Day 3 and 4: Dallas

The drive from Little Rock to Dallas was pretty uneventful, and of course it was still raining. We stopped in Texarkana for lunch. That is correct; no typo there. Half of the city is in Arkansas and half is in Texas. We found a McAllister's and it is just like the one back home plus some big-hair females. We knew then we were definitely in Texas, and more specifically the Texas side of Texarkana. We got to Dallas with time to spare before my cousin Jacquelin and her husband Jonathan got off work, so we went downtown for a bit. I had been to DFW twice before to visit family but can't recall going downtown Dallas. Zack had been to Dallas last year on a work trip and had done some exploring on his off time. We agreed to go to the old Texas School Book Depository. There is a museum located in the building where Oswald had shot JFK but we didn't have enough time for it, Banks was in the truck, and truth be told, I wasn't so sure I wanted to go up there. We did walk down Elm Street to where you can see the two faded white X's where JFK was when he was shot. So much controversy surrounds this tragedy, and yet all I could focus on was that I was staring at the place where someone was murdered. I instantly felt the need to leave. Not to mention the homeless guys trying to explain some history to us, aka looking for a tip, aka making me feel even more uncomfortable, had me making a beeline for the truck. Enough of downtown Dallas for me. Jacquelin later explain downtown was not really a place for walking around. I believe her.
Warning: food talk below, I can't help it.
We had already picked our evening agenda: Joe T's in Fort Worth. Yes it was a good 45-minute drive and we wouldn't be able to sit in and enjoy their outdoor oasis, but it was a must! I had been there during both of my previous visits to DFW and Jacquelin and Jonathan had their US reception there (they had a beautiful destination wedding), so we just had to convince Zack of it's gloriousness! Okay, maybe I have built it up to a level or two more than necessary but it is still one of my favorite places. It's the overall experience that gets you hooked. I was too excited, busy eating, drinking margaritas and talking (shocking!?) to take any pictures, so I apologize. You just have to take my word for it and go if you are ever in that area. A few things to know: cash only (ATM available), there is no menu but it's not needed because the only choices are fajitas or enchiladas, and you have to get a margarita on the rocks and cheese nachos (not the pile of stale corn chips with fake cheese goo but individual fried? 6" tortillas with melted cheese and diced jalapeños on top aka yumminess). See on-point review here: http://www.dallasrestaurantreviews.net/JoeTGarcias.html
Verdict: Zack approved!!! (That is difficult to do!)
The next morning, we slept in and it was glorious! The trip so far and well Joe T's margaritas had taken their toll! And the sun was finally out! Jacquelin and I spend the morning with continued catching up and chatting. Jonathan, I know you didn't like having to go to work while the rest of us were at the house, but I know you didn't miss our endless chatter! Poor Zack though, although I think he was pretty good at tuning us out...something I've decided all men are born with the ability to do. Did I just create an excuse for the opposite sex?
For lunch, Jacquelin took us to Jake's where we indulged big time! Everything is bigger in Texas, right? Delicious double-patty burgers, cheesy fries and fried green beans. Oh yes. On the way back to the house, the conversation was all about gyms and working out. And not intentionally. Were our subconscious minds trying to tell us something? Guilt? Nahhhh!
We had a short but great visit with the Leech family! Oh, and I almost forgot our four-legged babies...Banks and Emma! Emma was a little uncertain and kept Banks at a distance at first, but by this afternoon, they were playing like old friends! Thanks Emma for sharing your yard, ball, bowls and personal space with Banks! And thank you, Jacquelin and Jonathan, for opening up your beautiful home to us!!! Oh and hopefully next time we come, we won't get questioned by the cops about carpet cleaning in your neighborhood! Haha, for everyone else, you just had to be there!