "Euchre? You're a Dubuquer!" on it- we thought it was awesome. I don't have a picture of that yet, but once klinkman wears it I'll corner him with it on and take a picture and just post it here for all of you. In short, I think it'll be a great place for a wedding reception, and it's out on the Mississippi River, which is really cool.

After that, it was back to the house, and soon it was time to say our goodbyes. I'm really going to miss my family, but I know I'll see them soon and this is just my first trip up here- we may not come back often, as the drive is quite long, but it's definitely not the last time I'll be here. I'm just so humbled and happy that I've been welcomed so warmly into the family, and that everyone loves me. That means everything to me, really.

Also, thanks to everyone who wished us well and for safe travels! Hopefully we'll get back to Tulsa safe and sound tomorrow. Thanks for reading, and any questions or comments are of course welcome!

[KaciBlakely]

I hope you guys had a great time and enjoyed each other's company.

[BnLM5]

Yes please have a safe trip home. I am so glad the two of you had a great time. But there's no place like home. Is there?

[taylovesthebeatles]

We just got back in town safe and sound, I wanted to let everyone know. Yes Lori, there is indeed no place like home. The problem is when the place you're traveling to becomes like home, which is what happened for me in Dubuque. I love his family, I really do. Granted I probably wouldn't feel the same if I had to live with them 24/7, but at the end of the day, they really are amazing people who love me and accept me for who I am. I know his mom is really happy to have me marrying into the family. It meant more than I can possibly put into words to hear her call me her future daughter-in-law. I can't wait to be a Klinkhammer.

Tomorrow it's back to work and finishing set up of my apartment for my grandparents visiting this weekend! Ah, life. Not complaining, it's been very good to get away for a while.

[BnLM5]

I am so glad the two of you made it home safely! I am so happy for you Tay, you sound like the happiest girl in the world. What a wonderful feeling. It feels good to be loved.

[taylovesthebeatles]

I am so glad the two of you made it home safely! I am so happy for you Tay, you sound like the happiest girl in the world. What a wonderful feeling. It feels good to be loved.

It does indeed feel amazingly good to be loved. I'm glad you missed us and are happy for our safe return, that makes me feel loved too! I am definitely one of the happiest women in the world, but leaving has been bittersweet. It is comforting though to know that I have the rest of my life to be with them and call them family.

Also it's exciting to get a sister out of the deal, since I'm an only child! I'm so proud of her graduating, that's what this was all about. That and seeing our family. You should see Matt, he was so proud of his sister. The pictures only sort of convey it. It's wonderful.

And I got to see baby pictures!! Oh my gosh he was the cutest baby ever lol. I reserve the right to change my mind about that once we have one of our own though, haha.

[eejit101]

Without being an ***.......... even though im going to sound one......

Question - Why are we all so excited people drove home safely?

I mean im glad they made it home safe, but its not like they were walking home at night at 3am through Moss Side, or driving through the Lebanon to get to where they live....


Im confused, maybe im just ignorant?

And remember, i like u guys, im not being a ****!

[knowledge]

I like the belly dancing pix the best!

[taylovesthebeatles]

I like the belly dancing pix the best!

Haha I thought someone might! His sister is quite attractive, I'll give you that.

I'm surprised NDN hasn't made a comment about the brewery pics! I took those just for him and eejit.

[woohoosue]

ok havent seen the new pics yet but had to chime in on how americans care for one another.....it is a way of live most of america was built by groups of people working together side by side to make it happen.... I guess always being an american you forget that abvout ourselves..... community is a big thing for us..... maybe that is different in other countries..Im glad you made in home safe Tay and Klink

[taylovesthebeatles]

ok havent seen the new pics yet but had to chime in on how americans care for one another.....it is a way of live most of america was built by groups of people working together side by side to make it happen.... I guess always being an american you forget that abvout ourselves..... community is a big thing for us..... maybe that is different in other countries..Im glad you made in home safe Tay and Klink

Thanks! Yeah I think you're right about community, although some people are much closer than others. It's also certainly not like some other countries where people often always live with their extended family. At the same time, family doesn't always have to mean a DNA connection. It's about who loves you and who takes care of you when the chips are down. I guess you could call that a NDN family instead, lol! But yeah, community is definitely still important.

And you should go look at the pics now! The album is complete!

[eejit101]

Thank you Lori, that was very sweet of you! I definitely know I am the luckiest woman in the world, and I thank God every day for bringing us together. Eejit will probably argue with this too, but I know that klinkman came into my life for a reason and it's nothing short of a gift from God. I spent 21 years of my life waiting for him, and I knew that I wasn't meant to be alone, I just never found the right person. As soon as I really got to sit down and talk with klinkman, I knew he was the one I had been waiting for and meant to find.

I will, i sent him to you from another world. He was made from sand, tiny ants, and small metal fillings.

Your welcome.

If you do, I want pics! Maybe even a video!

Me too!!!

[taylovesthebeatles]

I will, i sent him to you from another world. He was made from sand, tiny ants, and small metal fillings.

Your welcome.

Thanks eejit, that was so sweet of you! I definitely owe you my gratitude!

[PANAMHIEST]

hope you guys have alot of fun!

[eejit101]

can we mudwrestle Lori?

[taylovesthebeatles]

can we mudwrestle Lori?

If you do, I want pics! Maybe even a video!

[BnLM5]

can we mudwrestle Lori?

Now stepping into the puddle of mud... on the left we have Eejit and his opponent on the right Lil miss ME! Who will win folks? Who will go down first? Will it be her or him? Once they go down the real question is will they come back up or not? Only time will tell..... Let the games begin!

[taylovesthebeatles]

Now stepping into the puddle of mud... on the left we have Eejit and his opponent on the right Lil miss ME! Who will win folks? Who will go down first? Will it be her or him? Once they go down the real question is will they come back up or not? Only time will tell..... Let the games begin!

Ahahaha oh man I love you guys. Can I play "Blurry" during the fight, please?

[Sassy12U]

I wish I could take a road trip too I'm just so busy with everything else. I do have time for the girls night out on the weekend though! haha soo fun! This is kind of like a diary too. Except I don't think mine would be appropriate..haha

[GloBug]

I wish I could take a road trip too I'm just so busy with everything else. I do have time for the girls night out on the weekend though! haha soo fun! This is kind of like a diary too. Except I don't think mine would be appropriate..haha

your 19 what u doing with the girls. u going to chucky cheeses. or golfland oh no i got the mivies or th mall. lol i am just kidding. hey so u post that pick inquiring minds want to know lol. its for eejit. hes a hunk of a brit.

[eejit101]

your 19 what u doing with the girls. u going to chucky cheeses. or golfland oh no i got the mivies or th mall. lol i am just kidding. hey so u post that pick inquiring minds want to know lol. its for eejit. hes a hunk of a brit.

damn right.

Im like Clive Owen only i can act.