14 Days of Anniversaries

October 10: Marked the anniversary of my mother's passing two years ago. It is, in fact, one of those life events that feels like yesterday and seems eons ago all at the same time. I'm really missing her this autumn. I'd like to chat with her on the phone.

October 13: Marked SEVEN years as Mrs. Youree. We celebrated with three days/two nights in Bentonville, Arkansas, staying at this uber interesting hotel, 21C. If you're ever in the area, you MUST visit this inn. It's an art museum within a hotel. And the green penguins are hysterical (and slightly creepy).

The reason we chose this destination was to visit the Crystal Bridges art museum. Y'all, it's great. I could just enjoy the architecture and the surrounding nature all day, but then, add in some impressive and classic American art . . . speechless. I was also shocked when I bumped into a college friend in the gift shop. I mean: What are the chances?

And what's the best anniversary present e-v-e-r? After a dinner and a movie, we decided to splurge on donuts. We busted into Dunkin' like two kids in a candy store, ordering a half dozen to go . . . when, out of nowhere, the lady says we can have six more donuts FREE. Happy anniversary to me! (Before you either freak out or become too impressed, we didn't actually eat 12 pastries ourselves. We gave *a few* to the folks working the hotel lobby desk.)

The highlight of the trip, though, was some much enjoyed alone time with my hunk. What a treasure he is to me. I can't believe he agreed to marry me. :-)

October 17: After leaving Bentonville, we met my in-laws (who'd been keeping Anna), our niece, and Anna Zane in Branson. That Tuesday we visited with my nephews, who live in Missouri; that was so fun! And then the Youree crew enjoyed the thrills and sugar of Silver Dollar City. The girls had a blast. On the 17th, we drove home, but I kept thinking about my mother. The 17th is her birthday and also the anniversary of her funeral and burial. The 17th is a weird day.

October 24: Ah yes, the anniversary of my birth. As you age (gracefully, right?), birthdays lose their luster . . . and sometimes, for a mother of a little one, it really feels like any other day. But this birthday was a surprise of sweetness. We just had a great day together as a family. Bryan surprised with me a fun gift; we gorged on a great meal; and we were just all in sync. It was a great way to end 14 days of anniversaries.