happy birthday-anniversary-valentine's day

Mid-February is the holiday epicenter for me. February 12 is Jacob's birthday, as well as our anniversary. Even though we don't really celebrate Valentine's Day, somehow it still adds to the confusion and chaos as this important weekend approached.

This year for Jacob's 24th and our 2 year anniversary, we took a day-trip to Chattanooga to the Tennessee Aquarium. We had a fantastic day. We stopped on the way down to have a tasty lunch at Cracker Barrel, which made it feel like more of a road trip even though its only an hour and a half away. I must say, my rueben sandwich and chicken & rice soup really hit the spot on this cold Sunday.


Jacob being 24 at Cracker Barrel.

On the drive down we listened to the best radio show ever made, Radiolab. I became so obsessed with this show after I heard it a few times on NPR. Each show is based around a broad theme, like "Memory and Forgetting" or "Loops." They delve into aspects of science, philosophy, and the human experience. We love, love, love it.

Finally in Chattanooga, we began exploring the aquarium. It was beautiful and exciting. I absolutely love aquariums and museums and zoos. We saw all kinds of fish, penguins, butterflies, and jellyfish. My favorite, of course, are all the little turtles!



Afterwards, Jacob bought me this adorable owl tea set that was inexplicably at the Aquarium gift shop. I'm so excited to use it!



Afterwards, we had coffee, birthday dinner, and a few beers. I wish we could celebrate like this every weekend, but I'm glad we were at least do it for these two special occasions. And now, its off to bed where I have chicken pot pie and Valentine's Day candy from my wonderful mom. Good-night.