Trees Pease!

Monday was a holiday (NO SCHOOL) so as always, we loaded up the bikes and headed to 9th street for a little bit of BMXing. Fran broke in her 16" bike and the boys took their gear bikes to a new level, literally. They are starting to hit the larger mounds. Check out the determination in Will's eyes. Of course there were a few crashes, tears, and blood but nothing that a minute passing would not cure.






Then my cousin found a great service project for us to volunteer at. For 3 hours we planted a tree and hauled mulch at Pease Park near downtown Austin. The kids stayed focused for about an hour then decided it was more fun to play. What do you expect when you are the youngest volunteers by at least 10 years. 42 trees were planted today, bringing the Pease restoration total to 467!

Late Night

With super cheap ticket prices, we took the kids downtown to watch the University of Texas host Texas A&M in a men's basketball game. The boys were excited to watch a real game live and Fran enjoyed the snacks and cheerleaders. We left at 1/2 time (it was already 9:15) and all 3 kids were asleep before we reached the highway. This morning was tough but I would do it again!

Fun with Fondant

In 10 days, the boys will compete in the Junior FIRST Lego League Robotics Program. They have been busy the past few months building a "Snack Attack" machine with gears, motors, lights, Legos, etc. I thought I would bring a special snack today...it is amazing what you can create with fondant. I might have to use this stuff more often!

Free Range ~ Country Kids

As always, we try to end the old year and begin the new in the country. Finally, the kids are starting to "adventure" beyond the white fence and explore the land alone. They also had some free range time with their guns, pocket knives, and fireworks! Believe it or not, no one got hurt...Happy AND SAFE 2012!!

Merry Morning!

The jolly old man came and brought lots of joy and laughter and probably a future of stitches and a broken bone or 2!

Happy Eve!

You try getting these 3 super excited, not sleepy at all, "I want to see Santa" kids to sleep in the next hour.

Here is to a quiet Christmas Eve all around the world!

Austin's Lights!

We have been so busy this December, our Christmas adventures around town were placed on hold...until today.

First stop, Four Seasons Hotel to see their amazing gingerbread city display. It puts our annual creations to shame.



Second, a quick dinner at Blue Ribbon Barbecue, smoked in Taylor, TX and drove in fresh daily.

Third, Zilker Tree. We missed the lighting of the tree this year due to the cold and rain but it was nice to spin under the lights once again.



Fourth, 37th Street. Just a drive thru here but we were still in awe of all the lights displayed.



Fifth, Mozart's Coffee for some pricey hot cocoa but well worth it after seeing their 10 minute light show (and my kids dancing) next to Lake Austin.



And last but definitely not least, Pete's Trail of Lights. Since 2003, this man has been collecting "stuff." The display is on every inch of his yard. You even walk all in the back! Crazy, but my Griswold husband is up for the challenge.