The Daycation....or Final 2009 Edition of

Shamu we did not meet....but that's okay. David is swamped and heading too far out of town for three days was just not a good idea this close to school starting. He does have two non-duty days to use by the end of October and we are hoping to head to SA sometime then.

We decided to still live it up for our last Family Fun Friday and took a "daycation" to Austin, much closer and easier to do in a day.

I am still an Austinite at heart, so heading back to my hometown is always a bit nostalgic and fun. 

We started the day at Zilker park riding the famous train. 

My view of J & D

We had snow-cones while awaiting our departure. 

It was soooo hot....I am secretly glad we did skip Sea World with the crazy August heat. 

Enjoyed the train's famous entertainer... Woode Wood.

Headed downtown for lunch at Jo's. 

We had never eaten there. It was quite tasty and very kitsch-y and Austinish.

Jon Jon

David & the boys

We walked down to the Austin Children's Museum and the boys had lots of fun. 

Pretending to be a vet. They had a machine that actually let you hear (loudly) the heartbeats of several different animals. Benjamin loved this area. His favorite animal he treated was a skunk. Good thing it was a stuffed one.

The big exhibit right now is called "Maker Kids" where we could walk to several stations and create lots of arts and crafts.

Jonathan taking the slide in reverse.

Rockin' out in the Mexico area.

The other budding drummer.

Hopped on a Capital Metro for a quick ride. 

These two drivers were a little scary though. 

They seemed a little inexperienced.

One of my favorite parts of the day? 

Cupcakes at Delish in downtown Austin. Mmmmm. 

That's all they serve....cupcakes! 

I loved my Red Velvet one but David's Mexican Vanilla was to die for. 

Daycation from Weight Watchers, too, huh?

Jonathan ate every bit of his chocolate cupcake. Mmmm.

We've loved you Family Fun Fridays. See you next June with more family excitement. Back to the reality of a "normal" schedule....whatever that may entail for the new school year. 

We've about come to the end of our Family Fun Fridays. We'll have one more on the 7th when we *hopefully* make it to Sea World. No guarantees....David's job is super crazy right now. But, we want to try to fit it in if possible. And see the SA relatives, too...it's been too long.

These two cool guys have had a fun summer....and worn mom out.

This past Friday Grandma & Grandpa joined us since they just got back from their "baycation" as Benjamin calls it. We went to lunch at our favorite place (Luby's, of course). They wanted to see Benjamin's last swim lesson and see our favorite new place...

The new Hope Therapy in Temple is OPEN!!! (Formerly known as Camp Hope). Could I be any more excited about this place opening? We were their second client in this new location. And even better? Our two therapists that we have used the last year and a half are coming to the Temple location for Benjamin's therapies. So excited! This is Benjamin with Rachel and Shanna and the canvas he painted for the Temple location. From here on out, Fridays are for Hope Therapy! If any of you have kiddos that are in need of physical, occupational or speech therapy, Hope Therapy in Temple is accepting new clients. Drop me an email and I'll put you in touch.

Last day of swimming lessons....which is a long story in itself. Several of you already know it. We did not end on the best note, but we'll be enrolling for multiple sessions next year. The above photo is B getting the rings off the "bridge".

The last jump in...sort of.

Saturday night, Beth & Max came over to hang out. 

Jonathan ADORES Max, I mean, "Baby Zach" as he calls him. So sweet.

That baby has the prettiest blue eyes I have ever seen.

Summer sure is flying by. Since Benjamin had swimming lessons already, we decided to all throw on our suits and head to the mini-waterpark in Temple after our time at UMHB. 

The Temple Lions Junction was the perfect size for our little guys. They loved the kids' play area with the huge bucket of water that spilled every few minutes. That area was my favorite, too...I could just hang out on the beach-entry area and keep an eye on everyone! Benjamin also loved the Lazy River and had fun tubin' around it with mom. 

Our day was cut a bit short when the pool was evacuated...some kid had some "issues" in the actual pool. To prevent the spread of germs, they shut the place down. So, not too many pics were taken.

It was still a fun day.

We are actually awaiting the grand opening of the Killeen mini-waterpark....debuting next Saturday. It was supposed to have opened the weekend of the 4th, so we are getting a little antsy. It is just right around the corner from our neighborhood-- so exciting! 

One bummer-- the park didn't allow outside food to be brought in. 

So, this was the extent of our picnic...in our car. 

About the only photo I got of the boys.

The kiddie area-- after it had been cleared out. 

Benjamin was so bummed we had to leave early!

The twisty slides Benjamin desperately wanted to ride-- alone! 

Grow a few more inches, kid, and they'll let ya!

Family Fun Friday (Saturday Afternoon Edition)

Well, we didn't get in a Family Fun Friday this week, as Kristi and I were busy making over Jonathan's bedroom. (I'm sure Kristi will post about that one; I can't wait for everyone to see the pictures!)

But, the boys and I ventured out late this afternoon for a little bike-riding and playground climbing. (It was a hot one today, so we didn't stay out long.)

Hope everyone is doing well and keeping cool!



Benjamin thought it was TOO HOT to be out, until we got to the playground, that is...



Jonathan had a blast!



Crossing the Bridge



Baby, you can drive my car...



Climbing High



Just Hangin' Around!

Two posts in one day. We're getting a little WILD over here.

The exact same thing happened to us last year when we decided to bowl for Family Fun Friday...it just wasn't all that FUN. The kiddos are still too young. Benjamin enjoyed it a little more than last year. But, I for one was too worried about the two year old putting his hands in the ball return that I barely bowled a round. Is that what it's called...a round? Sheesh...I am no bowler by any stretch. 

David loves bowling, so I think these Family Fun Day Flops must be pretty disappointing to him. 

We did enjoy a yummy lunch over at Chipotle before our bowling. That was the best part of the day! 

We're looking forward to next weeks' Family Fun Friday when we will be in Hobbs, NM for our nephew, Eli's fifth birthday! 

We had never been to the BLORA and thought today would be a great chance. We rode the paddleboats, hung out at the beach and braved the rocky waters to swim for a bit. Fun day. Can't wait to go back for the Christmas light display they're so famous for.

Daddy steering our paddleboat.

Benjamin trying to reach the pedals.

Notice the death-grip I had on Jonathan. There were no buckles or restraints of any kind in the boats. And the sides were very low! I held onto that kid like this the whole time.

Pointing to where he wanted to swim to.