The Big 'D'

It was another full day. Today we returned to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. The start was tough as we wandered lost through the country side. Finally, we found our way and did the tour. The facility was not as large as I expected, but it was secure and orderly. There were lots of big machines and lots of people, printing, reviewing and packing millions of dollars of cash.
With a new map and directions, we hit the highway and drove onto Dallas...first stop, Dealey Plaza where JFK was assassinated. We spent a 1/2 hour looking at the Book Repository building, the grassy knoll and the rest of the plaza.
We skipped the museum because of the outrageous cost for a family our size and the lack of interest with children as young as our group. Tanisha was disappointed, but I promised to return some time without the children.
Our next stop was our own creative walking tour of Dallas. We visited the original Dallas courthouse and passed through the West End District for food and shopping. We stopped at a Western Store where we got Jason a cowboy hat. He asked for a belt and buckle, but I felt I must draw the line there. We then walked about 8 blocks to the Dallas Museum of Art. It was not so much for the Art as it was the start of the McKinney Trolley line. After brief bathroom breaks at the Museum, we hopped the trolley for a relaxing tour of Uptown Dallas.
The area was great with lots of up-scale lofts, restaurants and shopping. The 45 minute ride was a nice break for all the walking. We then walked back the 8 blocks, but following the path along the Trains that run trough town. The kids were certainly tired by the time they returned to the car.
Tanisha and I opted for the scenic drive home. We headed east through Dallas again, past the Convention Center, Farmers Market, some lakes and rivers that were overflowing from all the rains until we ended up in a Country Club neighborhood with fancy mansions on hills. I wonder what those cost? Finally it was time to head west to Fort Worth. It was rush hour, so we traveled the streets through Irving until we could go no further and had to be on the highway. I know what you're thinking, "How do you keep your kids so happy while driving aimlessly for hours in the car?" My answer, Harry Potter Book on CD and handheld video games. The older boys get engrossed in the story. The younger kids fall asleep.
That evening, the adults went out to eat at a restaurant called the Salt Grass Steakhouse. Texas certainly knows steaks. They were seasoned and grilled perfectly. Ask for medium rare, and that is what you'll get. The service was excellent and the company was, as always, made the evening complete. Now you'd think the evening was over, but the ladies headed out to see a movie as well. Yep, we never let a minute go to waste. I'm going to need a vacation from my vacation. --ctg