The Lone Star State

Four years ago I was an intern in Washington DC working for a California Congressman. Oh how things have changed. Now I guide (boss) the interns everything else is pretty much the same. On a very cold MLK day 2004 I was at Arlington Cemetery with Dan (we've been dominating here since '04)Christy who may still be in my ward but quite possibly has moved and Meagan. Not sure how that group came together. Anyhow my mom (miss her everyday) called and asked if I had talked to Jenn. I told her no and asked why. And she said well expect a call. So I waited anxiously for that phone call and it came. I was an uncle for the third time. In celebration of this event I went to Dallas to visit Savannah on her fourth birthday.

The Birthday Girl

Jennifer mentions now and then that no one comes to visit her. I had only been to her place in Dallas once before and they had just moved in. I was excited to see the renovated back yard, the girls rooms but mostly I was excited to see my family and Jeff and Corinne.

About two and a half weeks ago I decided that I would got to Texas for Savannah's birthday. I purposely told no family members. I wanted it to be a complete surprise.

My flight down was pretty uneventful. I sat next to a cute girl on the plane but it was too early in the morning to flirt properly. We chatted a bit as we landed. So random girl with Billabong Beanie who lives in Adams Morgan, hi.

I rented a car so that no one would know I was coming. I was slightly worried about driving in Dallas but I had google maps (true dat double true) and a Dodge Caliber to get me there. You should know that it was at this point that I heard Adam Corolla on his pod cast singing "Young Girl" by Gary Puckett. That song has pretty much been stuck in my head since then.

I had timed my arrival so that I would be early to get there before they left for the gymnastics place.

The drive was no problem and about a block from Jenn's house it seemed familiar. I pulled into the drive way, walked up to the door and knocked.

Marc Stanworth: He's Changed.

Savannah came to the door and she was like NBD but Jenn was so surprised. She gave me a huge hug and it did get a bit dusty in the room. Marc too was shocked about my unexpected arrival and really happy to have his favorite brother in law in town for the weekend.

We got ready for the party and then off we went to ASI gymnastics. The birthday party was great. It was at this big gymnastics gym. They had lots of trampolines and a big foam pit for the kids to play in (only for the kids as Marc found out later). Per Chrissi's suggestion Jenn served the kids Uncrustables ( I had two myself) and they were all happy. Sadly I forgot my camera and have no pics from the event. Interestingly enough even though there were about thirty kids there, no tears. It was amazing.

We all went home and took a long nap.

I wanted to eat Texas BBQ so we went to a place called Peggy Sue's. It was cheap.

Hanging out in the elevator. (Please notice my skull shoes.)

On Sunday I was really looking forward to surprising Jeff at Church. Jeff is one of my very best friends and I like to to remind people that it is because of me that he met his wife the lovely Corinne. Jeff and Corinne just happen to be in Jenn and Marc's ward.

I waited in the doorway to see Jeff pull up and waited. No Jeff. Finally I went and sat down. Jenn saw Jeff and I all but ran through the chapel to see him. At first he didn't seem equally as excited to see me. He was like, oh hi Peter. Then after a second it dawned on him...you aren't supposed to be here. The reunion was briefly cut short when Savannah demanded that I sit with her. And because I am controlled by my nieces and nephew I did as I was told. I love those kids.

Jeff and I skipped Sunday School (we did not go to Wendy's although it was considered briefly) and talked about everything. Not the least of which was my Blog. Jeff and Corrine had a prior commitment so they couldn't come over for dessert but we agreed to meet up the next day.

That night Jenn and Marc invited over the Brinkerhoff's. They have two kids and one on the way and Scott is younger than me. They have a daughter named Kajsa. Great Swedish name. We ate brownies and watched Brett Favre destroy the Packers chances of going to the Superbowl.

The prettiest girls in Texas

Monday was my last day in Dallas. I didn't have anything in particular that I wanted to do, other than to get my haircut so we headed for the Mall to get Savannah a build a bear. I called Jeff and asked if they wanted to meet us for lunch. Savannah loves Corrine (truly Corrine is one of her favorite people and an amazing Primary President) and she likes Jeff well enough. SO we met for lunch. Not surprisingly Savannah had Chick-Fil-A (and I do plan on getting Dan and Joe their Cheesecake) and Jeff also had it for the first time and was rightfully impressed. I went for the Bacon Cheese Burger Tacos. Very tasty.

Everytime I am around my sister and my friends I think I could move to Dallas. It would be a lot of fun to live closer.

We had a great time at lunch but it was time to get the girls home. I missed out on my Swedish Massage, maybe next time. We said goodbye to Jeff and Corrinne and head back to Jenn's.

Seriously, I love these two. I cried more at their wedding then they did.

The flight home was awful. Row 29 middle seat, I was uncomfortable the whole time. Dan the man picked me up and it was freezing in DC.

A short but amazingly worthwhile trip.

Thanks Jenn and Marc for being so good to me.