Road Trip...er, Not Really

Last week we, along with my parents, brothers and their girlfriends flew down to Dallas for my cousin's wedding.  Our flights were uneventful, smooth and no one (meaning Drue) even got sick.  We arrived in Texas about 2:30 and met up with Steve & Lisa who arrived just shortly before us.  Mom & Dad rented a big van and we all headed straight for the Kennedy Memorial at Dealey Plaza and the book depository downtown Dallas. The Balvanzes have seen it before, but our significant others hadn't.  Mom and Dad paid for all of us to take the audio tour in the Depository... It was quite the experience being in the exact spot where Oswald shot President Kennedy.  We saw the 'X' in the road were the shots hit him.  Lisa noticed that cars would swerve not to run over the 'X' as a sign of respect. 

Ry & Dig looking at the window Kennedy was shot from. 

The 'X' is directly behind them.

Pa reading the memorial to DD.

Uncle Steve, Uncle Shawn & KK behind.

Dig is always trying to be funny.

After an ice-cream treat and sandwiches for the kids, we headed to check in to our hotel.  Oh my, how Southlake, TX has changed!  I lived with my aunt & uncle, Aimee & Mike for a summer and Southlake was just a new, small little town.  Not anymore!  Shops galore! We met up with my grandparents, uncles, aunts & cousins, as well as many of Aimee's family. Oh, and of course, we hit the pool!

Friday morning we went to Fort Worth to see the Stockyards.  Can't imagine what that place looked like 100 years ago!  They run a dozen Longhorns down the main street twice a day.  Those were some big 'ol steers.  Mom rode a mechanical bull.  Yes, you read correctly.  Dad eagerly handed over the cash to see that!  Her ride ended like most do...falling off.  She has a big bruise on her arm to prove it!

The smiling horse with his cowboy.

I told you! Don't worry...there will be an entire post

dedicated to this 8 second ride!

The Cattle Drive

Just in case you're wondering...yes, Pa will pay $6

to watch his DD ride a pony, even though she

could do it for free at home.

Dig checking out a Longhorn.

We also took a stagecoach ride.  Should've made DD take the Dramamine.  She got "stagecoach sick" and we had to have the driver stop and let her and her daddy off.  Ryan carried her all the way back to the drop off site. 

Now don't go & tell me that I'm the only woman that watches

Superior Auctions on t.v. What? I am?

 Honestly, this was a highlight of my day!

We even went inside!

We ate lunch at Billy Bob's and watched Mom & Dad dance under the mirrored saddle.  Just like in the movie.  After lunch we went back to the hotel to get ready for Lindsay & Jordan's wedding.

Too cute.

Waiting for my brisket at Billy Bob's!

Uncle Steve teaching Dig to play his favorite arcade game, Daytona, USA.

Flash back to Happy Joes!  Notice my cousin, Scott's foot on the gas!  ha!

The Luiken bunch on the dance floor.

New purchase:  armadillos!

Outside our hotel.

Checking out the beautiful rocks they got at the General Store!

I think I'll end there and post about the rest of our weekend later, lots of pictures to come...stay tuned!