Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Dallas Debriefing

So. We had an absolutely wonderful time in Dallas! We traveled by car and honestly that was one of the highlights of the trip for me. Just the two of us together without any "distractions" for several hours. We talked, we joked, we snacked, and we took pictures. See?


Here is my self portrait. Not bad, eh?

And here is Rich's self portrait. QUITE the character, he is.

We arrived at our hotel and as we were checking in Rich asked if they would consider giving us an upgrade since we were celebrating our anniversary. And do you know what? They gave us a complimentary (aka FREE) upgrade to a "villa" I know. Ooh la la. Check it out.

Just for the record, we didn't pay for the accommodations. It was covered by Rich's employer as part of the expense of the conference. Don't know why I felt compelled to say that, other than I wouldn't want to mislead you to think this is the norm for us or anything. Moving on. And here is the view from our window. It was on a golf course. FORE!


After we were all checked in, we went foraging for food. And thanks to a tip from my good friend Carissa who told me about Google on the Go, we were able to find one of these fine establishments (see picture below). Yum. I can still say that even after Rich found a screw (yes you read that right) in his rice during our dinner. Apparently this happens about once a year (according to the manager) when one comes loose from the rice cooker. However, since no actual harm befell him we were kind of excited that we received a free (I mean complimentary) meal.
On Friday when Rich was attending his conference, I got to sneak away and meet one of my favorite bloggers of all time! Seriously. She is one sweet and funny girl. We met here. Her kiddos ran around in the play area while we chatted, then we had lunch here, and did a little shopping here. When nap time rolled around we parted ways and I wandered around aimlessly (oh the joy) until it was time to pick Rich up and head to dinner. Isn't this a fun picture? We had such a great time getting to know each other in "real life".

Plus, I got to meet her ADORABLE children. Here is sweet little Goo.

And her cutie big brother, Big H.


(Insert awkward transition here)

Because there is just no good way to segue from that picture to this next one. This is a picture I took of Rich after we spent some time lounging at the pool on Saturday. I'm titling it Sunbathing 101. Can you see the perfect rectangle of a white spot on his chest? That's from a magazine.
You guys have already seen this picture, but do you know where it was taken?


This little pot should give you a clue. It was our first time eating there. And we thoroughly enjoyed the experience.


On Sunday, we checked out of the hotel and went to lunch here. Because Janelle has RAVED and RAVED about their Tomato Basil Soup. And let me tell you. It did not disappoint. I was kicking myself for only getting the cup of soup and not the bowl.

After lunch we headed to downtown Dallas because Rich really wanted to go to the Nasher Sculpture Museum. Really cool place. We took this self-portrait in front of my favorite sculpture there. This picture doesn't do it justice, but trust me, it was very cool. Anyone seen it before?


After the sculpture museum, we headed over for a quick look at the Dallas Museum of Art because there was an arts festival and all of the museums were free that day! After that we went across town to see my sister and stay the night with her. I so wish I had a picture to show you of our visit, but we kind of crashed when we got to her place and didn't take any photos. It was so great to see her, though!

The next morning we made one last stop before heading home. We purchased some lamps for our bedroom. Oh I forgot to tell you that I did find my way to Sam Moon, but didn't end up purchasing anything as the scene there on Saturday mornings was a bit too intense for me. Some people are can be VERY serious about their jewelry and bags ;-) YOWSA. And now on that lackadaisical note, I shall close.

28 comments:

Kenna Sue said...

What a trip! I'm so glad you two had some grown-up time with each other, and were able to get out of B-burg. Just reading about your trip and seeing your pictures makes me all the more excited about my trip to Gulf Shores with my honey in July. Yay!!

Unknown said...

Sounds like a great way to celebrate an anniversary. Congratulations on your obvious love for each other.

On Friday, Jerry and I will be married 52 years. We're driving to Williams, AZ and taking a train through the forest and ending at the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Will spend the night and return the next day.

I'm so excited about it...already have some of my clothes out.

Blessings--

Shirley Buxton
www.writenow.wordpress.com

Jackie said...

Oh, my goodness, how fun. I triple love the Melting Pot...yum! I'm so glad you had a good time...you're making me homesick for Dallas.

life with the wisners said...

my sweet friend. it's so fun that we're pals. like, real pals. i had such an awesome time with you. thanks for hanging with ALL THREE of us.

i'm pausing for a moment. in reverence and awe. that you went to sam moon on a SATURDAY. bless your heart.

so glad you had such a great time with your hubby. i had such a great time telling mine all about you.

have a great week.

Pam said...

