More family fun.

While Cara's family was in town, we made the most of our time together. One afternoon, we gathered at Nana and Papa's for some good ol' cornhole.

The girls kept themselves entertained near the driveway.

Another day, another blessing! It's wonderful that we're all close enough to spend this time together.

Family Fourth.

We had an old-fashioned family Fourth of July at Brett's brother's house. We feasted on great food, fun and fellowship. It was the perfect way to celebrate our freedom as Americans.

After spending most of the day with family, we spent the evening with some of our church family. It was relaxing to hang out by the hot tub and then walk up the street to see some fireworks.

The kids ended up on a trampoline.

All in all, it was a fantastic fourth!

Dallas day trip, part 2: Dallas World Aquarium.

After lunch we realized the next train wouldn't be heading home for a few hours, which gave us the perfect opportunity to visit the Dallas World Aquarium. The name is a bit misleading; while there are aquatic creatures to be seen, there are many more land mammals, birds, etc. on display. Here is just a sampling of critters we saw:

Spoonbill stork

Anteater

Homo sapiens sophomore and senior

Inhabitant of Monkey Island

Marmoset (maybe?)

No need for the sign. We are NOT touching the sloth!

View from the women's restroom

Suddenly hungry for Froot Loops

Otter

"Bow-chicka-wow-wow!"

See the monkeys?

THERE they are!

Gator

Bats

Another bat

Frog

Stingray or placemat?

Another sloth

"Tanks" for the memories

It was an amazing place, and it was wonderful to get to share this new experience with Nana and the kids.