Dublin - Dr. Pepper and Spanky

Anyone who knows me knows I love Dr. Pepper. It makes me feel better when I'm sad and if the boys are giving me a headache it fixes that too. I just love to drink Dr. Pepper. Other than water I don't think there is a more perfect drink on the planet.

So being a Dr. Pepper fan I was quite intrigued to learn about this little town in Texas called Dublin. Now Dublin is the first and longest running bottling plant of Dr. Pepper. Not only that but instead of using corn syrup (not that I have a problem with that, unlike some people) they use pure cane (Imperial, this is Texas after all) sugar. I've had an occasion to drink a Dublin Dr. Pepper or two in my time and I find they are just a little bit smoother than a regular DP (as we call them). And a Dublin DP is something that just can't be rushed, it most definitely must be savored. Unfortunately you can't just find Dublin DP anywhere. They only distribute within 44 miles of their plant.

This past weekend we were heading up just North of the Dallas/Fort Worth area and decided to take a little detour on our way to Dublin to take a tour of the bottling plant. And maybe drink a DP or two while we were there.

It really wasn't very big maybe the size of a large living room. They only bottle once a month so we didn't actually get to see the process in action.

They did give us free with our paid tour a bottle of cold DP. As the day was quite hot it was super good going down.

They had some of the old 16oz bottles I remember from when I was a kid, but they aren't manufactured anymore so they won't sell any of their stock. But we did get a couple of cases of their cans and a case of their 8oz bottles to take home with us.


I never did get a picture of the big Dr. Pepper can out in front of the plant. Guess that just means we will have to go back next time we head to Dallas.


What a beautiful sight to behold!!


We actually went up to Aubrey, TX for Dave's nieces mission farewell. It was a great opportunity to support family, now that we live less than a days drive from them. While we were there Hayden made a new friend. Her name is Spanky.

Spanky is the puppy of Dave's sisters Yorkshire terrier. She is a cute little dog and Hayden was in love. I felt bad for Spanky because she was all dirty and had fleas from being left outside all of the time. Hayden really wanted to bring Spanky home with us and I'm pretty sure they would have let us take her, but I just can't handle another dog right now. So poor Spanky stayed in Aubrey.

We have a graduate in the house!!!

Today was Hayden's graduation from Pre Kindergarten. Now as a person with what I deem some common sense I have to ask, "Really, graduation from Pre K? What have they really accomplished? And what are we going to celebrate next with a graduation ceremony, being potty trained? Really?" But as a mom, I was so proud of Hayden and he looked so cute up there in his little cap and gown. Hayden even got to lead the pledge of allegiance and he didn't miss a single word.
Each child was given a graduation certificate with a little present and then they were asked what they wanted to be when they grow up. Hayden stated he wanted to be a Firefighter. I was so proud.

This is a picture of Hayden in his morning teach Ms. Jennifer.

And his afternoon teacher Ms. Linda.

Both teachers have been incredible and Hayden has really learned so much from both of them. I have heard more than once from his little mouth, "Ms. Linda said . . ." or "Ms. Jennifer said . . ." and if they say it, Hayden thinks it's gospel.

So again, Pre K graduation, REALLY, but I did cry and I was so very proud.