DAY TWO
Day two was busy! We decided to head out after a yummy breakfast and drive along the US/Mexico border for a bit (mostly to let Brandt catch a nap). We really wanted to find a park where we could get some good pictures of the Bridge of the America's.
So, we ended up at Chamizal National Memorial. We had a nice time just walking the trail and chatting with each other. We quickly learned that you have to consume LARGE quantities of water to stay hydrated. And you have to wear protective covering and eye wear because the sun is soooo unforgiving. I swear there was not a cloud in the sky the entire time we were there. It was unbelievable.
Then, we headed out to visit the UTEP campus! Well, mainly just the stadium. LOL We are huge college football fanatics, so it was fun to see the stadium and get out and walk around it. It's pretty impressive, as is the entire atmosphere and terrain. We parked and walked across the street to visit...and no, we did NOT get a parking ticket. haha All you UFer's know this is a major feat. teehee
We made our way to Target. *ahem* SOMEONE forgot all of his civilian shorts and jeans. That same someone brought a little pressie that we had to later return to post. haha
We had lunch at Avila's and it was amazing. You would think it would be easy to find Mexican food being on the border and all. But, you just don't know where to go to get good food and good service. It's like Mexican food overload. Seriously! I was afraid we may have crossed the border at some of those locations. *shudder*
Then, we returned to the hotel to get a little nap in before our big dinner excursion!
However, this little dude had other ideas.
We decided to head out to Cattleman's Steakhouse that night for dinner. Andy had been planning this since we found out about leave. Don't come between my man and his steak. Especially after a month of eating chow hall food and MRE's. *chuckles*
It was quite a way's out, but sooo worth it. The scenery was breathtaking...we had to stop on the side of the road to get a picture of where we were driving.
Wow, it was so pretty! And the view at the restaurant wasn't that much different. We were there right when the sun started going down and it was so amazing to watch the sun disappear right along the horizon of the flat dessert terrain.
While we enjoying some appetizers and *cough* adult cocktails, we got to see quite a sight! Outside the big picture display window in the dining room, we got to see wild coyotes! They were fed some scraps and came right up to the window to feed. And fight...you could see them bare their teeth at each other!
We had delicious steak that was well worth the cost of our meal. Everything was served family style and it was down right delicious! They trim their own steaks right there at the ranch - it is unbelievable.
We had such a wonderful time eating dinner without being interrupted by *talking* children. hehe Brandt just sat there and enjoyed the view...and got the giggles when his daddy played with him.
We had an amazing first full day together. Laughing and holding hands...and just being. We rode in the car in the peace and assurance of knowing we were together and right where we were meant to be.
My cup runneth over!
Be back tomorrow with day three...