Walking and Running Around Dallas

Nathan hasn't started walking yet but he was impressed with himself as he used Joshua's chair as a walker.  

The best part of Dallas is all of the opportunities to walk or run.  We have found some beautiful places to explore.  This whole week the weather was gorgeous.  We even ran two days with the temps in the 70s!  Yes, it is July!  The kids and I found a park just a few blocks away so we walked there each day as well.  Between walking to the park and walking to Target we have been quite busy this week.   I love throwing the boys in the stroller in the apartment and then just going.  It is weird how that extra in and out of the car seat makes many trips seem not worth it.  

Joshua is looking very serious here but don't worry he was thrilled since Friday Matt FINALLY got to join Joshua on the trolley ride.  This time the trolley used the turntable to turn around.  Joshua thought that was pretty neat but then was concerned that he was facing the wrong way in his seat.

He is certainly growing up.  He wanted to join random kids at Klyde Warren Park.  They were playing football and he was trying to figure out the rules of the game and exactly what he was supposed to do to win.  He mainly just ran around but seemed to have a great time doing it.  

I don't have a picture but Nathan insisted on being put down in the grass.  He crawled with such speed and determination that he attracted quite a crowd of onlookers.  Then he really got their attention as he rolled over and over through the grass.  

We had taken the trolley to the park and planned on taking the trolley back.  The trolley was full so we would have to wait for the next one.  Matt decided the walk wasn't that far and we should just do it.  Well, about a half a mile from the apartment Joshua said his legs couldn't walk another step.   Matt decided an extra 62 pounds would just earn him a bonus workout and then he could feel good about the food trucks he sampled while at the park.

Saturday, we drove about 10 minutes to White Rock Lake to run as a family.  I have enjoyed the trails and parks around our house but this was a nice change.  I love that our boys know that health is important to us.  Joshua begs each run to have his own turn at running.  We did 6 miles in 50 minutes and 30 seconds.  At this pace, I will make my goal of my half in under 2 hours!  

Saturday afternoon, we decided since it was still only in the 70s we just had to go back to Klyde Warren Park.  It was more of the same.  Nathan rolling in the grass and chasing after pigeons.  Joshua found kids to play with in the green space.  Matt found a food truck he needed to try and I just watched all of my boys in 3 different directions.  It was fun to watch all of the families enjoying the free crochet, chess, checkers, and music.  It really is a neat community space.

We also went across the street to the Dallas Museum of Art since admission is free.  We aren't really "art" people but decided that we couldn't turn down the opportunity to at least appear cultured.

After Nathan's second nap, we decided spontaneously to go to Grapevine, Texas.  We had talked about spending a whole day there because there is a lot worth doing but decided against it.  Anyway, we went since it is only 25 minutes away.  We first went to the Grapevine Mills Mall.  We lasted no time at all.  It was crowded with people who didn't know how to walk in a straight line or move when someone says excuse me.  If you were there on a mission it would probably be worth it since many of the stores were outlets.  

From there, we drove the 10 minutes to downtown Grapevine.  It is a quaint town with the typical antique stores, boutiques, etc.  There is also this train that you can take for an hour long excursion or you can go to the Fort Worth Stockyards.  I think that if we ever come back this would definitely be worth it for the boys.  

We then got in the van and drove home.  We passed a Chick Fil A and since we haven't had ANY Chick-Fil-A in Dallas we decided this was a good option for dinner.   I crawled in the back and fed the boys.  Dinner in the van, bedtime within minutes of walking in the apartment, and then a quiet evening of Netflix was the perfect finish to another weekend in Dallas.  

Another Fun Dallas Weekend

Saturday started off with exercise, free brunch at our apartment, and relaxation.

 Nathan thoroughly enjoyed his morning nap.

Off to explore the George Bush Museum.  We only had to pay for me.

First Lady Bush and I love education and of course books!

A nice view outside.  My favorite part of the museum was the tribute to 9/11.  It was certainly emotional and humbling to explain this historic and tragic day to my 4 year old.  

One of the gifts Laura Bush received as First Lady.  Why is this in the museum? :-)

Later, in the evening we ate at a place called Liberty Burger.  Can I say delicious?!  This piece of sin was all Matt's to enjoy.

Nathan enjoyed eating my hamburger bun plus half of my hamburger.  

Salted caramel milkshake.  This really was Matt's kind of food day!

We walked off our food indoors at the mall.  The kids enjoyed these ducks.

Sunday was a definite treat!  After church and Nathan's nap, we drove 30 minutes to Arlington, Texas to visit friends that we knew in Columbia, SC.  The kids hit it off beautifully and played together.  The adults visited as if no time has passed since our last visit 3 years ago.  It was truly refreshing and enjoyable.  Of course, we were fed delicious food by our generous hosts.

