Monday, August 31, 2015

Life not so lately: Austin mini break

During our trip to Texas in July, we took a few days out for a little adults-only mini break. B stayed with his grandmother in Dallas, while Matt and I headed south to Austin with my sister and brother-in-law. If our pictures are any indication, we spent most of our time eating, which is probably about right, and it started on the way there, when we stopped in West for some kolaches.
And then some awesome Tex Mex as soon as we arrived in Austin.
We spent two wonderful afternoons relaxing at Barton Springs. The water was so amazingly cold. It had been a long time since I could just lay around and read, and it felt great. The weather was also remarkably mild for Texas in July, which made things so much more pleasant.
One lovely morning, we strolled through the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, which is a really lovely gem in the city. Beautiful grounds and some truly delightful sculptures.
Embracing our inner Texan. Howdy, y'all.
See, more food!
It was a really great few days of zero responsibility, good eats and drinks, and wonderful family. Austin for the win.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Life not so lately: birthdays and showers

This post, like most personal posts that eventually make it onto this space, is way overdue. Back at the start of July, we road tripped home to Texas to celebrate two big events: my grandmother's 80th birthday and my little sister's wedding shower. In between, we spent some wonderful time with family and took a mini break (sans toddler) to Austin (more on that in another post). It was a great trip.
My grandmother's party was a surprise, and she clearly hadn't suspected a thing, which was awesome. It was held at the little country church I attended as a child (which my grandmother still attends), and it was lovely to be back in that space.
 
We're a bunch of goofballs.
 
 
 
We spent the 4th in Louisiana with my dad, step-mom, and step-siblings and had such a fun time. This gang is the best. It was B's first time to really experience fireworks, and he was all about it. He tried out some sparklers on his own and loved watching the firework duel put on by the neighbors. He kept pumping his fist in celebration after every one. Next year, I'm vowing we'll take him to a real show.
 
 
Then, we headed on to Dallas for a few more relaxing days with my mom's side. In the middle of the week, we left B behind with my mom and headed south for a few adults-only days in Austin with my sister and brother-in-law. B got to enjoy a few days of grandparent treats and trips to the zoo without us, so I don't think he missed us too much. :)
The trip was capped off by the wedding shower we threw for my little sister. She's getting married on Labor Day weekend, so it was so nice to be able to squeeze the shower in while I was home. I haven't gotten to do much in terms of helping with the wedding planning, so I was glad to be a part of this.
 
And, of course, we topped off our last night with a big 'ol plate of barbecue. It's good to come home.