My family's visit to Texas for Graduation

When my family came out to Texas for graduation, we made sure they were able to stay for several days so we could hang out together and have a lot of fun. Mamaw flew out Wednesday evening, and Mom and Kathy arrived on Thursday around noon. We immediately headed south, stopping for a tasty burger at Red Robin .I had planned for us to eat there on the patio so Brodie could join us, but it was POURING, so he hung out in the car. By the time we made it to Fort Worth, the rain had eased. We dropped Brodie off at the Holmes's house, checked into the Riley Center, and I showed off my regalia before heading to graduation rehearsal.

After rehearsal, the sky was finally clear, so we took a tour of the Southwestern campus, even walking out to the prayer garden (my favorite part of SWBTS). Everything was so bright and green after all the rain. I think I enjoyed that time with the important women in my family more than almost any other part of the weekend. 

After graduation and a delicious lunch at my favorite Japanese restaurant, we headed up to my apartment and to let the family check into their hotel. We all changed into comfy clothes, relaxed for a little while at my apartment, and then headed into Dallas to see where Kennedy was shot. Interestingly enough, I have lived in the DFW area for 14 years and never visited those sights. David was really interested in seeing it, and we ran into a man who gave us a very unofficial but quite informative tour. 

On Saturday, after sleeping a little later, we all gathered at the hotel where Bonnie and David, Kathrin, David and their kiddos, and Colton had all just arrived. After visiting for over an hour, the hotel crew kicked us out of the lobby and we drove to the Fort Worth Stockyards for some Texas culture. (What's funny is I've gone to the Stockyards either the day of or the day after every graduation from SWBTS!) We had lunch at Riscky's BBQ - I LOVE their fried pickles! - then wandered the street taking in the sights and the cattle drive. It was a gorgeous day and we all enjoyed it.

Other than our ventures around town, we hung out a lot at my apartment. We had a toast and a yummy cake Mom brought, Dad and David did some handy-man work (even cleaning my sliding glass door!) and we all laughed like crazy as we played Quelf and MadGab. Oh, so much fun! I have never had that many people in my apartment at one time - 10 people plus Brodie! It was packed, but we had a great time.

I am so thankful for all my family who came to town to celebrate my graduation and just spend time together. What a wonderful weekend! I only wish that could have stayed longer.