Howdy~
Last weekend we took a jaunt to Dallas and Fort Worth and packed a lot in our short trip to the metroplex. Our "inspiration" event, so to speak, was the Navy/SMU football game. All other activities were planned around that blessed event. My parents hadn't really ever been to the area as tourists and they decided to fly down from Kansas City and meet us there for some fun.
On Thursday we spent a few hours at the Texas State Fair. It is the largest state fair in the country and we certainly didn't get to a fraction of it. While we all passed on this year's featured deep fried item of butter, we did indulge in a famous corny dog and tried a deep fried peanut butter cup macaroon (really a waste of a good peanut butter cup IMHO).
While we didn't have tickets to attend the famous Red River Shootout (UT/OU game) on Saturday, we did pay a quick homage to the Cotton Bowl which is on the fairgrounds. Hook 'em!
On Thursday night, my parents and I went to see the Broadway musical
Mary Poppins. The only word I can think to describe it is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. It was wonderful and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes the story, the movie, musicals, and a fun time.
On Friday morning I introduced my mom to
Sam M*oon. It is a mecca for me when I'm in Dallas (which isn't often). It is just rows and rows of fun jewelry and accessories. It is like Claire's on steroids. We could've stayed there for hours but the men and child got a little restless. So we decided to mosey on over to Fort Worth, specifically to the Stock Yards. We made it in time to see the 4:00 cattle drive down Exchange Street.
Lindy did not want to get on Pecos Bill but didn't mind taking a more conservative approach as shown below.
When in Rome, do as the Romans and when in Texas, do as the Texans. We all attended our first rodeo at the C*owtown C*oliseum which was the sight of the first indoor rodeo in the early 1900s. Lindy seemed to like the sparkly belts and accessories that the cowgirls wore but she was a little hesitant about being a cowgirl when Don took her down to the ring to participate in chasing the mutton (no pictures available).
After a full Friday, we embarked on super-packed Saturday. We spent a couple of hours going through the
S*ixth Floor M*useum at the T*exas State Book Depository. That is the sight of where Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated President Kennedy. The museum is very informative and done quite well. I liked history during school but never seemed to get past World War II it seemed. This museum has helped me understand more of what was taking place in the years just before my birth. My parents both were in high school when it happened and for their generation it is an event that they can vividly recall.
We walked around downtown Dallas and made our way to P*ioneer Plaza. I had planned this on our itinerary but had never seen or been there. I kept telling my family it was some bronze sculptures of cattle and I think they were wondering why we were hoofing it all over the city streets to see some statues. However, it was pretty amazing! It wasn't just a couple of cattle--it was at least 50 some cattle (give or take)...They were so life like and pictures can't really describe but I took a bunch, so I'll post them anyway.
Phew... After all that we headed out to Southern Methodist University to go to the long-awaited football game. You always want to get to a Navy game early because they do cool stuff beforehand like have Navy SEALS parachute in with the game ball and flag or send three F-18s to do a low and impressive flyover. You also may sit near a former president or see one (this time George W. Bush and Mrs. Bush were there).
This was my mom's first football game--ever--I think and I was concerned she'd be bored, too cold, or lost trying to learn the rules of the game and follow the ball. To my surprise I think she had a terrific time. We were sitting next to the band and all the cutie patootie YOUNG Midshipmen in their dress blues. Besides a good game that Navy won in OT, we had so much fun watching the youngsters cheer and do their special little Navy dances and traditions. During Don's tenure at the Naval Academy, they didn't have a good football program so I don't think he knows as many cheers.
The weekend was great and almost perfect. Sadly, my poor dad didn't feel well the entire time and initially thought he had a cold. It was obvious on Saturday night and Sunday morning that he was getting worse and it was more than a cold. Last Monday he found out he has H1N1. I felt terrible knowing he had persevered through the full days and nights feeling absolutely rotten. The good news is that he is getting better, my mom has not come down with it, and neither have we. Still praying for his complete healing and protection for my mom and us.
I know there is probably tons more to do in the Big D but we got a pretty good taste of it in the few days we were there. Now waiting for the next adventure...
Y'all come back now, you hear!
