The Relatives Came: Part 1

The Relatives Came (and I checked out the book to go with it). We could not have been more happy to have them, really it was a treat to have them here and we miss them already!

When Brian's brother called a few months ago and mentioned that they were thinking about coming to Texas I have to admit that I was a little bit skeptical, because let's face it Texas is really far, really really hot, and not the most fun place to vacation. A couple of weeks ago we got news that they were coming for really and we were thrilled! They stayed a week and it was so fun to eat good food, hang out at the pool, and see our fun relatives without having to get on an airplane ourselves. 

Their flight here was delayed because of a thunderstorm here in Dallas, however by the time they landed the skies were blue and the ground was dry. I think our Utah relatives were a little bit skeptical that it had rained, but dont worry by the time they finally got home they were believers in Texas weather. 

Our first stop after the airport was a delicious BBQ place called Hard 8. I think that the restaurant may have traumatized sweet Jake, but the rest of us loved the yummy food!

Hard 8 (a personal favorite)

Brian and Jared had to get some BBQ sauce before we left.

Hard 8 sauce and beans

The kids decided to join Mikey in the sandbox, let's just say it was a hit!

Because their flight was delayed, we werent able to swim on the first day, but dont worry that didnt stop us from going to scout out the pool so we would be prepped and ready for the next day. 

Walking to the park

Mikey was a tiny bit confused about the kids and why we were heading to the pool so late in the day

The kids "planned" just to get their feet wet, but by the time we left the pool all three of them were soaked and in their words "freezing". Jake jumped into the water (head and everything) before we left, and let's just the splash park was way too tempting not to get wet.

Cousins getting their feet wet

Sweet Ben stayed happy and chubby in the stroller. This is one sweet baby

The next morning we decided that some serious eating was in order. Our first stop was Rainbow Donuts, since we went a little bit late our choices were somewhat limited, but when you are 7 the only choice you need is something with sprinkles. One thing we learned at the donut shop- Caleb prefers "tiny" donuts, and Michael LOVES donuts

The First Donut Shop

 Brian and Jared read about a place called Boots Burger near our house and we thought we should at least try to find it. We had heard rumors of a place in Rockwall where a guy sold burgers from his front yard on the days he wanted to and closed up when he ran out of meat, but we'd never made it there. Luckily we showed up on a day when they were serving and before they ran out of meat. The place really is in someone's font yard in the middle of a neighborhood, combine that with the heat and humidity and this is an authentic Texas experience. The burgers were pretty tasty (in addition to the awesome experience), the buns were fresh and buttery (no really I think they were slathered with butter), the veggies were crisp) and the meat went all the way to the edge (important), my sister in law (who isnt a fan of burgers) was actually a fan of the food and we went back the next day too.

Boots Burger

Boots Burger

 Because a burger and donut wasnt enough saturated fat for one morning we decided to stop and get some texas cheese fries at Snuffer's. Fries covered in cheese, bacon, chives, and jalapenos... what could possibly have more calories? They are tasty and good once a year.

Snuffer's

 After all that food we decided it was time to go for a walk, so we headed to the Rockwall harbor. The kids made some wishes in the fountain.

 Turns out the fountain is bigger than we thought

 We found this shop and had to take a photo since this is Jake's motto.

After all that food we decided to visit the pool. We spent most of the first day in the "kid pool" diving for fish and rockets, and playing in the floats.

 Michael was too adventurous for my taste the first day (he keeps trying to drink the water), so as the paranoid over anxious parent I am, I took Jared's advice and put floaties on him, he loved the freedom. Let's just say the next day he was outfitted in one of those life jacket shirts and in the turtle float (yeah we are those parents).

 Ben wasnt too sure about the water the first day, but dont worry he ended up loving it just as much as the other kids.

Funny Caleb, I think this is one of my favorite photos from the trip. This guy is BUSY!

 Jake is the sweetest kid I have ever met, he is so sweet and gentle with the little guys, such a calm little peacemaker.

 After a busy day of food and swimming the two older boys passed out before dinner, vacations are rough!