Christmas 2015 - Dallas, TX

Dear Friends:

This is the third - and final - post about our Christmas trip to Utah. At the end of the last post, we had finished our time in Utah, preparing to head home to Austin.  My wife and kids drove the brand-new car, while I had to fly - due to my recent surgery.  I watched my wife and kids leave...and witnessed this fun group hug.  This is an amazing family, that really loves each other:

By some MIRACLE, we managed to fit all the kids, luggage and Christmas gifts into the car.  Seriously, this was some Tetris-expert level work by Macy's father.  My hat goes off to him for getting everything in there.  I watched as they drove off...

We met up in Dallas, Texas.  This gave us a chance to visit with my oldest son and his family.  It was also an opportunity to extend Christmas a little further, so we could exchange presents and watch my oldest grandson have fun with some new toys!

My youngest kids have such a good time with my oldest grandson.  It's pretty comical to watch.  My grandson idolizes G-Man, which G is patient and has fun with his nephew.

While there, I also had a chance to FaceTime with my oldest daughter and my other grandson:

My son and his wife were kind enough to help celebrate L's birthday.  More cake!

The next day, we set out for Austin in the car.  I could handle the four-hour drive.  On our way, we stopped at the American Girl Store in Dallas.  L had received a special doll for Christmas, and this was a chance to experience the American Girl culture up-close-and-personal.  It's a visual assault...and certainly a little strange for this dad:

There was no shortage of dolls, doll clothing, and accessories...as far as the eye could see...

They even had a hair salon for the dolls...where employees worked tirelessly on doll hair.  Seriously, there was a three-hour wait for this service.  Mind. Blown.

I did find this doll fascinating.  She has an insulin pump and even a glucometer.  Let's hear it for the little Diabetic doll!

Upstairs was the American Girl Cafe, where you can take your doll for snacks, desserts or even a meal.  They have special seats for the dolls to accompany each girl.  It was adorable.  L ordered the cupcakes for her and her doll.  They came with all kinds of decorations that L was able to use to prepare cupcakes for her and her doll, Rebecca:

Overall, the staff was excellent and made the occasion very special.  I can see why this is a big deal for those lucky enough to live close to one of these stores.

We got back on the road, and managed to avoid most of the traffic that was on the highway the previous day.  We had to make a stop at Bucc-ee's - a favorite stop of ours throughout Central Texas.

We had a great time...and enjoyed seeing so many of our family in a two week span of time.  Lots of memories were built, and will continue to be cherished.  It was nice to return home, but we still face to daunting task of taking down all the Christmas decorations ; )  All in all, a great Christmas!!

Thanks so much for reading!