A Texas Road Trip

Before Brett had to leave for officer's training, we wanted to go visit my Aunt Joyce and Uncle Bruce who have lived in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area for more than 20 years. 

Joyce is my mom's sister and I have always felt close to her, even though we usually only see each other once or twice a year. She is always so sweet and kind and treats my kids like they are he own grandkids-- always bringing them treats and trinkets. She is such a wonderful woman.

So, we planned a visit.

On the way to Dallas from San Antonio, you pass through the capital of Texas; Austin. And if you like to ride bikes, you know that Lance Armstrong has his own bike shop there. It's a little place called Mellow Johnny's. Of course, I had to go visit. We plugged the numbers into the GPS, and this is where it took us.

This place.

This was it?

I guess I was expecting something a little more, I don't know.......modern? Colorful? Sleek looking? Yellow?

 Upon going inside, the store did not disappoint.

Inside were a bunch of Lance's jersey's from the Tour de France

All of these bikes were representations of the races that Lance has participated in and won some part or all of it.

The store had a really cool feel to it. It was a super busy, happenin' place. On one side of the store, they had a little cafe; a place for bikers to start or end their ride or to just stop on the way. In the bathrooms they even have lockers and showers for bikers to use. It was a very fun place. Of course, they had tons of technical gear and neat stuff to look at. Heck, I could have spent all afternoon in that store just, but we had places to go and people to see! I'll have to go back to visit another time.

A few hours later, we finally made it to Dallas! Joyce and Bruce have a beautiful, new home and we got to enjoy the best of it! The big kitchen to learn all about healthy and better eating, the "man cave" to watch movies and then there was the keyboard. My kids could have played with that keyboard all day and Joyce and Bruce would have let them. Brett and I, on the other hand, would have not.....

We ate at a fabulous Tex-Mex restaurant in Ft. Worth-- Los Vaqueros

 Then we decided to go see the Ft. Worth stock yards. This is where real cowboys have been driving and teaming in long-horned cattle since the 1880's. It was a fun and special treat. The kids love it and it was a beautiful day.

The kids said this place reminded them of the Happy Trails store in Lehi that used to have the cow on the top of it. Anyone remember that?

We happened upon this cowboy and he was about the nicest person you've ever met. Seriously. We talked to him for about 30 minutes. His horse was so sweet and calm with my kids. Kenna has a special place in her heart for horses. She's just drawn to them.

The kids had fun petting her for quite a while.
  

Mickey absolutely loved this.

These huge steer were actually what we came to see.

We had a short, quick trip to visit Joyce and Bruce, but felt like it was time very well spent. We can't wait for our next trip! We love you guys so much!