An Easter Treat

Nothing says spring like a visit to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.  Hannah and Reagan generously treated the entire family to a special Easter brunch there. We dined on the covered patio with a view of White Rock Lake, enjoying perfect sunny weather. First came a sumptuous buffet with tossed salad, charcuterie and cold marinated veggies, as well as traditional breakfast items like cheesy scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and potatoes. Then came green beans, salmon, chicken Marsala and a carving board with sirloin beef. The kids had a great time sampling new foods and old favorites. The best was yet to come--a groaning outdoor table with chocolate cake, carrot cake, coconut pie, chocolate chip muffins, banana bread and petit fours. The grownups enjoyed endless cups of delicious coffee. We were all stuffed but lingered and talked.

Just as much fun was watching all the kids in their Easter finery. Little girls in pastel frocks or navy sailor dresses scampered around the lawn. I spotted three small boys in matching powder blue quarter-zip sweaters. Our grandsons (and Reagan) were decked out in colorful Psycho Bunny polo shirts and Lena in a bright blue romper.

Next came a tour of the gardens. Huge beds of pansies and violas created splashes of bright color. Many types of blooming trees lined the paths. Gigantic peacocks created from plant materials serenely surveyed the lawns, while water features made pleasant background music. The tulips were about finished, with just a few brave ones surviving, but the azaleas were still colorful--I especially like the candy-striped ones. Winding paths took you around the garden to the areas with the best lake views. We saw families picnicking on the hill, while their kids chased around. Because I have been getting around with a cane due to a painful hip, Hannah rented a wheelchair for the occasion. The kids took turns pushing it. Noah rode on my lap at times--because he had tired from doing cartwheels across the lawn. Booker amused himself by teasing me until I threatened him with the cane. Last stop was the gift shop where Alison treated each of the kids to a souvenir.

The Arboretum is a real treasure here in Dallas. No matter what time of year you visit, there are different things to see. They are famous for their annual Pumpkin House and Twelve Days of Christmas displays. The 66-acre gardens were created by joining two estates that front White Rock Lake. The houses on those estates are still very much in use for special events. Spring and early summer bring a concert series on a hillside overlooking the lake. There is also a children's adventure garden with many interactive features. When my friend Claudia visited for Thanksgiving last year, Hannah took us to a Christmas tea which was delicious and lots of fun. Afterward, we toured the historic DeGolyer House with its huge display of Christmas creches and magnificently decorated trees.

All in all, it was a glorious day to spend with our family. Thanks to Hannah and Reagan for their generosity in making such a happy Easter memory for us.

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