Trip to Dallas

I promised a post about our trip to Dallas...it was so fantastic. Here's a quick review.
Landed Thursday night, triple digit temperature.
Bro get caught in traffic, we hailed a cab, driver was from Thailand. Having both spent time in Thailand, we enjoyed the chat, plus it helped him stay awake. Very scary to be going 60 mph on LBJ with your driver's eyes shut.
Delicious dinner at Darla & Michael's...great time with the family. The nephews loved touching Jaime's tummy. "I felt him kick!" Sterling was just certain that "Baby Jack Jack" was just about to pop out of Jaime's belly button. I really think he could have caught the baby and cut the cord. He's a very confident and mature 3 year old. We saw pictures of hunting trips at the ranch, and Michael told a fantasy story about 'Cowboy Baby Jack Jack'. It's neat to see that our baby is already becoming part of family lore.
Friday:
Quality time with the family, just hanging out. Yummy breakfast Mom! Thanks for treating us like royalty and having all of our favorite foods. Played hide-n-go seek with B & B...you can't hide on the roof, Briggy! Trip to Academy, found some running shoes 1/2 off...a trip to Dallas wouldn't be successful without shopping. Jaime & the girls headed to Pottery Barn at Stonebriar, after a quick bite at one of our fav's, Schlotzky's.
Dinner at Blue Mesa, incredible! We loved the sweet potato chips & Blue Mesa salsa, and my crab cakes were scrumptious. It's a fun family spot.
Then off to our baby shower from our buds at the Preston Road c of c! Too fun. Thanks everyone! Holly, you rock. You all make us feel so loved & special...we keep up with everyone through the weekly bulletin (Thanks Bud & Kitten!). We'll always talk about "it all started at the Preston Road c of c in Dallas, Texas..." (our relationship that is, not our baby) Over the years, the people of PRCC have taught me so much about life, love & life in Christ. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. (Oh yeah, nice work, Marc & Maria. Don't let 'em bulldoze it anytime soon.)
Saturday:
Had a brisk walk with my dear friend / sister Mel. Always good hanging with you, sis! I've always remembered what you told me to always remember. Same back to you. Then breakfast & off to see 3 out of 4 nephews play their games. Stone kicked rear end (literally) at his soccer game, Briggs did very well despite the vengeful parents shouting "kick him back, Johnny, you have my permission" on the opposing team. I'm not kidding, that's worth a post right there. Briggs' team won, thankfully. Bennett hit a hard triple to left field to help his team on to victory on the baseball diamond. Bennett changed quickly and headed off to a hockey game. Wow, it's a busy schedule for a 13 year old. We had to say goodbye to the fam at that point and head off to Ft. Worth for Monica's wedding.
Monica & Aric's wedding at the Richland Hills church was AWESOME. I had only met Aric once, but Donny Vaughn did such an incredible job, we all felt like we knew Monica & Aric so well by the way he conducted the ceremony. You officiated like an old pro, Donny! Very impressive. Aric looked studly & Monica looked beautiful, of course. Radiant puts it mildly. We are both so happy for you guys. The song "Shine on Us" during the unity candle was the highlight for me. Plus, the slideshow at the beginning...it's so cool that you guys hunt together! We hope you guys had a terrific time on your honeymoon, and can't wait to see you on our next trip to DFW...baby in tow! (us, not you, well...probably not you.)
And a huge Virginia-sized thank you to our dear friend Becky B who helped "get us to the church on time." Little did we know, she was harboring a dangerous mono-ish disease and was quickly overcome after the nuptials. We both know she simply didn't want to take us to the airport afterwards...but the faked shaking was extremely convincing so we were happy to make new friends in Danny & Jody, who interestingly enough had direct ties to Thailand. Danny's g'dad is the g'daddy of all Thai missions in our faith tradition. Too cool. Thanks for the ride! (We later learned that Becky was fine after a quick trip to the doc-in-a-box...we're so glad, Becky...we love you!) And Blair, great to reconnect with you, but too bad you dodged taking us to the airport. We could've shared so much.
We landed back at Washington-Dulles at around 11 pm, went to bed after midnight.
Aaaahhhhh, we love our family, and we love Texas!