Dallas Sunshine and Donut-Hole Bonding!

happy almost christmas! who knew dallas was such a fun place? i guess all the people that choose to live here but i am impressed. my sister-in-law moved here a little over a year ago so she has found all the fun and cool places to take us.

this started with the dallas arboretum. isn’t it crazy that we all happened to wear matching white shirts, just like the modern family family? we thought so too so we decided to take a photo.

usually i’m all about the snow and cold at christmas time but since i hadn’t seen the sun or not been rained on in weeks in portland, i’m all about this 70 degree weather.

the arboretum has super detailed displays all around it featuring the “12 days of christmas” (the seals in the closest one are balancing 5 gold rings).

of course it’s fun to spend time with family but what really makes it awesome is you can chill out on the selfies because they are around to take your photo! if you say we look like brother and sister, i am going to fight you.

while touring around the gardens, i found my new favorite flower – the “hocus pocus” tulip. they weren’t actually in bloom since i’m assuming they only come out when the sanderson sisters sing.

i also spent some time showing grammy some photos from antarctica! ryan attributes his love to travel from his adventuring grandma so she was super excited to see the ice castle of the world (i just made that up. no one calls it that).

i am so thankful that i fit in with my in-laws and that they are some fun, loving people! we had one of the best laughs last night and thank goodness my husband caught it on not just any video, but slooooow-mo. please make sure your volume is turned up because that is part of what makes it hilarious.

my sister-in-law ashley and i decided we should make this an annual event. who knew donut-holes could strengthen a bond so deeply?!

AND i got to meet and giggle in real life with my blogger friend lindsay from the wife in training! i already knew she was hilarious and sweet from her blog/our emails/chats but it’s a whole new level when you are face-to-face! she is SO FUN, so gorgeous and had a “mutual admiration party!”

blogging is such a strange world. it’s fun to connect with others who get it, especially those whom you admire and think “i bet we would be friends in real life” because now we are!  here are a few things you may not know about her:

• she has a superb sense of direction
• she can sing!
• she has a shark wallet and the shark is saying “i like salads”

what’s not to love about her in addition to kindness, authenticity and humor?! thanks for a fun time lindsay!

now off to eat more donuts (from boxes that say ‘you deserve a donut’) and soak up some more laughs with my in-laws before we are off to see my fam!

oh and of course i’m snapchatting along the way too, sharing some gems like my husband as a young harry potter/lawyer:

i am trying my best to be present, have fun and eat more leafy greens (not just donuts!)