Big Weekend

Probably no one cares that I had a big weekend, but I care, and want to share it. 


First, we went to Dallas. We don't go to Dallas often. We like Fort Worth, it is easier to drive in and closer, so, for special events, we choose Fort Worth. But a few weeks ago, Les saw a commercial for a concert at the American Airlines center in Dallas, Can You Hear the People Sing. It was a sort of tribute to Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg, who wrote the musical Les Miserables, which is our favorite. Well, it is my favorite. Les may like Phantom of the Opera better, but anyway...They also wrote Miss Saigon and several more. Can You Hear the People Sing included performances of top Broadway singers who have performed the lead roles in the musicals. I had seen the commercial, but, since I am on a spending freeze, I did not say anything. Les is not on a spending freeze. So, when he saw the commercial, he immediately said, "We are going", and bought tickets. That was the reason for our trip to Dallas. 
We left Friday morning, and first visited my parents. They are doing very well, thank you. 
Then, we strolled around the Bishop Arts District and had lunch at Gloria's. 
 After that, we drove over the the Dallas Arboretum. (I am so glad that Les is not on a spending freeze!) It was incredible.   This place was indescribably beautiful. 

Here are a few pictures of the gorgeous flowers. 

After our flower tour, we drove over to McKinney Avenue, where we enjoyed a delicious meal at a little Italian Restaurant. The neighborhood, and the restaurant, had a very New York, Urban feel to it. We enjoyed the atmosphere, and had the best food we have had in a long time. If you are ever in Dallas at meal time, I recommend the Avanti Restaurante on McKinney Ave. 

Finally, it was time for the much anticipated concert. We enjoyed it a lot. However, on the few occasions that we have splurged for a big event like that, we have gone to the Bass Hall in Fort Worth. The Bass is a concert hall. It is not huge, so all the seats are good, and the sound is excellent everywhere. The American Airlines Center is an arena, so it is not fare to compare it to being at the Bass Hall. Although we could hear everything, the sound was not clear and we could not always understand the words. But these were some of the most beautiful songs ever written, performed by incredibly talented singers, with the music of the Dallas Symphony, accompanied by a huge choir. It really was a wonderful experience. 

We then drove over to Katy and Kyles to spend the night. 

Saturday, we got  up early for the annual Kidney Walk. "Maddies Team" was one of the top fund raisers,  at almost $3000, so we got our own tent and special signs. Maddie was also recognized for the top individual producer, with $2300 in her name. 

This is Maddie with my niece's husband, Jerry. He had a kidney transplant 5 years ago and is an inspiration to Maddie and the family. 

There is music and dancing before the walk, which we usually join. 

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Kylie was not feeling well, so she is reclining as she eats. 

Last year, after the kidney walk and a quick picnic, we went over to the zoo and rode the little train. In our family, if we do something once, it is a tradition! So, after the walk, we rode the train. (Mel and Brad took their kiddos for a planned camping trip with friends.) 

 

 

Les and I then went home with Kyle and Katy, rested, cleaned up and went with them to Gateway Church. We enjoyed a special surprise. Their children's choir has made a C.D, and they sang two of the new songs. They were FANTASTIC. I don't cry easily, but something about children singing always gets to me. Robert Morris shared the first message from his new series about our words. We all know that our words have the power of life or death, but it was a great reminder of that. We topped off the day with an early birthday dinner for Katy, then headed home. 

Sunday, our ladies class completed our series on discipleship that Teressa has taught. I learned a lot and really was inspired to be more deliberate in leading women in focused discipleship. 

Cottonwood worship was great. Shelly Hooper sang a special with her young niece and nephew. Again, brought tears to my eyes. 

Mike is in a series on resurrection; Profiles of Resurrection. Sunday's sermon on Lazarus was fresh and had some surprising applications. 

So, a busy and full weekend. I am blessed and grateful!