Harrisonburg, Downtown

We've been back from our long vacation for just over a day now, and as Stephen put it, "Once we get back home, it feels like we've never left."

This is coming from the man who mowed the lawn this morning, blissfully oblivious to the storm that was The Wife Cleaning Up and Putting Away All of the Crap From Vacation.

But he's mostly right. We've happily slid back into our routines, and the kids get less and less cranky as the hours progress. We asked a lot out of them, especially with the two full days of driving we tacked on at the end, so their crankiness is to be forgiven. The only thing that remains a mystery is Jack's sudden and deep-set fear of our family dog. Before we left, Cassidy was his friend; now she is a terrible beast to be avoided and hated and screamed over.

Hmm.

Besides all of the strange and random new fears my toddlers are trying on for size, not much is going on as we settle back into life. The next big thing is that Steve is going to be working security for the Chicago Bears' summer training camp, which ONU has hosted for the past several years. No, he doesn't normally work security. Believe it or not, having a masters in physics might possibly over-qualify him for such work. (I'm a little proud of him, no?) It's just that ONU is responsible for security for the training camp, and Steve pursued a job with public safety in order to earn a little extra money for various house projects we have planned. I am extremely proud of him for a) pursuing this extra work, b) pursuing third shift and a position of leadership in order to get paid more, and c) being genuinely excited about it all, even about the third shift part.

Way to go, Steve.

In closing, I'll offer up another tribute to my husband. While we were visiting his sister and her husband in Virginia last week, Stephen woke up very early (to the tune of 5:30 AM) one morning to catch the sunrise and take artsy photographs of Harrisonburg's downtown. Steve typically seeks out the industrial, even seedy side of things for his photos, and he certainly didn't disappoint this time.

First, though, a self shot.

And then my personal favorite.

Maybe you couldn't tell what was happening in that last one. Allow me to explain: That's a parking lot to what I believe Stephen said was a local bar. Underneath the sign is a full set of clothing. And now you may let your imagination run wild.

He does a beautiful job, no? I'll ask if he recommends I share any others after he first discovers I have shared them with the blogosphere without his consent or knowledge.

Teehee.