July flies by

Nanny's visit was one of the brightest parts of our month,
but we've managed to let the good times roll.
A little snapshot of our July

 White Rock Lake is a popular destination in Dallas

No motor boats are allowed, but you can rent kayaks/canoes/paddle boards or go sailing

A huge biking/running trail spans the perimeter

We've spent a few Sunday mornings there exploring and hiking as a family

 The Dallas Arboretum is another popular destination

It reminds me a bit of the Botanical Gardens - 

with acres upon acres of gardens to explore 

It is surrounded by White Rock Lake

Each season features a special botanical theme

They bring thousands of pumpkins in during October

and cover just about every tree in sparkling lights during the holidays

The stage hosts free children's music classes each week, 

and the great lawn has concerts in the fall

Can't wait to spend a lot more time there, when that sun isn't quite so strong 

 Another weekend, another pool

Whenever she gets really excited, that tongue pops out

 Beating the heat, sprinkler style

 Ryleigh will walk clear up to her neck, 

with or without this tube

 Sorry, mom in the black bikini, for making it seem

like you are photo bombing us 

 My first girls' night out down here

These ladies have been so great to me/us 

and have made the transition a smooth one

Making new mom friends feels a little bit like speed dating

I'm lucky to have had a head start with these pre-existing friends 

and also with the gal next to me, 

our neighbor Holly

 Lexi has officially declared that she wants to marry her buddy, Jet, 

when she grows up

Guess this also means she no longer wants to live with mom and dad forever

 It's a shame she's so shy

 Dinner at the Company Cafe, a great restaurant along a popular

bike trail known as the Katy Trail

 Morning playdate at the pool - not the worst way to spend a Tuesday

 Their dads all had a work dinner together, 

so the moms rounded them all up

for a taco dinner at Diggs and then a trip to a nearby playground 

to run off all that pent up energy

Feeding the ducks wasn't very successful, but lollipops were an instant hit 

 Everyone in Dallas has these pogo stick swings

I don't totally understand why, but they're fun all the same

Our friends across the street let Lexi come hop on whenever she wants