The 3 youngers kiddos went to visit grandparents on both sides for a few days. I did homework and Mike caught up on tons of work. Then, we headed out for a day and a half getaway. We went to Dallas. Normally, we loathe Big D. The only times we go there are for the rare Mavs game and to visit our fav Korean joint, Ko-Mart. This time, we went off the beaten path. You know, I'm a hippie at heart. I dislike big box stores, chains, and typical big business. Mike and I like to stay in quaint hotels. For example, when we visited Boston many years ago, we chose a hundred year old, 3story brownstone that was a Bed and Breakfast over something like a chain hotel. So, we stayed at a very old and funky hotel, The Belmont. It is cool and trendy, yet very retro. Don't take kids, they'd be bored to death. Our view of the skyline was spectacular.
We spent most our time in the Bishop Arts District. It was oh so cool! This is an area that is old and revitalized. Trendy little shops and wonderful little restaurants are the big attraction. Yes, the lifestyles of the majority living there are not Biblical, but if you can get past that, this area is delightful. I can totally see myself living in a 1940's house that is painted a vibrant green, walking to the trendy stores with my kids, carrying reusable grocery bags(which I already use), and helping a church plant in the neighborhood that is unconventional, very big on outward focused life stuff, community groups and other hippie like church stuff, called something fun like Get Life! Anyway, moving along, we ate like pigs. There were so many cool places to choose from. We had the most amazing pastrami sandwich at Bolsa Mercado. Then split a great pizza at Enos. We had the best gyro at Greek Cafe. We sampled odd and delicious home-made chocolate at Dude, Sweet Chocolates. I recommend spending several hours roaming and eating in this neighborhood. Yesterday, we went to Dallas Blooms at the Arboretum. I grew up in the Metroplex and don't remember ever going to the Arboretum. For one thing, it is very pricey for a large family. But, for the Dallas Blooms event, it is worth every penny! STUNNING. It was like being in another country, or maybe a state that has pretty flora and gets rain(not like Texas). The trees are huge and the gardens breathtaking. And, to top it all off, this year they feauture artists. There were 6 children's playhouses fashioned to reflect famous painters. My favorite was Monet. This is the bridge and pond that is reflected in one of his paintings.
Our sweet Abigail likes art and especially Georgia O'Keefe. Here is the O'Keefe house
And here are a few pics of flowers
Fyi, for all you frugal mommies, you can bring in a little cooler and picnic lunch. If I'd brought a quilt, I'd have laid in the thick grass, under a tree for hours.
Oh, I almost forgot. We found the best little resale shop in the Bishop Arts District. Maria's is a tiny store with big names and deals. Check out my never worn Steve Madden sandals that I scored for 18.00!!!
As for Carter's trip. Who the heck knows? No email, no call. Our pastor did send a sweet text on Wednesday saying "Carter is doing amazing. You and Mike would be proud." So, sorry if you've been wanting to read and see about the trip. I'll post some next week. It will be a tad anticlimactic, but it hey, we will have Carter's perspective when sharing the details.
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