Additions to my new things

My brother in law comes to Dallas.   He is SUPER MCKESSON MAN!  Thanks for making time between all of your award ceremonies to check out a local Mexican restaurant with us.   It felt like home - next time put Angie in your suitcase.

Finished my first year at Highland Park - snuck up on me!  

WooHoo - look out SUMMER - here I come!

Dedicated several hours of my life to cementing a serious bond with some fantastic ladies at Ozona - voted best patio in Texas, by me, right now (going out on a limb, but I think Robyn and Amanda might agree).  Tears, laughter, and lots of love to you both.

First time tripple date with us, the Smiths, and the Carsons.  Dinner at Kona Grill - pondered ordering seafood - haha, who am I kidding?!

I decided that this "new" thing has been going super easy, so I am going to make a few additions here at the end of month 5.  The plan is to include a new thing I am learning about my Jesus and a new thing I adore about my main squeeze.  Check it out:

New thing Jesus is teaching me - He has a plan for me.  (Sometimes it is not what you think.)

New thing I love about Caleb - when I come home later than he does, he starts to clean the house (laundry, dishes, etc.)  *thankful

A little taste of school and steak

Our biggest NEW thing (maybe of the year) is that Caleb started school.  His plan is to go to UTD for Business, but right now he is at Dallas Community College getting some of those early courses out of the way.  He is doing a wonderful job and taking it very seriously.  Three days in a row I came home to him blaring classical music for music appreciation.  He likes to wear his camo hat, apparently it helps.  I am adjusting, but find it a little difficult to leave him alone and stay quiet.  We've been spoiled to hang out together every evening.  I'm so proud of him and I know he is going to do a wonderful job.  There is a long rode ahead of us, but we are off to a good start.

After all that hard work during the week, it was time to have a little bit of fun.  Friday night was my first time at a Brazilian Steakhouse.  We bought dinner off restaurant.com and loved every bite.  We went to Rafain Steakhouse and tried 16 meats (collectively - I'm a little picky).  Not to mention the salad bar and dessert bar - unbelievable!  It was unlike anything else I have ever done.  It took only a moment when we turned our card over to green to have several waiters bringing delectable meats.

Very happy after a full meal

My first Taste Addison Experience

I think this might become an annual tradition

Caleb checking out the NBA players' hands.

Lauren with the "next big NBA" star - we'll be excited to see him in the big time!

The sweet Looneys sharing some homemade ice cream. 

We had a great time trying all kinds of delicious foods for restaurants in Addison. 

What a FUN afternoon! 

Caleb got a new laptop for school - it is quite motivating! 

Dinner at The Porch - I tried corn soup, and I wish I had some right now.

Lots of my favs - we are always making new memories.  

I love all of these ladies!  

Mommas and The Olympics

Sunday, May 8 was Mother's Day.  We spent the day at my mother in law's house and had a wonderful time.  I just so happen to have a fun loving, free spirited, welcoming, supportive mother in law.  I am very thankful for her, and she always makes me feel right at home.  We met at her salon, which is newly remodeled thanks to her and Caleb's Poppa.  Then we headed over to her house for a cookout and some time at the pool.  I tried turkey hot dogs and loved them - will definitely be buying those at the store from now on. (don't tell Caleb) I met some new folks and made some new friends. 

I didn't take any pictures on Mother's Day - but here is a favorite from our rehearsal dinner! 

I wasn't able to be with my own mama - living halfway across the world and all - but she definitely needs a shout out on a Mother's Day blog.  My mom just happens to be the prettiest, most southern woman out there.  She makes everything more fun, and always looks on the positive side of things.  She definitely taught me the importance of family, girl friends, and talking.  She will stop anything she is doing to talk to me or my sisters - and boy can she talk!  

Thursday night, Caleb and I headed to Atlanta for a Couples Weekend in celebration of Mary Sims and Thomas' upcoming nuptials.  Thursday night was my first time to ride the Atlanta Sky Line around the airport. It is really pretty at night.  It was also my first time to stay at Leah and Edwin's house.  I love seeing how happy my old roomie is married to Edwin.  They are the cutest! 

Friday we headed to Clarkesville to get ready for the festivities.  Caleb and I made a bunch of new recipes and enjoyed an afternoon with my parents.  We were excited as our friends started to arrive. 

Friday night we played "The Newlywed Game" with Mary Sims and Thomas.  They did a wonderful job matching answers to all kinds of questions.  And they sure looked cute in their wedding gear! 

Saturday we had a Couples Olympics.  It was incredible!  Couples competed various tasks (three legged race, chubby bunny, egg and spoon race, water balloon toss) and the scores were kept.  I had so much fun and thought it was hilarious.  Everyone did a great job, but the winners are as follows: 

 Gold Medal - David & Lilla Todd

 Silver Medal - Joe & Hillary Wilson 

Bronze Medal - Will Costigan and Emily Waldon 

The King and Queen of the Couples Weekend Olympics

Future Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Costigan

Another fun happening...We floated the Chattahoochee TWICE!  

