It's Raining, It's Pouring, Visitors Are Snoring!

 It’s no secret that Texas is in a bit of a drought. . .

And earlier this summer, Mark, Lake and I were having a drought of our own – a visitor drought!  Now, don’t get me wrong, I understand that summertime presents the best opportunity for family reunions and vacations, but after 3 months without a single visitor, well,  were getting pretty lonely down here!

And as they say, when it rains, it pours.

It all began in late July with a lovely visit from my mother-in-law, Diane.  The quick 3-day trip seemed to fly by, but we all got to spend some quality time together.  And BONUS:  Mark and I were granted a much-needed date night!  Thanks, Diane!

Shortly after Diane’s departure back to Columbus, my sister, Shana and my nephew, Will made their first trip to Dallas.  It was wonderful spending time with them and Lake just adores his Aunt and Cousin.  We spent a significant amount of time just playing, but also did some sightseeing, which included my first-time to the Dallas World Aquarium.

Now, before Shana and Will could even unpack their bags back in Florida, I was leaving on a jet plane of my own. . .to Vegas, baby!  It only took me 17 months (post Lake, of course) to take a girl’s-trip, and it was just what the doctor ordered!   Poolside drinks, nights out on the town, and the best part?  The company of 4 college friends that had simply let too many years go by since our last get-together :)

*Note- while I was gossiping, shopping and gambling, my amazing husband was back at home taking care of Lake.  And even cuter?  My father-in-law, Dick, flew to Dallas to have a “boy’s weekend” with his son and grandbaby. 

Unfortunately, Dick left Dallas just hours before I landed, but there was no time to dwell on missing him, because my old friend Rachel was in New Mexico, en-route to D-town!

 While I would have loved to show her everything that Dallas has to offer, the 105 degree weather put a slight damper on that. . .but the heat did not slow us down in the 2 most important departments:  shopping and eating!  Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do on vacation anyhow?  We did, however, visit the 1 cannot-miss (indoor) Dallas attraction – The 6^th Floor Museum.  And, all right, we ventured outside to see the grassy knoll. . .but it was hot!

Rachel was still in-town when we began a much-overdue visit with my parents, Russ and Marlene.  The Monday thru Thursday trip always seems like it will be plenty of time, but in the end, I felt like I blinked and the week was over.  Every time my parents come to town, I try to introduce them to a new part of Dallas.  With this trip came a jaunt over to Fort Worth to see the Stock Yards and cattle drive.  There’s something about seeing giant cattle just cruising down the brick road that really makes you feel like you’re in Texas!

Whew!  I told ya, the universe didn’t just rain visitors on us, it poured and ended our summertime visitor drought!

And as this crazy month of visitors comes full circle with a Labor Day weekend visit from Diane (and her new husband, Dan) I can only hope that, along with it, comes some real, bona fide rain.