By the way, Nathan's little friend is only 7 months older.  :-)

Another successful weekend in Dallas!

Lots of happenings

Prepare yourself for one post that should be divided into several separate posts and this is going to ramble...working off the ipad and in Dallas.

So, last post was Nathan's birthday.  We went to the doctor the next day discovered the ear infection.  He got better quickly and I was able to take him for his official one year appt.  He was in the 90th percentile and healthy in every way.  We did the dreaded one year shots which were terrible because he just cried and looked at me with eyes that just said, "Why?"  

Two days later Nathan woke up with this on his body.  Turns out this was his reaction to the varicella or chicken pox vaccine.  We left the doctor with a cream to keep him from getting an infection.  So, yes in one week we went to his pediatrician three times.  Ugh.

Saturday, we met up with some members of our new family also known as Nathan's birth family.  Some are relocating to Texas so I hope this means we will get to see everyone often. 

Sunday, after church, we drove to Dallas loaded in our new sweet and spacious ride.  Matt is assigned to work here for a month and we decided to come for the whole time.  We are loving living this urban lifestyle.  We are walking everywhere or riding the free trolley.

All Joshua wanted to do from the moment we arrived was ride the trolley just like from Daniel Tigers Neighborhood.

Boys celebrated the 4th in their matching shirts. 

They are fascinated by the trolley that goes by every 20 minutes and the construction going on outside our window.

My in-laws arrived on the 4th to visit and take advantage that the drive was just a bit closer than San Antonio.  I didn't tell Joshua they were coming I just told him to come downstairs so I could show him something.  

Great reaction to the surprise!

We took off to Fair Park to celebrate the 4th of July.  It decided to rain some and then just was humid and gross.  We didn't last long.  

Joshua enjoyed walking out on the "snake" as he saw it.  We also explored the Perot Science Museum while we were there.

Playing with Nani and PopPop is always fun.

We ate pizza at Grimaldi's which is across from our apartment.  Everyone loved it!  I of course stuck to my salads....so boring.  :-(

Saturday, we went to the Aboretum Gardens.  This a beautiful place to visit.  I did some research beforehand to find deals and plan out our "must-do" list while here.  We were able to attend free with our military ids.  It was fun but we all got a bit warm since we waited to go after Nathan's morning nap.

From there, we ate some delicious Mexican food at a tripadvisor suggestion on the way home.  It was quite tasty.  I really loved my fajitas!  Yummy!

Monday, Matt had to work but we had more adventures planned to keep the party going!

Look at this cool crew!

PopPop wanted to take us all The Flight Museum.  Nathan enjoyed touching anything we would let him and was easy the whole time.  Joshua was in love as he such a fan of planes and of course he has his preference towards Southwest.  

We came home for lunch because Nathan was tired and crying.  We ate leftovers from Sunday's lunch.  Matt didn't get home until close to 6 so we ate a quick dinner at a place that we could walk to from our apartment.  It was a little disappointing and pricey but Matt and Joshua enjoyed the free old school aracade games.  

Mom and I wandered all the shops that are within walking distance and even found a few deals that were too good to not be taken advantage of by us.  How lucky for me?!  Plus, I got some time with Mom by myself.  I often feel overshadowed by these two really cute kids I have.

Tuesday, we took the trolley to Klyde Warren Park.  This park is amazing to me.  There are activities and events happening here daily for free including bootcamp, concerts, and children's activities.  

We played some and ate at one of the food trucks.

Enjoying the trolley.

Unfortunately, when we returned to the apartment it was time for Nani and PopPop to drive back to SC.  It was a great visit even if it was too short.  It was good for them to continue to visit and bond with Joshua but the highlight for me was I think they really had a chance to bond with this cute boy this time around.  I love this face!

Tuesday, Matt happened to get home from work early like 2pm!  I was spontaneous and got on groupon and found a hairstylist.  Called and had an appt for 5 pm.  

We explored a really nice mall to kill some time before my hair appointment.  We like window shopping.  Then all of my boys dropped me off and played at a park right next door.  Per Joshua, this park was the best playground ever!  Then we stopped for In-N-Out Burgers to see what all the hype is about from our Utah/Vegas friends.  

Wednesday, we had lunch with another military resident wife that is also here with her two kids.  We found a delicious spot that is walking/trolley distance.  There was minimal food mess on the floor at the end of our visit.  The kids were well behaved and we were able to chat a bit between cutting apart food and taking kids to the bathroom.  

Thursday, it was more relaxing at home and of course back to swimming in the apartment pool!  

We are enjoying our double stroller right now immensely.  The boys and I walk to the trail in the middle of the city, Wal-Mart, or Target.  We feel very "urbanized."

Now, it is Friday and Matt has every weekend off during this rotation.  What will we do next?