Rhiana and Kyle's Turn

After a three day break to buy groceries, do laundry, clean, and sleep a little, we were lucky enough to have Rhiana, Kyle, and Miss Elena come to visit for 4 days. They had a bit of a rough go getting here after a broken plane and Mister switching their flights to another airline only to discover that the wonderfully refreshing and intense thunderstorm that we had early in the morning had put everything behind schedule at the airport and so they were now delayed because of that. Yuck. Four hours in Denver with a 3 month old is not the best start to a vacation but we were determined to make it all better when they got here -- of course that meant straight to fun and no chance to get settled.

So, a quick stop at Bass Pro and Uncle Bucks for lunch with wonderful sodas that they make themselves (3 root beer and a vanilla creme -- who could have been the individual???) and we took off for Carrollton as Mister had located an indoor rock climbing place located in an old grain silo and thought it would be interesting. The look on their faces tells all about it --- 120 feet up and they were thrilled. We let them go for about 2 1/2 hours and they were beat by then. Even Miss Elena got into the act and had her first "rock climb" -- too cute. Mister spent the entire time photographing them from every angle possible and I think he was having as much fun as they were. From there we headed back to the house via Central Market (yes, I think THIS grocery store should be a required tourist stop) to grab some fruit before changing for dinner -- went out to Italian and back to watch everyone fall into exhausted heaps. End of day one.

Up early (not much choice with a baby in the house, lol), breakfast of fresh made scones and fruit, and off to the Six Flags water park. It was the last weekend before school was starting and so even though we got there at opening -- it was already packed. We located a table under a large canopy so were out of the sun and sent Rhiana and Kyle off to play. They returned shortly and the call of the water got to me so we hit the wave pool for some fun and then a sled ride that Kyle drug me off to. Mister took baby duty and had her asleep when we returned. Then the kids just couldn't watch the slingshot ride any longer and went to see how much it was -- soon they were being strapped in and screaming.

We decided that we would let them go off and just be a couple for awhile with no worries and so made arrangements to meet them at 4 and headed off to visit Mister's mom and introduce her to Miss Elena. We had a nice visit and met two very tired people at the gate -- each having gotten some sun and lots of exercise. Headed back to the house for showers, etc. and made a nice appetizer tray to enjoy since dinner reservations were at 8 at Rafain -- a wonderful Brazilian Churrascaria. Kyle and Mister were in meat heaven. We had such a nice time and I think the cinnamon/sugar grilled pineapple was a huge hit. Back to the house -- with people not making it home without a little nap in the car and I'm not just talking about Elena. End of day two.

Up early again and I played lazy --- woke Mister and got everyone off to Cafe Brazil for breakfast --- yum, french toast with fresh fruit, my favorite. Then off to downtown for some sightseeing -- The Book Depository and where JFK was shot before a stop at the Farmers Market and a taste of an herbal sorbet at the local shed.





From there we went to the Aquarium again (only this time tried it in the right sequence - long story) and had a great time. Rhiana's face through the glass while feeding blueberries to a bird was exquisite. Managed to watch the Hawksbill turtles get fed again so I was happy too. This place is just so beautifully done -- probably my second favorite aquarium that I've been to (Chicago tops).




From there to Chuy's for a good old TexMex lunch. Mister ordered Jalapeno Poppers for an appetizer and Rhiana's face explains just why I don't go near them --- definitely worth a thousand words. She was stud though and finished before anyone else and avoided the quarts of milk that Kyle had to rapidly drink.

A trip home to make a fruit pizza for Rhiana since I missed doing that for her birthday and so we had dessert first and then tried to take advantage of a slight wind at the lake to do a little stunt kite flying -- good form there Kyle -- actually there were great pictures of him, but this one seemed fair after showing Rhiana's jalapeno face. Called it a night with a light dinner and I for one was beat. End of day three.

Once again all good things have to end -- Day four dawned and after a wonderful breakfast cooked and cleaned up by Mister (a true multi-tasker with Elena's help - I do believe she has stolen his heart), everyone packed up (while I took time for a dance with Missy)and headed to Fort Worth before their afternoon flight. First stop -- the Water Gardens (I told you this would be a regular stop for me) and I am still amazed at how wonderful they are. From there to the stockyards where Rhiana went to jail, we toured the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, did lunch at H3 Ranch (where Missy had a saddle all her own), and stopped to buy Elena a western onesie at Finchers. I'm ending with pics of Elena because I just couldn't decide which one I liked best and because the one of her and mom is truly precious. Hope they come back soon because we truly treasured our time together.