Final Countdown

With less than 2 weeks until we leave, we are trying to hit up those last places on our Austin bucket list. Recent faves were the Zilker Botanical Garden when Linda was in town -- it was much larger than I had expected with lots of interconnected trails throughout different types of gardens.

Then, this past weekend, it was hiking to Twin Falls within the Greenbelt. The trail itself is pretty rocky at times and about 8 miles one way, ending in Zilker Park. We hiked a different part of the trail a few weeks back, but wanted to check out the part along the creek bed, especially with all the recent rain. Morgan was a trooper and walked almost 4 miles (2 each way) but mom had to give him a piggy back ride for the last half mile. The weather was great and we stopped for a picnic to break up the hike. There was a swimming hole but the water had far too many rapids for the kids. Dean liked seeing it all from his perch on mom's back and/or dad's chest.

Then on Mother's Day we finally got to Deep Eddy, one of the large public pools here fed by natural springs. It was perfect for the kids -- a huge wading area the width of the pool so both kids could stand. The water was a little cool for Ed and Dean wasn't quite sure what to think so they walked the perimeter of the pool most of the time. Morgan didn't mind and walked as far out as he could. He and I played games and he actually let me near him this time : )

Morgan is 4!

How did this happen??? 4 already? Happy Birthday, Morgan!

There were fierce thunderstorms the night before the party, (which of course happens when you plan an outdoor party with no Plan B), but the forecast said it would clear late morning, so we pushed the party 1 hour, hoping everyone got the message. Well, the sun indeed came out and the guests showed up and Morgan smiled often (when he wasn't growling like a tiger). We had a bunny petting zoo and a face painter and, as is common here in Texas, a piñata. The kids actually did good with it in terms of aim, but force was another thing entirely. I mean, not that we expected a bunch of 4 year olds to knock it down, but we definitely had to step in there and rip it open before they lost interest : ) Thanks to everyone who came and made it a great day, especially Poppy, Daliah and Lola Linda for flying all the way out here!

You can see some piñata action here:
http://blip.tv/pelaezfam/morgan-s-4th-birthday-pi-ata-6139518

 and here:

http://blip.tv/pelaezfam/morgan-s-birthday-pi-ata-daddy-steps-in-6139529

And singing happy birthday here:
http://blip.tv/pelaezfam/singing-happy-birthday-6139535

Feelin' the Love

I just had to stop and say how cool it is that 8 months ago, we came here knowing only 2 people and that, with this weekend being Morgan's 4th birthday, we feel overwhelmed by the sense of community to have 36 RSVP for his party! It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside that we built this little family of friends here and that they all want to be a part of his special day. Thanks for the love, Austin. We love you too! Stay tuned for party photos next week...