Texas

Connor caught the attention of everyone around us.  The most common comments were: "look at those huge brown eyes!", "look at all those curls!", and "he's the smiliest baby I have ever met!"  I like him too.  He did so well with all the traveling and time zone changes.

While in Dallas, I stayed with my in-laws, who I just adore.

I went to lunch with them in downtown Dallas the day I arrived.  I loved hearing the Texan accents and country music playing at the steakhouse.  They drove me by the place where JFK was shot.  We also had true Texas BBQ take-out one night.  YUM.

They took me to see Wicked!  I was so shocked when they told me they had a ticket for me.  Ron gave up his ticket so I could go, and he stayed home to watch Connor.  It was amazing.  It was definitely a highlight of my trip.  I have wanted to see it for a LONG time.  We had great seats; the voices were so clear.  It was both funny and captivating.  The costumes and music were incredible.  *happy sigh*

My friend of 22 years, Julie, drove up from Houston to visit and stayed a night.  We had great times chatting, reminiscing, and making rice crispy treats with toasted coconut marshmallows and chocolate on top.  Her tire was flat when we woke up in the morning and my sweet father-in-law, Ron, took her car in to get fixed after church so she could drive back to her fam in Houston.  Love you Jules!

Now, the real reason I went to TX...the Dixons!  They let me invade their home during the day so I could give Alissa a couple extra hands.  Hopefully I gave her a little break.  Their children are so adorable.  See for yourself (the middle 2).

Alissa and I took a night out and got pedicures, and yummy Mexican food at Papasitos (Thanks Jeff!).  We drove by the new Cowboys Stadium on the way home - oh man it's HUGEMONGEOUS.  The lady doing my pedicure was hilarious.  She had a thick Asian accent MIXED with a thick Texan accent.  First time I've ever heard that combination.  They had Fox News playing on the TV's, and she pronounced her detest for Pres. Obama & the Democrats.  Definitely a different atmosphere than I'm used to here in Portland!  We decided to be spunky and both chose a bright green color for our toes.  Hey, it's Summer, why not?!

I got comfortable enough with Maddox for the Dixons to leave me with the kids at home while they attended Kindergarten graduation for their oldest, and again while they went on a date one night!  I'm so glad they were able to get out together.  I can't even imagine what it would be like to go through all they have.  They have experienced so many ups and downs, and I admire them immensely for their incredible faith and patience.

{Alissa reading a bedtime story to all 4 of her children}

Sweet little Maddox is such a fighter, and totally impressed me with the progress he has made since his congenital heart defect was first diagnosed in utero.  He's 7 months now, and wasn't even supposed to live to birth.  They don't call him Miracle Maddox for nothin'.  He's such a doll!  If you want to read about his story, click HERE.

The week went by fast, and then Connor and I were off on to Utah.  It was so good to see the Dixons.  It has been almost 2 years since they moved from Oregon.  I miss you guys already!  xoxo