Wow --- short night - or so it seems to the older set in our home. At any rate, we are up and ready to start this very busy day. So many fun things ahead and I'm looking forward to it all. Some boy toy time with the gears while the gals get dressed and soon we are out the door. Our first stop is Cafe Brazil as this was a request from Jill. It's one of the things she remembers from her trip here for our wedding. For the eternally curious, here is a LINK to that fun day as well. The food is grand, as always, and after our meal, while we wait to pay the bill, Greyson and Uncle are having fun outside looking back in at us. Just check out this wonderful food porn.
We have timed entry tickets into the Arboretum this morning and have a bit of time to kill still. A stop at White Rock Lake's dam fits the bill.
Additionally, someone has fallen asleep and this gives him a chance for a quick nap while Mom and Dad get to explore a bit. I'll just hang here with Greyson. When they return, we are ready for the Arboretum.
Within moments of arriving, Greyson has located a fig leaf and determined it to be his. Yep, this is the picture he let me have of him and his leaf. He doesn't even think of letting it go, even while looking and "smelling" all the flowers.
The Twelve Days of Christmas gazebos are out and this lets Brock and Jill explore them up close and personal. Yesterday, I mentioned that the weather can change at the drop of a hat and it has. Although it is still warm out, it is cloudy and the humidity is up. You can tell just by how foggy the windows on the exhibits are. It is what it is.
A look around --
New bedding plants arriving - it's a constant change here and that is what makes having a membership so worthwhile. Each day there is something different to see.
A few up close pics of the "days" -- 4 calling birds and 8 maids a milking. Check out the mouse.
Natures Beauty --- at this point we talk about the Christmas Village, but I mention that perhaps the Children's Garden would be better and will let Greyson run for a bit as well.
And away we go --- first stop is the toddler area - so much to explore.
Let Mom show you how it works -
Love this caterpillar face and ant family photo -
Uncle wants to do the treehouse next and the minute we arrive he runs and lays on the net. Gotta tell you, that's a first to watch. However, super cute. Brock brings Greyson, but he's not super impressed.
Jill gives it a shot, hoping he'll reconsider.
He joins her, but really doesn't like it much at all.
And although he's watching, he doesn't want to walk over there one little bit. Uncle's just taking a moment to rest.
Jill joins Brock, but still no go. Moving on.
As we make our way to the lower area, a Christmas snake appears. And then ---- we are at the water.
This area is ALWAYS a favorite for the kids.
And, I have to admit, the water guns are a favorite of mine as well. Once we decide to make our way back towards the village, well, the chase is on for a bit. We've blocked all "danger zones" and he's just going round and round in circles with mom. It's one way to tire someone out. Not sure which one though.
A stop at the waterfall for a picture and cooperation is not high - take what you get, I guess.
Koi in a pond on our way to the village.
Just tour with us a bit --
I'll stop in one place so you can see the inside -- a bookstore.
I mentioned to Jill about the nativities in the DeGolyer house and Uncle is taking Greyson for a stroll while we look inside. Here are a few of my favorites, but hundreds are in the house. Oh, I've shared some of these before in another post and so if you want to see a few more, here is the
LINK.
Checking out the "secret" rooms.
Believe it or not, it's after 1 and time for a break. We've been going since around 8. A quick lunch at home and then a nap for Greyson is the plan. It gives great chances for more visiting (and we are loving every minute) and Jill has asked to see some pictures from Iceland. Uncle is happy to oblige. OHHHHH, we are now called Auntie and Uncle by Greyson. It just melts my heart each time he says it and listening to him gain words every single day has been fun as well.
For our evening entertainment, we are starting with a nice sunset on the way to Richardson.
Our country tonight is Japan. However, it is not the normal hibachi or sushi that everyone thinks of. Shabu-shabu is on the docket. It's fun, interactive, and oh so yummy. Lesson time for Brock and Jill. (Pics are challenging due to steam rising everywhere but I do have another post with all the details on this amazing style of food. Click
HERE to see that information.
The end result --- most meals start with soup, this one ends that way and, no, the meat is not in there. It was enjoyed way before the soup came on the scene.
Every single time mom says "shabu-shabu" Greyson tries as well and then just giggles. Even the staff has found him to be so fun.
Desert of mochi.
Tonight's after-dark adventure is Vitruvian Lights and it never lets me down. It is one of the few light displays in the metroplex that doesn't charge for people to walk around and enjoy. Not one of those $50 drive through's that really don't work for those in the back seat and makes one rush because there are cars behind. No thank you.
Playing peek-a-boo with Brock and I
I tried to take a few pics of their family, but the green was overwhelming. This is the best I got (with some editing and filtering). This first pair is a bit blurry, but Greyson is happy.
Clearer, but not such a happy Greyson.
Yep, it's the annual selfie at Vitruvian. I must be shaky tonight as so many photos are blurred.
My niece and I.
One last look as we call it a night. We have a very tired little guy and have planned another VERY long day tomorrow. Gotta get as much in as we can while they are here.
What fun you are having! I have written down some of the places to visit!
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