Austin Children's Museum

The one thing I really wanted to do with the kids in Austin was to take them to the Austin Children's Museum.  I have wonderful memories of visiting children's museums as a child, so I really wanted to let the kids see what it was all about.  Even though they range in age from 1 to 9, each one of them had a fantastic time.  I'm so glad we got to go!

The museum is in downtown Austin (not far from our hotel.)  As we were driving there, Chandler was looking around at all the tall buildings, and he said, "This is not what I expected Texas to look like!  This looks like Los Angeles."  We were definitely in the city's urban core.  We passed funky bars and restaurants, tall office buildings, and lots of modern lofts.  I love cities, it was so cool.

We ate lunch at a restaurant called Austin Java.  They had quality food and excellent coffee!

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

Swimming at the Sheraton

After dinner we went back to the hotel and went swimming.  Austin was setting temperature record highs and going to the pool sounded like a good idea.  The pool was indoors and the kids were happy to get right in, but I felt the water and decided to stick to the hot tub (and to follow Eli around of course.)  It was great to have Jonathan there to corral the little monsters.  They had a blast climbing all over him, but I'm sure he was glad when he got to go home for the night!

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

Dinner with Jonathan

I'm going to take the next few posts to write about our trip to Texas for my cousin Annie's wedding.  Justin had to work, so the kids and I drove by ourselves.  We had such a great time.  All things considered, they behaved so well.  I'd do it again.

We drove the first day and stopped for the night in a tiny town called Fort Stockton, Texas.  We slept in a little, I took the kids swimming, then we stopped by McDonald's (roadtrip regular-thank goodness for PlayPlaces!) and we got on the road about noon local time.  We were just driving to Austin (about 6 hours) so we were not in a hurry.  I was really surprised how scenic the drive along I-10 was.  I was expecting the flat high desert of I-40 in New Mexico but it was very hilly and green. 

We got to Austin and checked into our hotel.  We stayed at a very nice Sheraton in downtown Austin.  Beautiful place!  Jonathan met us there, then we went to dinner at a restaurant called Mangia.  Fantastic pizza, french fries, and spinach dip.  Jonathan was shocked when Eli and Libby devoured the spinach dip.  They don't eat normal things like peanut butter sandwiches, but spinach dip is great.  Here's a couple pictures from our visit with Jonathan.

 

  

 

Another Pool Day

This summer was a lot of fun.  We went swimming several times a week with Jen, Kaity, and Aaron (www.mutacrew.blogspot.com).  Mady had swim team right next door, so after she was done, she'd just walk over and join us.

 

  

  

  

 

Kids Eat Free At Islands

So on Tuesdays at one of our favorite restaurants, Islands, kids eat free!  Considering the significant savings this offers us, we have taken them up on their offer many times.  Here are some pics from one of those times.

 

  

  

  

 

 

Dinner with Grandpa David and Grandma Pam

OK, so I'm very behind in my blogging.  I thought I would put up some pics from when Grandpa David and Grandma Pam had dinner with us (back in June!)  They had a longish lay-over in Phoenix, so we picked them up at the airport, and went to dinner at Chili's.  The kids were so excited to see them.  Can't wait for them to make the big move to Albuquerque!

 

  

  

 

Mady flying high, she has always loved the swings

Mady the circus performer

Wild Man

Silly Libby

Sweet boy

SUCH a climber! Has no problems climbing ladders.

Video of the kids at the park


When Chandler has soccer practice, I take the younger kids to play at the park. They love being outside, and this little park is really cute.