SXSW 2014

SXSW has descended upon us again and we were able to take advantage of some free events with and without the kids. During the Interactive portion, I took the kids to SXSW Create where they designed and built their own derby cars out of wood scraps and raced them on a track with their friend Aga. Dean's car won! We also saw Mario & Luigi at the Gaming Expo and watched real go karting a la Mario kart. (I would've raced with them but it was only for 18 and over).

Later in the week at the Music portion, we saw G. Love among others on the roof of Whole Foods during the day, then took the bus for the first time to a free outdoor concert featuring Foster the People at Butler Park where we met up with Siiri and Eric. The boys liked the music, but I think the bus ride was the highlight for them.

G.Love at Whole Foods

Dean almost falling asleep on Ed's head

Later that night after a refresher nap for Foster the People

Foster the People

Saturday we got a sitter so Ed and I could enjoy some of the fun. We saw an arab band that was really good at San Jose Hotel, then walked downtown, stopping a couple times for drinks (and fried chicken) along the way before making it to Brass House to see our friend and guitarist Charles play in his band.

That's our friend Charles on the right

So I guess yesterday marked the end of SXSW 2014. No spotting celebrities this year, but it's always fun to see the interesting crowds and hear music on every corner. We must still be newbies with that attitude, but I'm fine with that : )

February Follies

Can't believe it's already March now... February was a strange month with roller coaster temperatures causing freezes and flurries resulting in 4 school closures. Silly Austinites! We tried to get out on the sunny warm days, taking bike rides around the lake at Meuller Park, going putt-putt a couple times and attending the Chinese New Year celebration at the Asian Cultural Center. We also went to the 2nd St. Soundcheck which was an outdoor music festival downtown. We didn't stay long, but grabbed lunch at a nearby restaurant so we could hear the music. Apparently, Dean likes rap, but Morgan was more interested in feeding the pigeons his crackers. February also brought an end to gymnastics as we are switching to swimming in preparation for the hot months ahead. Today was their first day and they both did well. Morgan was comfortable as he's had lessons in the past but it was Dean's first time. He's usually very clingy in the pool so I wasn't sure what to expect but he did great taking instruction and grinning ear to ear with his smushed up goggly face the whole time. But before we get too used to the idea of spring or summer, there's another vortex hitting us tonight and they are already talking about school closures tomorrow...