Weekend with Family - Jen's and Elena

 Feeling super lucky today.  Jen called and wanted to come spend some time with us.  That meant get up, get moving, get the house cleaned AND we decided to throw Elena into the mix since she had a free weekend.  Mister helped with the house for the morning and then went to pick her up.  They got back just before Jen, Louis, and Josh arrived.  We all chatted for a bit and then opted to go putt around with some miniature golf.  We went to Another Round and had a great time.  We had a bit of a wait before we could begin, so Josh and Elena gave this game a try.

Date Night With Mister - Strangeways Candlelight Concert

 Mister has surprised me with a fun date night.

Garden Walking at the Arboretum and More

 It's been a couple of weeks since we can get out and walk - this morning the Arboretum is having a turn.  We haven't been here since the beginning of July and I am always shocked at how much is changes in such a small amount of time.  The plants have REALLY grown.  It's still early morning - so some fun pics can happen.

Early Morning Zoo Walk and Central Market

 With all the whirlwind we've been around lately, just some time walking together is treasured.  This morning the plan is for a quick walk through the zoo for some fresh air and steps.  Much to our surprise, upon our arrival, we spot another arrival.  There are baby flamingoes.  Ya gotta look REAL close for the little white balls of fluff.

Good Morning Dallas Zoo

 It's been a month since our last jaunt to the zoo --- seems like a great way to start the morning and get our day rolling.  It's Member Morning and today the presentation is in the Reptile Building.  It was on the Texas Horned Lizard, but I didn't get any pictures of the tiny babies they had to show.  However, we did wander the building a bit and managed to get sooooo lucky with this moment of skin shedding.  I noticed that the snake was sliding along against the bamboo and tree when the loose skin caught hold, helping the rest to just come right off.

Arboretum Walking

 It seems as though life went crazy in April and is just now returning a wee bit.  It's our first trip back to the Arboretum since Dallas Blooms and I'm oh so ready to just walk and take in the serenity and beauty of this magical place.

Independence Day Celebration in Garland

 Well, it's not quite Independence Day, but today is the celebration in Garland and we are going to see what it's like.  I have this idea that we can get up on the roof of Intrinsic and have a great view.  However, that will require a full day of claiming our spot.  Off we go.  We know parking will be a nightmare, so we're on the DART.  While walking from our stop to the brewery, this little guy is spotted.

Third time is the charm.

We grab a drink and head up to the roof.  The brewery is already packed inside and it's only going to get worse.  From our vantage point, we are able to watch all the happenings down in the square.  There is a beautiful eagle chalk painting in the parking lot below.

We are not alone in staking out a spot.  The park is starting to fill up and people are enjoying the day.  There is music playing and the mood is quite festive.  I love that almost everyone has red/white/blue or some version on their bodies.

Dinner is served.

Ooooh, stilt person.

My vantage point.  Pretty cool, right?

The American Bombshells have taken the stage and they are like a modern day Andrews Sister.  Have a couple of listens.

By the time the bands finish, the park is jammed full of people and so is the rooftop where we are stationed.

What I love the most is that everyone is just having fun and enjoying the day/night.  

Let the show begin - I'll just share a few pics and a video or two.

Now for the prettiest pics - 

Oooh, la la.

Just a snippet of the magnificent ending.  With that, we are off to the train and our ride home.  Have a safe and fun 4th of July tomorrow and Happy Birthday, America!