It was beautiful weather, the water was a little chilly at first, but we got used to it.  

Mary Sims and Thomas will be married in about a month, and I think this was a great way to celebrate.  

Personally, I had a wonderful time and I loved getting to be with some of my most favorite friends! 

Magic Race Time

 Yes!  Finally!  We met the Looneys at Magic Time Machine.  I have been wanting to eat there ever since Caleb told me the waiters wear costumes.  It is true - they do!  Our waitress was Ismarelda - a gypsy.  She was hilarious but the whole thing is slightly awkward.  Por exampla: Ismarelda asks "What would you like to drink?"  Jonathan replies, "water". She responds, "Fresh or salt?"  She was like that about everything!  On our trip to the salad bar she walked us around the restaurant like a wild goose chase - it took me a while to realize what was happening!

Lauren and I decided to spring for the "potion".  You can't tell it this picture but it was fizzing and bubbling - very exciting!  It also turned our mouths blue.  The decor is wacky and so is the wait staff - its a fun little adventure if you have never been.

 Go RANGERS!  Caleb and I cheered on the Rangers first time this season, in our new Rangers gear!  

 A big thank you to my pretty sister friends Lindsey and Courtney for getting us the tickets (even though they are Yankees fans).  I guess technically I could count this as my first Yankees game, but I wouldn't want to flatter them - so I will count it as my first Rangers game of the season.

 A few more friends - some cheering the home team and some not so much.

Caleb and some of his fellas at Reinfeld's Corner after the game.  New place, GREAT patio.

We were definitely sporting our Rangers tees out.   

URBAN ADVENTURE RACE

If I had to rank this day on a scale of 1 to 10 (which I love to rank things), 10 being the highest - the Urban Adventure Race receives a 10!  We had THE BEST time.  If it comes to your town - sign up!  You get these awesome t-shirts and a list of clues.  The clues are multi - layered - you have to solve something in order to know where you are supposed to go.  Then, you have to find the location.  There are 12 clues listed in a jumbled up order - you have to figure out the best order to complete all of them.  Here is an example: 

"He played fullback for the Dallas Cowboy's from 1966-1974, and wrote a biography Once a Cowboy.  Get your picture in front of his restaurant."  So you have to figure out the cowboy - Walt Garrison, and then his restaurant - Avanti - which has 2 locations might I add, so you have to figure out which one makes more sense to travel to.  Then you race there and take a picture.  

 People dress in costume - we did not, but it was fun for other people to.  The winners were the 70's super heros - roller girl and captain mustache.  I didn't yell for them, I thought the roller skates were kind of like cheating - I mean, it is a foot race and all.

So the deal is you have to take pictures at various locations and sometimes do challenges.  You may travel by foot or public transportation - this provided lots of new things - first time on the DART, the city bus, running lost through Dallas. haha  When it was over, we couldn't wait to do it again.  Fort Worth has a race in December - you can bet we will be there!  

Our First Easter

April 24 - 30

Caleb and I celebrated our first married Easter in Atlanta.

We went to church with my parents,

and sister Angie and her family.  It was a special service and it was a treat to be with family.

After a delicious Easter dinner, we were on our way to Dallas.  My dad always gets me to the airport early...like take the earlier flight early.  So, that's just what we did.  We caught the earlier flight which made it possible for us to see Caleb's dad, brother, and the rest of the family.  It was a sweet surprise.  I love being with family on holidays!

Caleb got his Easter basket a little early (I didn't think I was going to be spending Easter with him because of the book signing - but that darling surprised me!)

Tuesday night was our first girl craft night.  I have been blessed to be placed in a Foundation Group with such encouraging, fun loving, and uplifting women.

I am super excited about our first project.  Inspired by a "Box of Promises" my prayer leader gave me in college - we are all making out own verse boxes.

It is neat to see how each box suits our personalities - the perfect combination.

We are starting with contentment.   Each of us is memorizing a verse on contentment and sharing it with the group.  We are going to share verses and copy them to save in our box.  I know it will be an encouragement when needed and we will grow in our relationship with the Lord and each other.

Saturday, Caleb and I wanted to try a new brunch place.  We went to Garden Cafe.  It is a cute, unique breakfast spot.  They grow the vegetables in the garden right where you eat.

It was a fun laid back atmosphere, but it is no fast food.  There is a wait, and nobody who eats there seems to mind...except the hungry McGuires.  We had a great time and the food was absolutely delicious, but we went a little hungry for the upcoming wait.

Saturday night was Robyn's 33rd birthday celebration.

We met up at Gloria's - I love that place. 

Then we headed to Knox Street Pub and danced the night away.  It was such a fun night and it was great to be able to celebrate with such a sweet friend.

(the Robyn birthday photos were taken on Caleb's iphone - not quite the quality the iphone promises - but still great memories none the less)