Favorite Park in Dallas

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Today the kids and I visited our favorite park in Dallas. I know that this statement alone carries so much weight because let's be honest here, there are some AMAZING parks in Dallas. We visit about 3 a day.

Also included in our top parks are Abbott Park, Caruth Park (Nonnie Park), Lake Highland's Rec Park (Avery's Park), Coffee Park, Merriman Parkway Park (fire truck park) and our most favorite...

You might be a little confused. A hospital? This was supposed to be about a park right?!?!

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital of Dallas is a hospital here focusing specifically on treatment of pediatric orthopedic conditions ... and best of all families can attend FOR FREE. This facility is incredible and as a patient for 16 years of my life, I can't begin to convey the special place it holds in my heart. It is very humbling to know that I can chase my children on the playground because of amazing medical intervention I received through Texas Scottish Rite.

What a playground!

What many don't know is that the playground is actually open to the public (another example of the Mason's community focused charity). It sits throughout the day in all sorts of shades and has BY FAR the best bathrooms I have ever seen at a park. What can I say--- this place feels like home. If you have a chance to check it out... you should!

SO.MUCH.FUN.


(And yes, my children DO have a freakish love of statues... these pictures were totally candid.)

The Game

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Take me out to the

Take me out with the

Buy me some

And Cracker Jack, I don't

If I never get back, Let me

for the home team, If they don't win it's a

For it's

strikes you're

At the old ball game!

Milo's favorite

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Mr. Milo Giovanni. The Eeyore of our bunch. My original roommate before all these invaders took over. Is it bad that I am fighting every urge to just list all the things that he does not like--- because it really is a very funny list. But I won't.

Our Milo is such a pretty cat... and OH how he loves being fancy.

Just kidding---He loathes it almost as much as the dog. But how could I resist including this picture?!

Milo really likes to keep it casual. You know nice and easy--- collar free. He spends his day sleeping in every room of the house ALL day long. He leads a tough life. Don't tell him but as he ages he is becoming quite a bit fluffier too... but don't we all?

I think that it would be safe to say that Milo's most favorite is natural lighting. This gato will sprawl out an any form of sunshine he can get... and if his presence can torture the crated dog or involve sprawling on your newly ironed clothing that is just bonus happiness.

He is definitely our most favorite little black (er, grey) raincloud around.

Gabriel's Favorite

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I really think that from the minute Gabriel wakes up and well into his sleep there is one item that he must have near him at all times... his "race hat". For about the past 3 weeks, Gabriel has been race hat crazed. It his one apparel of choice at any given hour--- even when it is his ONLY piece of apparel on at the moment.

How did life exist before his race hat?!



At least he won't burn his scalp...

Daddy Favorite

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If Handy Manny (yet another Disney reference) had a human counterpart his name just might be, Kelly May. My husband definitely loves all things handy. Between maintaining his P1 status and organizing his freakish collection of drill bits, Kelly can spend hours in his "shop" in complete peace. Not going to lie--- carpenters sure can be sexy.

Here is his recent work in progress (new work table)

When I married my husband I also married his extended family. You know, the Dallas Cowboys, The Ticket, The Dallas Rugby Team and Jere Lehtinen. Kelly is a sports lover. I am told there is nothing quite like a good sports cry--- or perhaps mowing in sport gloves?My husband is a very hands-on-dad. One of my favorite qualities for sure. I really believe that he might have a constant podcast in his head replaying Harry Chapin's "Cat's in the Craddle" over and over. Our children want to be just like him... and how can that not be a favorite part of your life?!


If only Kelly could get Molly into yard work as well than I would have a full force yard crew. Not too shabby at all.

Molly's Favorite!

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Our Molly girl is a princess nut... certifiably obsessed. The very pulse of her existence is in complete rhythm with twirly dresses and the clickity clack of fancy heels on the floor. She looks for any excuse to use the word fancy in a sentence...even when referencing her brother's ears. FANCY.

Molly's most recent love is Princess Melody. For you non-addicts out there, Melody is Ariel's daughter. You read that right, this ever-evolving princess love apparently runs generations deep. Since her discovery of Princess Melody in The Little Mermaid II, Molly is quite taken with finding treasure. And while yes, the treasure does resemble rocks, shells and weeds from the ground DO NOT BE FOOLED--- it is wonderfully magical and now lives in abundance in my everyday purse. As if I don't have enough to carry around.

You see, Melody is prepared for treasure. She wears a special satchel at all times which Molly loving refers to as a "Melody Bag". Her greatest desire in the ENTIRE world was to have her very own Melody bag... and as of 2 hours ago... she does. Thank you Sam Moon, now I can get the playground out of MY purse.

Definitely a new FAVORITE for our princess Melody

and her treasure hunting ways...
Her "puppy?!" approves too...

My Favorite

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Tonight was my favorite. Well, I guess it might just suffice to say that spring is my favorite---especially a spring night like tonight where the air feels so refreshing and the barren world around me is almost spontaneously wrapped up in green. The sun stays awake longer and I can watch my children play outside, while having a glass of wine and laugh with my very best friend.

Um, yes please.

Throw in the fact that I actually created an incredible, EDIBLE, healthy dinner (Pesto Salmon!!!) that EVERYONE in my house devoured while dining on the back patio just makes the evening that much more a favorite.
Seriously, folks’ not a dismal task here--- have you seen my scars? To actually taste my improvement is contained bliss!

I mean, how can quality dinner conversation with this crazy group not make you smile?

My perfect "dessert round one" is to go on a family walk (ahem, with quality paper cup wine …) and just breathe a little outside. Apparently, twilight is when all the neighborhood cats come out to say hello as well… perhaps Rosie’s favorite moment to the day too. Of course "dessert round two" is actual dessert that will totally negate healthy dinner/post dinner walking--- but well worth the added calories. Besides, favorite Julie nights do NOT involve anything mathematical… like calorie counting or limits on wine and such.

More nights like tonight, please.