Austin Vacation

We had an awesome mini vacation in Austin. Since living here in Texas we've now vacationed in Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin. We really enjoyed Austin and it's culture!

On our way to Austin we stopped in Brenhem at the Blue Bell Creamery. They offered tours but we declined - they were an hour long and I don't think the kiddos would of held up well for these. So we browsed around the creamery, had a picnic and enjoyed some fresh ice cream. The price was great - $1 per serving and they give you two big scoops. The kids loved it - their favorite flavor was a snicker doodle.

Once we arrived in Austin we settled into our hotel and then headed over to Whole Foods for dinner. Whole Foods was actually fonded in Austin so they have an amazing store there. It was a happening place! There was just soo much choice!! Our favorite was International food - Mediterranean and African. After that we headed back to our hotel and settled in for the night to be fresh and ready for our next days adventures.

On Friday we enjoyed breakfast at the hotel and then headed out to "dancing fountain park" officially named, Butler District Park. This was the boys favorite, with no surprise as they both love water. It was a cute water park it offered holes that spray water and many little wadding spots as well. After this we enjoyed a picnic together and an ice cream from a nearby restaurant "Sandys". Then we headed back to the hotel for the kiddos nap. After nap time we headed out to Whole Foods again.

On Saturday we enjoyed our breakfast at the hotel then headed to a Farmer's Market. It was so nice! There was a live band playing some folk music that Andrew enjoyed grooving too! We enjoyed some snow cones here and bought some local honey that tasted amazing. After this we headed to Zilker Park and enjoyed a train ride. The boys really liked this! For lunch we went to Jack in the Box seems how Matthew had been asking for it for some time. After our nap time we headed back to Zilker Park to enjoy the playground. It was nice but more designed for older kids and it was crowded...but the kids still had fun nonetheless. And of course Whole Foods to eat again. :-)

On Sunday after our hotel breakfast we went to the "dancing fountain park" again. Once the boys dried off we went to Central Market (North Lamar location). They offer a nice outdoor lunch and playtime with again live bands. Then it was time to head home...

I eyed a Mrs Bairds Bakery Outlet on the drive to Austin...that we planned to stop at on the way home. But sadly it was closed on our arrival. Upon doing some homework I've found one close to home so that will be for tomorrows blog....

Off to Austin for a few days...Vacation Time!

We are off for a mini Vacation today. Yesterday it vacation started with a trip to Discovery Green Park. It's an awesome park - The kids LOVED it! It had a fountain place that they played in for at least an hour. Then they made their was to a playground - the floor of the playground is rubber so it's OK when they fall. How nice is that with the rate of skinned knees for Matthew and Andrew just beginning his walking days. We all enjoyed a lovely picnic on a blanket that I packed. And we shared some sweet potato fries for a treat they were soooo good!!! To top the day off for dinner last night we took the boys to Rainforest Cafe. At first Matthew was a little scared because they have simulated Thunder storms in their simulated jungle. Once he got past that part he loved it too!!!

Pillow Cases - Sewing Project!!

This is my latest project. It's homemade pillowcases. I've made a few of them so far - Race car and baseball for my son. Princess and Dora for our good friends - Mel's girls "Isabella and Eliana". A Hannah Montana one and the one in the picture for my niece Sarah. I plan to make more for friends and family for Christmas yet!!! They are fun an easy too!

Take a Hike Ike!

I haven't blogged since Ike has hit us! It's been our first real encounter with a hurricane since we moved to Texas four years ago. Yes we are hurricane rookies, see our dear friend Tim's blog to poke a little fun at us :-).

The preparations started about a week ago. Our friend's helped board up our home, we had our hurricane kit all stocked with lots of food and supplies, and our generator all ready to go. The night of the storm our little family bunkered down in our huge closet for a night of "camping". I made popcorn and s'mores to lighten the mood for our children. We really didn't sleep much. Our baby cried and our toddler didn't like "that wind sound". All and all we have been so very lucky though! We only lost our power for about twenty hours and not very much damage. Our banana tree was cracked and our fence buckled in one area. It could of been so much worse.

Most people in our surrounding area were not so lucky. As of this coming Tuesday only half of the electric company's customers are projected to have power. We've loaned out our generator to a friend without electricity. His dad has diabetes and needs to keep his insulin cold. The death toll is at about 50. Grocery Store shelves are pretty empty with food. Victims are on their way to PODs for food and water. There are long lines at gas stations. So, the news is not good here!

I feel thankful yet sad. Thankful that for such great neighbors, and that we are all safe. Sad to see so many people surrounding us going without bare needs. People are resilient here, with time things will be back to normal just a little patience...

Fun Family Adventures!!

What a great day! Today the four of us went to Katy Mills Mall - not to shop but to play. The boys played and played in the play area. Then, we took them on the carousal and boy did they love that. Little Andrew was laughing out loud. We enjoyed a picnic of peanut butter sandwiches, grapes, and a cupcake. Stopped to look at a super cool fish exhibit at Bass Pro Outdoor Shop - that's where the pic of Matthew and Daddy is from! It was an all around great day!

Sure beats yesterday when Matthew got gum stuck in his hair so I had to buzz cut it and Andrew was scratched by our cat on his face! I was glad they were due for pictures!!

Menu Plan Monday

I know I'm a day late. But with Labor Day and my hubby being home I was busy with our little family! Here it goes...

Monday - BBQ Salmon and carrots
Tuesday - Penne Pasta with Sun dried tomato sauce and Buttery Bread Rolls
Wednesday - Lasagna with left over Buttery Bread Rolls. This is a TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) dish!!!
Thursday - Vegetarian Chili with WW Cornbread
Friday - Hamburger Barley Stew with Peasant Bread
Saturday - left overs
Sunday - BBQ by my Hubby :-)

Thanks to Gayle for the inspication for some of these meals!!! Check out her Rockin Blog!!

On my way back to the swing of blogging!!

I've been busy with family time, that's my excuse for not keeping up with blogging lately.

We had our poppy (my hubby's dad) visiting (from Novia Scotia) with us for the past three weeks. We enjoyed many many adventures. From Chuck E Cheese, Incredible Pizza Company, Ice Cream, Baseball Games. And, we also had the boys birthday party!!

We had such a great time with Poppy and are happy that he may spend Christmas with us. Now it's time to get into the swing of things again!!!!

Here are some pics from our adventures....