Rock!

This weekend rocked - both figuratively and literally.

We traveled up to see the Valleses, and as usual, it was a ton of fun. It's fun on two levels - I really enjoy getting to spend time with one of my best friends, catching up, hanging out, and watching her family grow. I also love watching Camille play with Nia and Nate because she has a BLAST.

They were constantly in motion, but I managed to get a picture with all of them in it as they tore around the front yard on their bikes/jeeps.

And Camille was introduced to the fine sport of tee ball, with her excellent coach Mrs. Nikki.

The trip also rocked because Lee and I got to see The Hold Steady in concert at the 40 Watt in Athens. I've really begun to like the band a whole lot, but I was also excited to be at the 40 Watt again. Lee and I used to love going to concerts there when we were in school, and it holds a lot of good memories.

I was afraid going there would make me feel old, but was pleasantly surprised to see plenty of other thirty-somethings and even forty-somethings in the crowd. The 40 Watt is always good people-watching.

Another pleasant surprise was the "no smoking" rule enacted since my college days. I used to hate leaving the club reeking of cigarette smoke and the stale beer that was inevitably poured down my back at some point. But I could breathe! Hallelujah, I could breathe!

And can I just say - The Hold Steady was AWESOME! These guys not only play good music, but have so much fun doing it. Their energy was contagious, they were hilarious to watch, and I really enjoyed seeing them perform.

A really, really good weekend.