So glad you had such a wonderful time. You and Rich are such a cute couple. I love trips in the car with my hubby too.

Kara said...

So. Much. Fun. I truly love roadtrips alone with my hubby. You are right - these are the best. Snacking. Laughing. Napping. All the wonderful things that don't always get done if you have the little people in the back. So glad it was a great trip for you and your hubby!

Growin' with it said...

wow, what a fabulous trip you've had! i'm inspired to make something like this happen...downscaled of course, but just that time together away. good for you girl! glad you had fun.

Rochelle said...

Ok... I felt like I just took that trip to the big D with you... and I live here! LOL! What a great trip with all that "FREE" stuff thrown your way. And by the way... you deserved it all! It WAS you aniversary... and he did find a SCREW in his meal!! And I love all your pictures! Fun post!

Sarah Markley said...

sounds like you had a blast!! So happy for you =)

BethAnne said...

So glad you had a great trip - so did Janet say anything about the cute kicks I sent her? ;-)

Janelle said...

Loving the magazine burn marks. That's classic!!

Sooooo jealous (in a good way) about your meeting with Janet. We will have to make a girl's trip down to see her.

Thanks for bringing me some SOUP!!

Fran said...

Ok..the magazine sunburn was SO something I would do!! :)

The room was awesome...wouldn't have left it.

You had a FABULOUS trip and I'm so happy for both of you!

Glad you are back. You were missed!

Hugs,
Fran

Earen said...

How fun your trip looked! I'm so glad you had a great time! Love the sunburn too...that's so me. I don't tan..I burn.

Anonymous said...

Sounds divine.

Love the sunburn - a little souvenir. :)

John and I used to have an annual conference at Jekyll Island, GA, every summer when he worked for the District Attorney. Every fall we'd say, "maybe next year we'll take the kids," and by June we were saying, "can't wait to GET OUTTA HERE!"
It was so fun, so relaxing... and I so miss it. Not just the place, but the anticipation of a long weekend alone. It's fun to remember who you are as a couple, isn't it? It doesn't take long to degenerate into silly young people in love again. :)

Unknown said...

How fun was that?? Yay!

The sunburn...hilarious!

The free meal...YAY!

The upgrade?? Seems like God just wanted to lavish on you a little!

Sounds like a perfect time!

So happy for you!

Anonymous said...

Fun!

Envious----in a good way, of course. :)

Carissa said...

great post! loved the trip recap AND the photos! sounds like you had a great time! so happy about that! love that you are loving google on the go. of course, all the real credit goes to sparky. but i will take it while i can (aka...before she reads this!)

michelle said...

Oh,Oh,Oh!!! I knew that picture was from the Melting Pot! I was going to comment on that on your first post but thought you might think I was addicted!

Glad you had such a great time! Thanks for the fun post!

Julie said...

What a fabulous time you had!!! You deserved it. I do have to confess....I'm sorry your husband was sunburned but the picture made me laugh!

Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

Great photos and recap. So glad you all had a wonderful time. You are so adorable.

R said...

Yeeeeah, I forgot to mention the chaos at Sam Moon. I only go there on weekdays, when school is in session, on a day when my hubby can go with me. I tell him what I like, and if it's really busy, HE's the one who elbows his way through the masses to get it for me. :0)

Your hubby's a college prof? How fun! He gets even more time off than my public ed man gets! :0)

His Girl said...

looks like a fabulous time! i am so glad!

hahaha that sunburn is hysterical!

Susan said...

I love all the pictures. Sounds like you had an awesome time. I'm so happy for ya!

Colored With Memories said...

Wow, I'll definitely be watching my rice at PFChangs a bit closer.

Isn't the Galleria play area great?

I am confessing to you that I've lived less than 1/2 hr from Sam Moon since it opened...and I've yet to go! At least I know to avoid Saturdays now!!

So glad y'all had a good time in Big D!

asnipofgoodness said...

It sounds like you all had a terrific time, and can I just say how refreshing it is to hear someone who actually loves to spend time with their husband? love that!!!!

Praise and Coffee said...

What a fun post!

Ouch to the sunburn!!!
Looks like you all had fun though.

Hugs,
Sue

Xandra@Heart-of-Service said...

It sounds like you had the perfect getaway...AND you got to meet a blog friend! Thanks for the description of everything...I need to live vicariously through someone! LOL!

And I seriously couldn't stop laughing at the rectangle on Rich's chest....

Xandra

Mrs. Gray's Class said...

Sounds (and looks) like ya'll had a great time. I've been promised a trip for our 10 year anniversary next year - hopefully someplace tropical! You two are about the cutest people, ever!