Last Weekend in Dallas

Brad and me!

Last weekend (June 6th - 8th) we headed up to Dallas / Frisco to celebrate my cousin (once removed), Brad, graduating from high school. I actually can remember his first birthday party (I was 8), and I still have a noise maker from it. We got to see a lot of family that we don't see all that often (including our grandmother).

left to right: Cynthia (Brad's mom / my cousin), Lily (my other cousin's daughter), Lera (my "cousin" - our grandmothers are sisters), Calyn (Lera's daughter)

Brad personalized the "congrats GRAD" poster.

Brad is very into music and Joe borrowed his hat and djembe.

We stayed with my parents, though we didn't get down until late Friday night (we first stopped by Art Step where some people we know were singing / playing) and then left very early Sunday morning (so I could make it back for a book club). Even though it was a quick trip, by next weekend I think we've spent more concentrated time with my parents recently than I have in 6 years! They came down for a bridal shower three weeks ago, we went up for graduation last weekend, and next weekend they'll be here for a wedding (and so will Lauren & Kevin).

While we were up there they used my dad's smoker to smoke some of our home-grown peppers. We haven't tried them yet, but my dad took a small bite of one of the jalapenos (turned chipotle) and a glass of milk and cup of yogurt later, still had a burning mouth.