I'm now on Christmas break from work. It's only a 4-day weekend, but in those 4 days, Kitten and I are traveling between 5 households in 3 days to visit both my relatives and hers.

Even though I know I'm going to be completely exhausted from all of the running about, I'm excited to see my future in-laws again. Kitten's mom has warmed up to me the past few weeks, so that's making me feel a bit more at ease. The folks from Mendota haven't seen me since the Sweet Corn Fest, and I kind of worry that I won't be as welcome there because I all but dragged Kitten's aunt to the ER kicking and screaming.

Part of this Tour de Illinois will also include Kitten finally meeting my aunt and uncle, and possibly some of my cousins. We've been together over a year and a half at this point, and we're also engaged. I think I'm entitled at this point to make those introductions.


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“Talk not of wasted affection; affection never was wasted.” - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow