Texas State Fair

Everything really IS bigger in Texas.
We have heard all about the State Fair since we first moved here.
It descends upon Texas for three weeks every October,
and it is not to be missed.

Our schedules didn't allow us to go until the Saturday evening before it closed.
We found ourselves stuck in traffic as the minutes ticked by.
Vic was ready to throw in the towel.
Lexi and I were determined.
We found an alternate lot, took an easy tram over, and the adventure began.

Let me paint the picture.
The State Fair is massive.
Smack in the middle is the Cotton Bowl,
home to the UT/OU college football game earlier in the month.
There are high school football games going on each day,
there is one area called the Midway devoted to just food and rides.
There are dog and cattle races, a children's petting zoo,
livestock quarters,
an area with "Big Tex" the mascot that we never even found,
and lots, lots more to do and see.
And being there on the very last night,
it was packed, to say the least.
We were navigating through the crowds with our double stroller,
fighting our way against the traffic.
It had all the makings of a disaster.
But…instead, we threw caution to the wind and just rolled with it.
Lexi's bravery showed itself at every turn.
She went on just about every ride she was tall enough for.
Logflume, haunted house, arctic blast which spins forward
crazy fast and then backwards even faster,
giant slide where you sit in sacks and race down.

 (this selfie was taken inside the arctic blast. 

it's terribly unflattering, but we sure had fun)

She could have kept at it all night long.
Ryleigh enjoyed the one ride she was allowed on,
then spent her time at the petting zoo -
deciding whether or not she could work up the courage to pet the horse,
the goat and the baby cows.

As the night ticked by and the moon came out,
we raced to squeeze in all the fun we could.
At 8:30, we made the trek home,
but not before treating the girls to their very first funnel cake.
While it might not seem like the healthiest choice,
when compared to the giant turkey legs, corn dogs, fried pumpkin pie
and fried oreos that were alternatives, we didn't feel quite so guilty.
It was one of those nights I'll remember for a while,
our family ignoring normal routines and normal bedtimes,
and making a new memory - just the four of us.
Thanks for a fun night, State Fair.
See ya next year!
(Probably just a few weeks earlier)

Six Flags

For the past several years, Vic has had a Dallas-based client named Chris.
Chris is married to Kim, and their two boys are close in age to our girls.
We had dinner in the city about three years ago.
Kim and I instantly hit it off.
The amazing food and atmosphere at Babbo may have had something to do with it,
but really she is just a sweet, fun, energetic gal who everyone hits it off with.
On our very first morning in Dallas, after arriving at a very late hour the evening before,
Kim collected the girls and I for a play date.
She wanted to ensure our move here got off on the right foot,
and that I wouldn't feel too lonely in a new city.
And she's been that kind of friend ever since.
The kind of friend who picks Lexi up for a four-hour play date
while Vic and I were on vacation...just to help my parents out.
The kind of friend who offered to take Lexi when Ryleigh needed a last
minute doctor appointment (even though it would mean leaving her job).
The kind of friend who is hosting us for Thanksgiving-day dessert
because we aren't able to be with our own families for the holiday this year.
The kind of friend who may just become our in-law one day -
if Lexi and Jet's childhood plans to marry have staying power ;)

She's also the kind of friend who is always making fun plans
and organizing new adventures.
When she suggested Six Flags a few weekends ago, we decided to tag along.

The kids all had a wonderful time, especially Lexi and Jet.

They even rode their very first roller coaster
(one of those old fashioned wood ones with big, long drops).
Lexi, who is showing us lately that she has absolutely no fear at amusement parks,
loved every single minute.

Her momma, who used to be the exact same way, had to close her eyes,
for fear of getting sick to her stomach.
Other than my dizziness, it was a really fun way to spend the day.

"Bermuda, Bahama, Come on Pretty Mama"

Last week, these guys flew to town

They graciously spent the next few days watching/entertaining our little monkeys,
while Vic and I escaped here (The Atlantis-Bahamas)

 to celebrate this

 at one of our very favorite places to be (the beach)

With an anniversary just days apart from ours, these guys met us at The Cove

Vic and I don't take many trips without bringing the girls along. 

In fact, if you don't count overnight/weekend getaways, weddings, and the like, 

this was our first real adult vacation since I was pregnant with Alexis. 

As such, we logged many hours sunning, relaxing, fruity/Rum drink consuming, 

and music listening here

Cain at The Cove

We enjoyed some pretty darn delicious dinners at Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill, 

Nobu and the One & Only Palmilla.

We spent one morning on the lazy river 

then tested our wits on a crazy steep/pitch black/aquarium filled water slide

We got our fill of the glorious ocean and white sand beaches and did a little swimming,

then took a nap or two before sunset

We all had a good stroke of luck at the casino

We enjoyed some alone time together as a couple

as well as many laughs with dear friends by our side.

Mostly, we savored a few days celebrating "the two of us" 

which came long before our family was "the four of us". 

It doesn't happen all that often, but it sure is important to do. 

And then we flew home to two very exhausted Grandparents.

We are so very thankful for their help

and even more thankful for the two little girls we entrusted in their care!

Happy, Happy 9th Anniversary to my one and only

The Dallas Zoo

Last week, we took the girls to The Dallas Zoo.
And, I have to say, all four of us were impressed
(despite Ryleigh's protests below)

It was the first beautifully cool fall day down here,
and I think that set the tone for a really fun outing.
The zoo itself was so easy to navigate,
that we covered so much in just a few short hours there.
My personal favorite has always been the chimpanzees,
and I think the girls loved them also.
We got to see them swing from branches,
race up and down trees,
chase one another,
and then run off out of sight.

The giraffes were also a huge hit.
Mainly because they walked right over to you
and ate lettuce straight out of your hands.
Lexi was a little hesitant at first - can't say I blame her.
But once she realized how gentle they were,
she would have been happy handing them food all day long

Ryleigh was thrilled to see the elephants and imitate their sounds for us.
After that, we saw some beautiful zebras catching a few rays in the afternoon sun

This lovely cheetah was content to have kiddos staring in on her nap.
She lost interest quickly and laid her head right back down on the ground.

We had our own brush with wildlife just after this picture was taken
Lexi dropped the princess wand you see in her hand down into the habitat.
She had literally owned it for one day - it was a party favor from the day prior.
Vic made a judgement call.
The giant tortouise were very slow moving, so the coast seemed clear.
He lowered Lexi head first into the exhibit where she fished out the wand.
Happy to report that we were not attacked by a turtle OR kicked out of the zoo :)

We let our very own monkeys do a bit of climbing

And then we capped off a great day with a family ride on the carousel!
Thanks, Dallas Zoo, - we'll be back

35

It's a year of big birthdays for Vic and I,
as we both turn 35!
Luckily, this family sure knows how to celebrate.
Several girlfriends joined me over the weekend
for some prosecco and fun hair blow outs at Dry Bar.
We met up with our husbands later that night for a birthday dinner.

The next day, Vic took the girls and I to the Dallas Zoo.
The weather was wonderful (cooler),
and all four of us were totally impressed.
That night, Vic and the girls treated me (and themselves)
to a delicious ice cream/cookie cake - yum.
There is nothing better than surrounding yourself with great people
for your special day.
And it meant SO much to hear from my family and friends
who are now too far away to see in person.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping 35 get off to a great start.
I am truly blessed.