Guess who is 1 year old?

Our family's "best friend!"  I can't believe how much she has grown since we got her for Christmas.  And the greatest gift she received...another bouncy ball (she finally popped the last one.)  You should see her play with this thing, hours and hours! 

 

 

 

 

 



Volente Beach

Another stop at a favorite swimming place in ATX...Volente Beach!

 



Krause Springs

Today we were lucky enough to have LOTS of friends join us @ Krause Springs.  As always, the more the merrier!  Even the moms decided to join in on all the fun.

 



The Blue Hole

After being busy with 2 camps back-to-back, we finally found the time to visit another swimming hole favorite! 

 

 



4th of July ~ 2014

A quick trip to Dallas to celebrate America, friends, and fun!



Clean Creek Camp

I have waited 4 years to attend Clean Creek Camp.  It is an educational yet fun FREE camp offered by the City of Austin Watershed Department and Keep Austin Beautiful for kids (ages 9 and over) and their parents.  We signed up for the 3 day camp on Barton Creek.  It was amazing and can't wait to do it again in a few years with Fran!

 

Day #1 - We explored the Barton Creek watershed, discovered a few caves, and dipped our toes in a natural spring. 

 

  

 

 

Day #2 - We were granted access into Eliza Spring and learned all about the endangered salamander.   Then we boarded a canoe to pick up trash along the shores of Lady Bird Lake.  We finished the day with a picnic and cold plunge into Barton Springs!

 

 

Day #3 - Spelunkers in training!  The area around the Wildflower Center is the "recharge zone" of Barton Creek.  Who ever knew there was a sink hole there that leads to the aquifer?  Helmets, lights, gloves and we were ready to go.  Tight spaces made for a fun adventure but I think we all fell in love with the sport!

 



 

Hamilton Pool

Our 3rd week into summer and our 3rd swimming hole, even though we have already been here once this summer!  It was raining in ATX but we took our chances and headed west a few miles.  Sure enough, the sun was shining over Hamilton Pool and we were the FIRST people on the beach. 

 

After a few hours in the cold water and falls, we hiked a mile upstream to the Pedernales.  The kids had more fun there fighting the current and the warmer water.  We even encountered a not so friendly  critter on the way.