Day 2 BC

Fishing. That's the theme of the day...Ali and Bill picked out a new rod last night so today we must fish!! We headed out to Deer Lake...all of ten minutes from our place! We were all really surprised and pleased to see such a natural outdoorsy setting only fifteen minutes from the city. In fact we were able to sit and view the cityscape from the beach at the lake. When we arrived we choose a location at one end of the lake and thirty feet from us sat a bald eagle. It was totally unexpected and awesome to see up close! For the next couple hours Ali fished, Katie played in the sand and Maddy made friends with the Canada geese.

Day 1 in British Columbia

Exploring our new backyard...if there is water our boys will find it!

This week the kids participated in the naturalist workshop at the Austin Nature Centre. Ali and Maddy had fun examing bugs, feathers and plants under the microscope. We were able to really get up close and touch and examine the various plants and animals that are native to Texas. Even Katie got in on the action!

Happy Earth Day!

Artwork ala Maddy

Update

So...as many of you already know this weekend we will be heading to British Columbia. We are all excited about being back in Canada but i sure wish we could bring the 90 degree temperatures we are having here with us!! I'm not even sure we own enough pants and long sleeves to get us by...and definitely no jackets! Should be interesting!! The kids are looking forward to Tim Hortons (alright I'm totally ready for an iced cap too!) and it will be nice to have some of our "usual" groceries again too. This week we find ourselves packing up and trying to spend as much time outdoors as possible. We have a long drive ahead of us...anyone want to meet us in BC??

Ali and Josh Time

We Miss You Auntie Cindy!!

Easter Morning!

My kids have the greatest bed head! (think we can make it a whole year with no haircuts?) It was a flurry of activity Easter morning as the kids hunted for eggs and chocolate. Katie was happy with two eggs that she carried around with her! The weather was gorgeous and allowed us to be outdoors for most of the day...and evening! The kids had fun doing a scavenger hunt with Lucas, Josh and Matt that had them all laughing... and us too! We enjoyed a great dinner outdoors with Laurie and Jeff and the boys. It was full bellies and sweet treats with family and friends...

Hamilton Preserve Pool

Hamilton Pool Preserve is a historic swimming hole. Hamilton Creek spills out over limestone to create a 50 foot waterfall into the head of a steep box canyon. Unfortunately the dry weather that Texas is experiencing had slowed the waterfall to a light drizzle on the day we visited. It was a nice hike to the canyon...we saw a huge snake by the path and another swimming in the water, and the pool was not that busy...as usual you will notice my kids are the only ones swimming!

Ali's Catch of the Day

Natural Bridge Caverns

This past weekend we all went to explore the caves at the Natural Bridge Caverns. I have been wanting to do this for quite awhile...we didn't get to do it in California so I was really excited about this outing. Imagine my shock when ten minutes into the tour I had to hand Katie to Bill and run back out of the caves. Who knew claustrophobia would set in and I would end up hyperventilating and nauseous! Thankfully Ali and Maddy were my photographers for the day and were able to get some great pics for us to enjoy!

Pedernales Falls

Last Wednesday the kids and I headed out to go to Blanco State Park. We decided to take the scenic route so we followed the Texas Hills Trail. This led us up and down the hills and an awful lot of curves! Eventually we found ourselves in the small town of Dripping Springs. It wasn't where we were headed but I just loved the name of the town so I decided to stop at the visitors center. We met a lovely lady who was able to tell us everything about the town, including a state park nearby that she thought the kids would enjoy. So off we went to find Pedernales Falls. After a little hike from the parking lot we arrived at the river. We decided to stay in the area of shallow water...the kids could play easily in the river and I wouldn't have to carry Katie any farther down the trail! It ended up being a great spot...the place was covered with lizards and tons of shells for Katie! There was not another person in sight for the afternoon as we lazed in the sun, played in the water and caught lizards!

Austin Zoo

It's always a good day when the kids can be around animals!