X Games Austin

June 5th was a busy day!  After Claire's last day, they spent the night with my parents while Robert and I drove to Austin for the opening night of the X Games.  We had wristbands through his work, and we were going to be out of town for the rest of the Games, but we were so glad we got to go for at least one night.

We arrived not really knowing what to expect.  There was a halfpipe set up in downtown Austin, and we were allowed into the front of the viewing area with the wristbands.  The night started off with the Tony Hawk and Friends exhibition.  So fun to watch these legends in action!






There was a break before the skateboarding competition began, so we walked over to the VIP area to cool off and have a snack and a cold drink.  They had these delicious sugar cookies - we each ate a couple (or more!).




Skateboarding




After the skateboarding competition we walked over to the Capitol lawn - really cool to see the halfpipe and the crowd with downtown Austin in the background.


Then we headed back for the BMX competition - it was unbelievable.






Both of our phones died during the BMX portion - we were taking too many pictures.  :)  It was a really fun and unique experience - next year we are planning to be there for more of the weekend!

A new place to explore

We went to Austin on Memorial Day to visit Grandmommy and check out a new place.  The Wildflower Center recently opened its Family Garden, and it was designed with kids in mind.  Claire and Will were excited to explore.

Will loved these giant nests - he pretended to be a baby bird hatching out of an egg and flying around.




The Stumpery - freedom to climb and jump!


The Grotto


Exercise area


The watering holes and Dinosaur Creek


We would have stayed longer, but the weather wasn't cooperating.  The sky opened up with some much needed rain, and we braved the downpour to race to the car - and to drive out for some barbecue at The Salt Lick.  We enjoyed what we saw, and we will be back!

When Mommy's Away...

I had a short overnight trip the last weekend of May for a MOPS retreat, so Robert took the kids to Austin to spend some time with Grandmommy & Granddad Martin.

Making faces at Hut's


Sno Beach!


After the sugar rush wore off


A good time was had by all.

Year End Wrap Up: December Randoms

Trip to the Austin Zoo Sanctuary with Grandmommy & Granddad Martin




The kids were invited to a friend's birthday party at Pump It Up.  Will was a little small for a lot of the activities, but Claire was scrambling over everything.


Zoo visit & train ride


Christmas shopping and more at Bass Pro


So happy they are old enough for a Starbucks date - and a kids' hot chocolate!


Helping unwrap candy to make cookies for a cookie exchange


Trip to the Botanical Gardens with Nana - we spotted a reindeer while we were there!


Hanging out at their favorite playground

Year End Wrap Up - August Randoms

Cousins - after a meal at the Grist Mill with Grandmommy, Aunt Carol, and Grace


I was invited to a lovely tea party.


One Saturday I had to go to a volunteer training session for our children's ministry at church, so Robert took the kids to the river for a boat ride.




Playing hide & seek at Nana & Granddaddy's


Claire really wanted to hold Will - they are almost the same size, so it didn't work out too well.


Claire fixing Will's hair


Zoo Train!


Will and I took a Mommy & Me class at Little Gym - we both really enjoyed it


Asleep during lunch at Shady Grove




Bye bye, hair!


Will's very own Lego creation


We went to The Jumpy Place one morning - all of these toys, and this is what he chose to play with.


I tried several times to get a photo of Claire on the slides, but she was just a blur.

Year End Wrap Up - Feeding the Ducks

Grandmommy & Granddad Martin bought a new house in Austin this year, and in June we had one last chance to feed the ducks at the pond by their old house.  Notice how we had to hold on to Will's collar - he was too busy throwing bird seed to bother holding a hand, and we had to make sure he didn't fall in the pond.

A morning with Grandmommy

One day in May the kids and I drove to Austin to spend some time with Grandmommy at the Austin Children's Museum.  It was pretty crowded with a few school groups, but we still had a good time playing and exploring.



Will's favorite part of the day may have been hugging the giant stuffed sock monkey in the gift shop.  He clung to it and cried when we had to leave.





After lunch, we were able to make a quick stop to see Grandmommy and Martin's new house during the inspection.  Claire and I both liked the mudroom.  :)