Spring Break

Since we weren't going anywhere for Spring Break, we decided to become tourists of Austin, hitting one attraction a day, and for the most part, new ones we hadn't seen before.

SUNDAY : Jester King Brewery
This was admittedly more of an adult play date, but the kids nevertheless had fun playing in the huge field and building with rocks with their friends while us parents tasted an array of beers on a beautiful afternoon.

MONDAY : Dino Park, Bastrop, TX
We've been to the Dino Park before, but it's been a while, so we met neighbors Cress and her two boys Clayton and Kai for a hike on the Dino trail.

TUESDAY : Inner Space Caverns, Georgetown, TX
We met friends Bodhi and Soren & families for an underground adventure. The boys loved the scenic caverns and Mars-like surroundings. Afterwards, we picnicked at the park for a while before heading home.

WEDNESDAY : Austin Aquarium
In the 4 years we've lived here, we've never made it to the Austin Aquarium, so figured it was about time. The boys liked the fish, starfish, eels, jellyfish, snakes and turtles, but the biggest hit was petting the sting rays and feeding the birds. Who knew we'd find birds at the aquarium???

fishy face

THURSDAY : Enchanted Rock, Llano, TX
This is a natural wonder we have heard about ever since we moved here, but didn't think the boys could handle the trek before now. So we met some friends out there and finally put Dean and Morgan to the test and they made the steep climb all by themselves! Dean had to stop for water breaks every 20 feet towards the end, but carrying him was not an option at this incline, so I'm proud of him for sticking it through. He kept saying that the view was pretty and wanted to see how much prettier it would be from the top. Morgan, on the other hand, was racing ahead and full of energy. All in all it was a 0.6 mile (one way) and 390 feet elevation gain to the summit. At the top, we rested while the boys played with sticks, jumped puddles and enjoyed the views. After the tiring downhill climb, we had a late lunch in Fredericksburg before heading back for the long drive home.

that's Morgan dancing at the top of the false summit

at the summit

George, Henaris & Mika

Ed descending

FRIDAY : Putt-putt
The week was wearing on us, so putt-putt was about all we could handle before meltdowns ensued. Dean's attention span did improve since the last time we played though.

SATURDAY : SXSan Jose
We tried to take the kids to see some of the free SXSW music shows but the rain and the fact that the singer was cursing left and right made for a prompt exit, so no pics. Oh well.

SUNDAY : Art in the Courtyard event, Austin
I took the kids on a sunny day to an event that was put on by Wade Art Studio (where I'll be showing some work in April). There was a huge canvas for the kids to paint and Dean turned it into finger painting - quite the clean up production.

So it was a (sigh) eventful spring break to say the least, but we had lots of fun. I hope they'll remember all the adventures and play dates we had. The boys both agreed Enchanted Rock was their favorite which I was surprised by since it was such an overhaul for Dean. I will say, however, this will not be a preview of what summer will be like. Can someone pass me the camp catalog?