Well, once again we headed for Cowtown, U.S.A., a key stop along the legendary Chisholm Trail . Connie and I lived there from 1974 to 1978, and we loved the city. It has grown in size but still maintains a small town atmosphere particularly in the heart of the city where Erica now lives. Since Erica was now 29 years old (can you believe it...?) and we figured she was getting 'too old' to travel, we headed up state to see her. Cynthia, Jordan and I left San Antonio about 7:30 a.m. and picked up Michelle in Austin.
Yes, once again we stopped at the Czech Stop in West, Texas to buy kolaches. And then headed to our hotel, the Hilton Homewood Suites just off of Forest Blvd. and settled in. Erica came over to the hotel and we hung out and watched the hit movie, Deadpool, together. (Great movie! May not be the best for kids, however!)
Then we got ready to go to eat at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in downtown Fort Worth. We started with drinks at the bar while we waited for everyone.
We were joined by Janet Giordano, Andrew's mother. Andrew was studying for tests and unfortunately couldn't join us. The table was set up for us since they knew we were celebrating a birthday. We ordered more drinks and appetizers followed by the main course. The meal was fantastic. Erica even got a couple of presents from Janet and a complementary 'birthday' dessert. 
We next headed to the hotel where we again celebrated with the 'real' birthday dessert, a special cake ordered by Erica in Dallas. O-M-G it was soooo good!
We, of course, had a number of presents for her at the hotel. Even Andrew got a present. Here is a picture of his St. Louis Cardinals tee shirt taken the next day. We had a lot of fun hanging out for most of the evening. Michelle went with Erica to her apartment for some quality 'sister' time, and the rest of us crashed at the hotel. I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.
We got together at Torchy's Tacos, home of the gourmet taco, the next day and then headed to the Hulen Mall for a shopping spree. Here is a picture of me and Jordan in our super sexy sunglasses. I know that they made me look super sexy because the saleslady told me they did when I asked just before I bought them! Jordan insists that the young lady was just trying to make a sale, but what does Jordan know. She's just a kid, right? 
The trip back was uneventful. We were all so tired and full, no one even wanted to stop at the kolache place on the way back. (But now I'm craving them so I'm thinking we shoulda' stopped!!! Oh, well.)
As usual, we had a great time and we're already looking forward to next year.