TEXAS.

Austin, Texas was our most recent voyage as a family. It was a joy to spend time with my dear friend, Anne, and explore the city. Anne toured us all over Austin. I'm sure she put more miles on her CRV this week than is typical. We certainly appreciated it, though!

We stayed in a sweet, little cottage that was part of Hyde Park Bed and Breakfast. The house was perfect for us...complete with a deck in the backyard and two bedrooms. And, the breakfast was delicious.

Anne and I haven't gotten to spend time together since Rosemary Beach, so it was wonderful to chat and experience Austin through her eyes. Do notice her vibrant hair!

While Griff is quite an experienced traveler, the occasional meltdown is to be expected.

We walked through Laguna Gloria. Jose thought he'd found the perfect spot for a wedding, so we reenacted ours. Jose and Anne were coerced into posing for some senior photos.

Most importantly, Jose found the candy that he's been longing for since Becca and Adam's wedding. Phew!

Contentment

I was sitting at the kitchen table with Griffin. The cool breeze was blowing through the open windows. Glee and Pomplamoose were playing in the background. Griff was smiling and chowing down. I was overwhelmed by the feeling that I am quite content right now.

After visiting Mo's class at school and teaching a fun, creative lesson, I thought that I might be missing the classroom. But, looking at Griff wearing his cute fall onesie, reaffirmed that I am just where I want and need to be.

   

Birthday Bag

Part of Courtney's birthday gift was a bag I made myself. Yea!! I had an old skirt with a pattern that I loved, but the fit...not so much.

I turned it upside down, sewed on a bottom, a liner (complete with pocket) and some straps. And, voila!A bag that's perfect as...a toy bag for a road trip...
a farmers' market tote...
or even a beach bag! I loved it so much that I almost wanted to keep it for myself. Aren't those polka dots delightful?! But, I am certain that I can find some other fun skirts that are in need of a second chance at being purposeful.

It's Not Mutual

Griff loves his truck. He plays with it every day.
There is one thing that would cause him to abandon it so carelessly.
He begins his trek across the rug to capture his prey.
Almost there...
Success...Ike's just within his grasp!
Never mind. He actually does NOT want to be caught. Sorry, Gigs.

Cross-Country

We packed up some of Griff's favorite toys, our swimsuits, and few other necessities, and headed across the country to Virginia. Seeing as Jose had Friday and Monday off and Ryan had the WHOLE weekend and Monday off...we had to take advantage of the opportunity to spend some time together. Court is the best hostess, of course. We played, walked around campus, ate good food, swam on the last pool day, and went to Washington D.C. It was delightful.Ryan wore his scrubs the whole weekend. What a weirdo. Just kidding...he met us right after work.

Look at those cute boy cousins!

Guess who loved the Air and Space Museum...do you have a guess? Jose! We couldn't even get him to leave. Seriously. We left him there and went to the Natural History Museum.How Griffin likes to chill in his stroller.
Oh, and the kids rode the Metro (We went with them). It was a lot of maneuvering strollers up and down escalators and trying to get out of the way.

Smiths, we miss you already! Thanks for the amazing visit. We love you!