Reunited

Welcome to Texas, Syd!

2 best friends + 2 weeks = Not. Enough. Time. Together.

We have missed all the silliness, giggles, and fun that goes on when these two girlies get together. There is NEVER a dull moment.

Here is a very brief (yet not quite complete) rundown on what went on:

Shopping at Grapevine Mills Mall/dinner at Rainforest Cafe

Bike rides in the 'hood and visits with "Muffin" the cat

Tri-tip that looked like a mouse... Eeeek!

Road trippin' to Austin 

As we traveled I-35, we made a Czech Stop in West, TX. West is heralded as the Kolache Capital of Texas, the US, and maybe even the world... Who knows?!  We selected a few kolaches, klobasniky, and we even had time to snap a quick fotographie, or two. Say, "Cheese!" Cream cheese, that is.

What is a kolache? It is 100% deliciousness and worth stopping for. Apparently this pastry originated as a semisweet wedding dessert from Central Europe. I'm so glad it made its way to the US.

And what's a klobasniky? It's the Czech cousin to our pig in a blanket. Rumor has it that Czech settlers created klobasniky after they immigrated to Texas.

After our stop in West, things went all wrong. We learned that there had been an accident on I-35 involving hazardous materials in the wee hours of the morning, approximately ten hours earlier; however, traffic was still snarled. We headed east from West, when we really wanted to be going south. Our countryside detour was scenic, and was decidedly the less traveled road. We finally ended up going in the right direction, after a few twists and turns. Normally, the drive from Ft. Worth to Austin is just a little over three hours. This trip took five hours! Yay! It's a good thing we all get along.

Once we made it to Austin, we checked into our hotel, then started thinking about early dinner. Or late lunch.

One of Mr. Smith's coworkers, who grew up in Austin, had suggested that we eat at Home Slice Pizza. Normally, the wait times are long, but since we were really early for dinner, or terribly late for lunch, we were seated right away.

Three pizzas later, everyone was happy. (Don't worry, there were leftovers!)

We looked around a few of the shops on South Congress, then walked over to Gordough's to stock up on Big. Fat. Donuts. for breakfast.

 We simply had to take a picture by this blue wall. Love it!

Sydney found an unopened envelope that had "Open me!" on the front. Naturally, she opened it and discovered the sweetest, most encouraging message, just for her! 

On Saturday morning, we intended to rent paddle boats; however, the lake was jammed with people/boats/paddle boats/kayaks. We enacted Plan B: Bikes! We rented these cool red cruisers to ride around Lady Bird Lake/Town Lake. I don't think we quite completed the entire ten mile route, but it was close... It was a perfect outing, as the weather was unseasonably cool.

 What a crew!

 These three monkeys had fun at the Oasis.

Back to the Metroplex

Once we made it back home, the girls had plans for swimming at Hawaiian Falls, going to Six Flags, and rock wall climbing. And there was a request to do just a little more shopping.

As we drove to do some grocery shopping, we learned that grasshoppers can hang on to a car mirror at speeds of 65 mph. Sadly, they eventually they lose their grip. This guy held on for miles and miles! I'm sure he landed on his feet.

 Who knew that shopping at Whole Foods could be so much fun?!

 Six Flags Over Texas

The girls spent the better part of the day riding roller coasters with four other friends. How amusing...

 I spied the girls on the Titan.

After a very full day of "More Flags, More Fun," a midnight meal at IHOP was in order. 

Millie's Texas friends all enjoyed meeting her California BFF. There were many fun stories that Millie and Sydney shared about the day's events. It sounded to me like it ended up being a bit of a California/Texas cultural exchange program. :-) Syd really fit in well with her new Texan buddies; however, I don't think she will be letting a "y'all" slip out of her mouth any time soon.

Summit Climbing

Hercules Movie Night

The bags may be packed, but we are not quite ready to say goodbye.

The girls bought this 800 piece puzzle and only allowed themselves one day to complete it. The very last puzzle piece was put in place moments before we left for the airport. Whew!

Over the past two weeks, we certainly have spent a lot of time in the car going here, there, and everywhere. Travel time is usually fun. Or at least enjoyable. Today's drive to Love Field was somewhat dreaded. Goodbyes are never fun.

Don't be deceived by these smiles. It was a teary farewell, all the way around. 

We all love this girlie sooo much, and hate to see her go back home. 

Two weeks flew by MUCH too quickly. It's a fact. Time really does fly when you're having fun.