Sam's Birthday

I love that Sam's birthday is between Christmas and New Year, it just adds to the week long party. And better yet we got to celebrate his birthday twice, once in Utah and then again here on his actual birthday.

We had a lovely day together and made a yummy dinner. Sam requested baby back ribs, which we had never made. They turned out really moist, but we didn't love the flavor of the rub we found online, we'll have to try again. 

Sam's sister, Jenny, made a super delicious cake for our first birthday celebrations, so Sam request something a little different- ice cream sandwiches. 

James loved the birthday party.

                              

This week James learned to pull himself up on the furniture and stand! With the help of his new toy from Grandma Powell, I looked over and James had pulled himself up and now he is climbing on just about everything. 

James also went on the swings for the first time this week, he loved it.

For Christmas Sam gave me tickets to a tour of the Winspear Opera House, which is in downtown Dallas. It was beautiful and super fun to go back stage. 

Roof of Opera House

After the tour we spent the afternoon exploring the downtown arts district including the symphony hall, museum of art and sculpture museum.. There is a brand new park in the heart of the district that sits right on top of the freeway. There is an outdoor stage, ping pong, putting green, an outdoor library and reading space, and tons of food vendors. We got a hot dog and as expected - expensive and not that great. But the park was awesome, I was so enthralled with it I wasn't watching where I was going and nearly tripped over a soccer ball and into a man as I walked through his soccer game. It could have been the quinceanera celebration that was entering the park that distracted me. 

Meyerson Symphony Hall

Dallas Museum of Art

It was a great day! I am looking forward to being able to enjoy each of these museums and concert halls.