Houston, TX. Part 1

We were in Houston for a few days when we first arrived from Austin and we packed in some good times but really enjoyed some down time as well.  My brother Caleb came in town from Georgia so we had a wonderful time getting to see and play with him.  And then I also got an evening to get away and spend the night at my sister Katie's apartment for some good girl time.  I seriously cannot imagine life without a bunch of siblings.  Its so much fun!

We all missed daddy tremendously, but its amazing what you can do with technology these days.  Nate was playing the guitar for him in this facetime session.  

30 years old

Yep, I can now say that I am 30 years old.  I got to celebrate my birthday with almost all my family in Houston... sans my husband and a brother.  My mom had planned a fun joint birthday party with my grandma (who had just turned 85) and our neighbors, Bob and Pat, who celebrated their anniversary of 57 years the same day as my birthday.  It was a fantastic day complete with playing in the rain, enjoying a wonderful meal with family, corsages and toasts... and of course, the family tradition of banging pans on the minute of my birth since this was a decade birthday.  Even Joe, Ben and Rhi were on the phone for that part! :)

As a side note, I had been a bit skeptical about being in the 30's.  I mean... I am definitely feeling older and I loved my 20's.  But... its not all that bad.  Its actually quite good.  The fun is just beginning!

I also saw a quote about it that I liked...

"I'm 30 but I still feel like I'm 20...
until I hang out with 20 year olds....
then I'm like, nope never mind, I'm 30."

Austin, TX

We had a wonderful time in Austin with family and friends.  Joe got to stay for a few days before he flew back home to work.  He unfortunately caught strep throat and was sick the few days he was there, so that was a bummer... but we were still glad to have him around.  

Feeding the fish

Working some wood

Our date night the night before Joe leaves

How many grandkids can you spot in this picture?

My kids with both sets of grandparents.  So special. 

 I guess it wouldn't be Texas without snakes

A fun day at a splash park with friends

My dear friend Carey who had just given birth a couple weeks prior!

Cute kids

Precious baby Eliza

Fun in Texas in the summertime usually involves water

Chloe helping Levin on a computer game

Mac and Cheese, oh please?!?

Some delightful time away by myself for a coffee and walk thanks to my mother-in-law

Trampoline fun

The arrival of more cousins!! The Tom Daltons are in town!

Hit the road Jack

We loaded up on a Friday morning and drove straight through the night to the afternoon of the next day to get to Austin, Texas.  We really only stopped when we had to fill up with gas.  I even peed on the kid potty.  The kids slept a little and Joe and I slept for maybe about a couple hours each but we made it!  Its always good to be back in the great state of TEXAS!!!

Kids and back packs are ready

Pacis... check!

Yay for heat!!!!

The stages of the sunrise from our car somewhere around El Paso

Climbing with 4 small children

I apologize in advance for the onslaught of posts that are to come.  We have been on the go since the end of May.  No, seriously... either gone to Texas or with visitors for a month and a half.  I will probably update mostly with pictures and let them to the talking.  But, before we left on our great adventure, we squeezed in a time to go rock climbing with the Spoelstra family.  It was tons of fun and the kids did great! I love me some rock on a beautiful day in the mountains!