Rhiana, Malea, Elena Come to Visit - Days 6-8 DMA, Aquarium

6th - It's another wonderful day and this is the bestest good morning picture I have.  When I met my sweetie, this one was his first "baby".  Look how she's grown.  French toast and grapefruit --- done.  It's time to go play.

Our morning destination is the Dallas Museum of Art and the Christian Dior Exhibit.  I am lucky enough to have three girls other than myself that this appeals to.  I took a ton of pictures and learned oh so much --- so much that I can't share it all here, but did a separate post that you can access by clicking on this LINK.  It will open another window, allowing you to finish this day's adventures.

Great mirror shot.

A little bit of time in the Creative Center finds the girls making quilt layouts and playing some memory games.

Lunch from food trucks across the street at Klyde Warren.  Yep --- another awesome day out.  This go round is much better than the one two years ago with a very upset Malea.  Today we are all smiles.

Water calls and girls must play. How wet will they get?

I'll just hang here and watch.  Some days are just perfect for this.

We are doing Mediterranean for dinner tonight.  It's a chance for the girls to explore at one of our favorite places -- Food From Galilee.

With a wee bit of daylight left, it's down to the Commerce Street Bridge for some fun, urban vibe.  I love it down here so much and the fun is always just a few steps onto the bridge.  My city and my girls -- love it.

So, so pretty

Mister has been watching the sky and it's about time for us to really pay attention.  Run girls, run.  We make it to the car just before being drenched.  Ahhh, that just adds to the fun.

7th - These days are just racing by.  I can't believe it is our last day together.  Grandpa has taken the day off to play and the three of them are off on the traditional coffee shop run to start the day.

 As soon as they return we are ready for our final event.  The girls saved the aquarium to spend the time with Grandpa.  That is just so sweet.

The Children's Aquarium is heaven, not only for kids but for us big folks too.  There is always a chance to learn and hands on fun along the way.

Two different cameras going today -- Grandpa's perspective . . 

And mine . . .

Coral, coral, and more coral.

Shall we sit by the shark?

Up close shots.

This is a Nurse Shark and I'm learning some new things about it.  It has tooth-like scales covering the body.  Each one's enamel like surface is as strong as steel and hard as granite.  Cool.

Ah, my beloved Blue-Spotted Jawfish.  I've shared about these little builders before but they never stop fascinating me.

Turtles!!!!

Okay, okay --- we are off to the highlight of the day.  STINGRAYS!!!

Let's feed them.  Come on Elena.

NOW, we've definitely got their interest peaked.

Down we go with another shrimp.

Smile -- both of you.  Perfect --- BOTH shots.

Malea's turn.

Some time at the lagoon is always requested and today is no exception.  Off we go.

TURTLES!!!

Okay, okay.  It's time for lunch.  Time to leave Fair Park.

Deep Ellum is right around the corner and after trying Monkey King and discovering they were just about sold out of everything, Cafe Brazil was second choice.  A few scooters along the way provide moments of fun.

Oooooh, one of the murals and this one is actually kinda quilty.  Mister sends me over to it.

Nice --- I can even share this one.

When they first arrived in Dallas, Grandpa took them to Whole Foods for lunch.  Rhiana spotted a store she wanted to visit and now she gets her chance.  There are fountains and a playground nearby, so we can occupy ourselves for a bit.  Go shop, daughter of mine.

Beautiful magnolia blossom nearby.

A little fun in the crazy hot of today.  It isn't long before we are back to the fountains to play some more.

Now to finish off the day.  It's opening night for The Secret Life of Pets 2 and we have the perfect spot for dinner and a movie.  Life is good.

The movie and dinner were a bit early, so once home it's time to color and play games a bit.  Go Fish finally makes an appearance and traditions are kept.

Speaking of traditions, last night means ice cream.  Always.  Ya gotta send them home with the last memory being perfect, right?  Eyes are always bigger than tummies (which is good this time) but I'm not ready for the day to end.  I do not wish to send them back to Montana.  Please stay longer.

And that's it for today.  Laundry and packing finish out the night.  Drat.

8th - An early rise only to find out the flight has been delayed.  Well, I'm already up so  . . . .

All too soon --- it's time for those final hugs.  My heart hurts and it's so difficult to keep the tears from streaming down my face.  There's time for that in the car as we drive away.  Thank you, Rhiana, for making this happen.  I love you all so very much.  Let's not wait so long next time.

And they're gone.  Now the tears are okay.