Yesterday I went through everything we did over Spring Break while Baby Hulk wrote a journal entry about the week.  I knew it beforehand, but after going through the list of things we did, both Baby Hulk and I agreed the week was full and enjoyable.

A lot of people like to rest when they are on vacation.  Not me.  I like to go places, show the kids as many different things as I can.  I want to make sure they have a chance to experience a lot of different things.  And that doesn’t mean I (or they) have to be entertained all the time, it’s just that when it’s Spring Break, I want to DO something rather than just relax.  While Houston does have a lot of things to do, I wasn’t in the mood to stay here the entire break.  Plus, Goose wanted to go to Austin.

Not to bore anyone, but I’m listing everything we did over the break.  Doing this yesterday helped me and Baby Hulk really appreciate all that we have: family, two great cities to experience and each other.

Friday: Stations of the Cross with another family and fish fry at church.  My dad asked if the fish was grilled.  Ha.  Not a chance.  It was so good.  Will be back this week.
Saturday: Goose and Baby Hulk to YAC to play, new shoes for Baby Z and No David, visit Aunt Mary.
Sunday: Goose and I are sick all day.
Monday: Blue Bell Creamery, lunch and Barrington Living Farm.  Boys enjoyed Blue Bell, especially the sample, but I think they liked the farm even better. They washed clothes nonstop.  I ran into a family of four there, and we talked about our families.  We joked about everyone taking these nice “big” trips while we were on a living farm.  I love trips, but wouldn’t change a thing.
Tuesday: Fajita Flats, Spring shopping, sit on phone with faucet company
Wednesday: Took Goose and Baby Hulk to see How I Became a Pirate at Main Street Theater.  GREAT show. The boys loved it, will be going to see another show there in April.  Swim lessons, drive to Austin.  Meet my dad and go to Shady Grove.  Baby Hulk very happy with his burger,  I am happy with my fries.  Uncle David and Aunt Diana join us.
Thursday: up at 6:45, boys literally started crying at how early we had to wake up.  Natural Bridge Caverns, wonderful except there was a snake in the caverns.  Seems normal, except it never occurred to me that there might be snakes in the caverns.  Lunch, Zilker Park.  Decide there are too many people there to keep track of my kids so we go home and relax.  Dinner at Hyde Park, my absolute favorite fries.  D& D join us again, and now the boys shout “I’m the man” all the time.
Friday: Austin Nature and Science Center, LOVE this place.  We could have stayed here all day long.  Instead, we leave to get lunch and catch the game.  Instead of catching game, we sit at a IHOP waiting on pancakes (no meat, and pancakes seemed like a smart choice.)  Take boys to UT campus, and talk about the good old days.  Think it’s about to be 20 years since I graduated.  Wait, IT HAS BEEN 20 years since I graduated.  I could have stayed there all day.  Instead, we hit the Capital for 41 minutes, all the money I could find in my car for the meter.  Afterwards, we eat at Kerbey Lane.  Pancakes!  So good.  Go to my cousins house and boys play.
Saturday: Hike greenbelt.  It was great, but next time, I want a babysitter.  I really enkoy hiking, but it’s too stressful with all the kiddos. Eat at Phil’s Ice House and say our goodbyes to my cousins.  Bluebonnet pictures.  Drive Home.
Sunday: mass, The Lorax.

Busy Week.

Wonderful Week.

Only things missing were Squirt and Lance.

We had fun with friends, and my dad spent a few days with us in Austin.  He really spoiled us.  We’re pretty blessed.

I have been dying to take the kids to campus for years.  They’ve been to a game, but I wanted to walk around campus.  They saw the dorms, which still have the same smell.  But also a compost bin.  The boys decided that one day I will be visiting them at school there.

They loved being outdoors and there was proof (for me) that we’ve learned quite a bit this year, and that my goal of learning about nature is becoming a reality.  My favorite spot was probably the Nature and Science Center.  I imagine we will go there every time we’re in Austin, it’s that good.

Time with family is always the best though.  The boys loved being around their Grandpa; we were sad when he left.  They really enjoyed playing with their cousin.  They can’t get enough of that.  Baby Hulk just asked me when Hayes can come and spend the night.

And here are the highlights in pictures: