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!