Deep In The Heart Of Texas

Last weekend I managed to find my way back to Texas after almost 6 years of being away. That is by far the longest stretch I have ever done away from my native land. My heart has been yearning to return for quite some time. I was planning on going this summer, but then things came up and I decided I wouldn't be able to make it after all. But then my Grandma up and decided to turn 80 and have a surprise party, my sister Kristy decided to come all the way from Moscow and she and my mom and sister Lauren were all going to Dallas, and my sister Farrah still lives there and, well, by golly, I just couldn't be left out! So we boarded a plane and made our way to the Big D. We got there August 19th and left early the morning of the 22nd, so it was a very quick trip. But we managed to pack it full of fun.

I'm tellin' you, we were 5 ladies who needed a break. We decided that we were going to be selfish all weekend long. We were going to do what we wanted when we wanted. And I made a deal with myself beforehand that I was gonna eat as much good Texas food as I wanted, guilt free! And I'm telling you right now. I did not disappoint. Neither did Texas. The above picture was taken not long after we got off the plane when we made a bee line for some good old Tex-Mex. Other menu items for the weekend include: Bart's fajitas and breakfast tacos, Jack-in-the-Box tacos, shaved ice, Maggiano's, brisket, and enough Blue Bell ice cream to...well, let's just say...I was eatin' Blue Bell before after and during each meal.

We went to Northpark one night to see "Eat, Pray, Love" and eat at Maggiano's. Here were are at NP in the TX store:

Bart, our personal chef making Breakfast Burritos:

Bart and Farrah working on stamps:

Helping Farrah get our her stamp orders:

Kristy, Diana and Coren

My grandma and her twin brother at their surprise 80th Birthday party

Me and my grandma

Kristy and mom

Allyson Kristy and Lauren